Nicoletta back in fine style
14 Oct 2018Nicoletta made an impressive return to racing with a fighting display to land the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes at Hawera this afternoon.
In her first outing since running third in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes in April, the Savabeel mare paraded in a forward condition courtesy of a pair of recent trial runs.
Jockey Jonathan Riddell took the mare to the front and, after she was headed in the straight, she rallied strongly to take the major honours.
“We thought this race was perfect for her as she has been ready to go first up for a while now,” said co-trainer Andrew Forsman.
“The only worry was the 1400m as she is better suited to the mile or beyond, but being on the fresh side meant she could get away with what sounded like a very brave effort.
“We did think the race set up well as the weight-for-age conditions suited a quality mare like her who could sit handy and kick hard, which is what she did.
“She will only get better as she steps up in distance so there is a lot to look forward to.
“The obvious plan is to pick up as much black-type as we can so I would expect to see her in some of the better races coming up.
“ I think something like the Zabeel Classic at the Ellerslie Christmas carnival is a race she could be very competitive in so we will be working out how best to get her there.”
Nicoletta races in the familiar JML Bloodstock colours of owner Lib Petagna.
She was a $90,000 purchase by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry from the Goodwood Stud draft at the 2015 Select Sale at Karaka.