Wind of Change was able to shed her bridesmaid tag at Ellerslie on Thursday just in the nick of time ahead of her looming trip across the Tasman.
The four-year-old daughter of Deep Field had placed in all three of her previous starts this preparation but was finally able to be first past the post in the Cambridge Stud 1200 on Thursday.
Under heavy showers, Wind Of Change jumped well from barrier four and was ridden with intention by jockey Kelly Myers to attain an early lead.
Once making the front, Myers was able to control the tempo of the race and gave her charge some soft sectionals during the middle stages, which helped her see out the finish and score a half-length victory over the late closing Aquilifer.
Pike was full of praise for Myers’ ride and said it was imperative Wind Of Change was able to relax during the middle stages of the race.
“It was a great ride,” he said “She just needs those soft mid-race sectionals, which she got, and she waited on straightening as well and found a good kick. She deserved that, she has run really well, and it was a good, strong rating 65 race.”
Myers was just as relieved to get the win, having been aboard Wind Of Change in two of her three previous placings.
“She has been a bridesmaid a couple of times now and a really close finisher, so I am really pleased that we got the job done today,” Myers said.
“She was able to get some nice, soft sectionals and I think 1200m is her absolute peak distance. When she hits that little bit of a rise at Ellerslie, it has just got her the last few times, so luckily enough she got those cheap sectionals and was able to get across the line first.”
Australian targets now await Wind Of Change, who will be looking to add a Sydney victory to her record before heading to the broodmare paddock next year.
“Matt (Goodson, owner) has got a share in Storm Boy, so she is going to head over to Sydney next week,” Pike said.
“She will have a few runs in Sydney before the breeding season next year. If she can pick up a mid-week win in Sydney, that would be a benefit for her going forward as a broodmare.
“Over the Christmas-New Year period is probably the weaker part of their racing as well, so she will be well placed over there over that summer period.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
