Akoya
Race Images Palmerston North
Cambridge filly Akoya reminded punters just what a blistering turn of foot she has when she ran her rivals ragged to score comprehensively at Trentham on Saturday.
The 1000 metre contest down the Trentham dogleg looked made to measure for the Stephen Marsh trained three-year-old and so it proved as she gave nothing else a look in after heading straight to the front from the jump. Rider Rosie Myers had the filly pinging along at a solid tempo before sending her for home at the 300 metre mark as she powered clear to score by two and a quarter lengths in a slick 56.50 for the journey.
Myers had given the filly's connections a scare just 30 minutes earlier when her mount in the second race, Galway Lil, reared and threw herself to the track which necessitated her late scratching. The fall saw Myers suffer a painful head knock that threatened her participation for the rest of the day however she shook off the blow to take her place on Akoya and earn a deserved success.
"She's very professional which is what Stephen has always said to me," noted her owner/breeder Joan Egan who was on hand to witness the victory
"She's very fast although when I bred her I did think I'd love to breed an Oaks filly which sounds a bit silly now.
"She's such an absolute sprinter that I think we will just take each race as it comes and just try to keep her happy."
Myers was suitably impressed with Akoya's performance as she thanked the filly's regular rider Danielle Johnson, who is currently under suspension, for the opportunity.
"She's a beautiful filly to ride," she said.
"She jumped and put herself right in the fight and certainly wanted to be there.
"Danielle sent me a text yesterday saying I should thank her so a big thank you to her as I think the ride will be hers again next time."
The victory was the start of a memorable day for trainer Stephen Marsh who saddled up the quinella in the Gr. 3 Tui-Backing A Winner Since 1889 Anniversary later on the programme with Seize The Moment and Thee Auld Floozie. – NZ Racing Desk
The 1000 metre contest down the Trentham dogleg looked made to measure for the Stephen Marsh trained three-year-old and so it proved as she gave nothing else a look in after heading straight to the front from the jump. Rider Rosie Myers had the filly pinging along at a solid tempo before sending her for home at the 300 metre mark as she powered clear to score by two and a quarter lengths in a slick 56.50 for the journey.
Myers had given the filly's connections a scare just 30 minutes earlier when her mount in the second race, Galway Lil, reared and threw herself to the track which necessitated her late scratching. The fall saw Myers suffer a painful head knock that threatened her participation for the rest of the day however she shook off the blow to take her place on Akoya and earn a deserved success.
"She's very professional which is what Stephen has always said to me," noted her owner/breeder Joan Egan who was on hand to witness the victory
"She's very fast although when I bred her I did think I'd love to breed an Oaks filly which sounds a bit silly now.
"She's such an absolute sprinter that I think we will just take each race as it comes and just try to keep her happy."
Myers was suitably impressed with Akoya's performance as she thanked the filly's regular rider Danielle Johnson, who is currently under suspension, for the opportunity.
"She's a beautiful filly to ride," she said.
"She jumped and put herself right in the fight and certainly wanted to be there.
"Danielle sent me a text yesterday saying I should thank her so a big thank you to her as I think the ride will be hers again next time."
The victory was the start of a memorable day for trainer Stephen Marsh who saddled up the quinella in the Gr. 3 Tui-Backing A Winner Since 1889 Anniversary later on the programme with Seize The Moment and Thee Auld Floozie. – NZ Racing Desk