There would be few greater bargains in racing than Terra Mater, who landed a massive plunge in Sunday’s Listed Domeland Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong.
Ridden by Nash Rawiller for Jarrod Austin, the 5-year-old daughter of Wandjina settled behind the leader Intervarsity but was desperate for a run as the backmarkers came with sweeping runs before the home turn.
Just as things were looking desperate, Rawiller found a narrow seam and that’s all Terra Mater needed.
At her stakes debut, Terra Mater defeated Ningaloo Star (Deep Field) by a neck with a half-length back to Hell Hath No Fury (Hellbent) in third.
A $1,750 Inglis Digital weanling purchase for Garry Carden off Widden Stud in 2020, Terra Mater advances her record to seven wins, six seconds and a third from 16 starts with earnings of $506,350.
“It was a little hairy, and with 150m to go, I was a little concerned,” Austin admitted.
“Nash loves her, and he has been fantastic for us all the way through.
“I knew that back on a dry track, her turn of foot would be better today.
“We wanted to get black-type for her because she is a nice mare, so it is a satisfying result.
“They are a great bunch of owners and I have a great team at home that have worked hard with her so congratulations to everyone.
“We will have a look at the Tibbie (Stakes) in a few weeks.”
Bred by the Vieira Group, Terra Mater is the best of three winners from as many to race for the unraced Bel Esprit mare Before Time, who failed to make her $8,000 reserve at the 2020 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
Before Time has not had a live foal in the past three seasons. She was among the 22 mares covered by the Dark Angel stallion Dark Acclaim (IRE) last spring.
Terra mater is the seventh stakes-winner for Larneuk Stud’s Group 1 winner Snitzel stallion Wandjina who stands for $6,600 this spring.
