While trainer Stephen Marsh may be away in Hong Kong putting the finishing touches on El Vencedor in his bid to win the Gr.1 QE II Cup (2000m) on Sunday, he enjoyed a red-letter day at Te Rapa on Saturday as promising filly Ardalio claimed the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) to bring up a winning treble for the stable.
The three-year-old daughter of Waikato Stud stallion Ardrossan had demonstrated her class when winning the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Millions night before going on to finish seventh in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) in March.
Given a few days in the paddock by Marsh, Ardalio stripped a picture of fitness for Saturday’s feature and raced accordingly as she produced a devastating home straight burst to claim the major spoils in a hotly contested event.
A late betting plunge saw her start the $4.50 second favourite behind stablemate Velocious ($4.30), with rider Michael McNab having her positioned nicely in midfield against the rail in the early rush for positions.
Ardalio was desperate for room at the 250m as McNab switched her over heels to find clear running and once she spied that gap she exploded to the front before holding out the late claims of Archaic Smile, Whiskey ‘N Roses and Romilly to win handsomely in a slick 1.10.06 for the 1200m journey on a Soft 5 surface.
Bloodstock agent Bruce Perry, who represents her breeder and owner Lib Petagna, admitted there was plenty of confidence in the camp before the race.
“We did expect she could do that as she has been pretty impressive in all her race wins,” Perry said.
“When she won the Almanzor Trophy at Ellerslie she was quite explosive and her run in the NZB Kiwi was as good as anything in the race as she was wide all the way.
“She was entitled to give it away that day but she just kept fighting right to the line.
“I think it is her attitude that really stands out as she is tough and very determined, enjoys being in a scrap and will do anything you ask of her.”
Perry believes the filly may now be given a winter break before looking at some selected Spring targets.
“I’m not sure what Stephen has planned for her but possibly she will head to the paddock now,” he said.
“She may have quite a light Spring as it can be tough to step up in the early stages of a four-year-old campaign for some horses.
“We know she is only going to get stronger so a light Spring with a focus on some Autumn targets could well be the plan.”
Ardalio is the second foal of Petagna’s Written Tycoon mare Bridgewater with her extended family representing a strong European flavour along with Australian Group Three winner Index Linked.
She has now won three of her six starts and $327,600 in prizemoney.
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ
