Merci Cherie
Race Images South
The plan to test progressive mare Merci Cherie over a staying trip paid off handsomely for her connections on Saturday as she produced a resolute display to capture the Redwood At Westbury Stud Great Autumn Handicap (2500m) at Riccarton.
Bred and owned by Valachi Downs Stud principal Kevin Hickman, Merci Cherie was backing up from an unlucky run in the Gr. 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) a fortnight ago as trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong looked to advance her prospects for next season with the step up in distance.
"Kevin has always felt she was the type of mare who would excel once she got over more ground," noted Kennedy.
"We had always planned to give her a try at a trip like Saturday's and after she went so well without any luck in the Gold Cup we thought it was the time to try her before sending her for a break.
"She had worked well since her last run so I did think she was a good chance to get some of the money at least."
A heady ride by northern visitor Samantha Collett saw her position the mare on the fence at the rear of the field throughout the contest before making ground strongly as the field approached the home turn. Collett never left the fence as she set off after the pacemaking favourite Call Me Royal who she headed in the shadows of the post to snatch the win by a bare nose.
"It was a lovely ride by Sam that was assisted greatly by the solid tempo," noted Kennedy.
"Actually all of the races lately have been run at good speed so the jockeys should be congratulated for that.
"We will send the mare to the paddock now as she doesn't handle a wet track and we need her to have a decent break as there are some big plans for her in the spring.
"Provided she comes up well we will be looking at the early staying races with her and possibly a tilt at the New Zealand Cup if she makes the sort of progress required for that. The key is to get some black type with her so that will be our immediate focus." – NZ Racing Desk
Bred and owned by Valachi Downs Stud principal Kevin Hickman, Merci Cherie was backing up from an unlucky run in the Gr. 3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) a fortnight ago as trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong looked to advance her prospects for next season with the step up in distance.
"Kevin has always felt she was the type of mare who would excel once she got over more ground," noted Kennedy.
"We had always planned to give her a try at a trip like Saturday's and after she went so well without any luck in the Gold Cup we thought it was the time to try her before sending her for a break.
"She had worked well since her last run so I did think she was a good chance to get some of the money at least."
A heady ride by northern visitor Samantha Collett saw her position the mare on the fence at the rear of the field throughout the contest before making ground strongly as the field approached the home turn. Collett never left the fence as she set off after the pacemaking favourite Call Me Royal who she headed in the shadows of the post to snatch the win by a bare nose.
"It was a lovely ride by Sam that was assisted greatly by the solid tempo," noted Kennedy.
"Actually all of the races lately have been run at good speed so the jockeys should be congratulated for that.
"We will send the mare to the paddock now as she doesn't handle a wet track and we need her to have a decent break as there are some big plans for her in the spring.
"Provided she comes up well we will be looking at the early staying races with her and possibly a tilt at the New Zealand Cup if she makes the sort of progress required for that. The key is to get some black type with her so that will be our immediate focus." – NZ Racing Desk
