A decision to bypass the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago paid dividends for the connections of Pride Of Aspen on Sunday, as the mare went three in a row in the Free Court (2100m) at Hawera.
The seven-year-old was prepared for the majority of her career by training partners Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, and when the former took a step back from training last term, she moved north to Cambridge with Wynyard.
Wynyard identified suitable races for her in the Central Districts through this winter, and after placing and winning in her first two attempts at Otaki, she remained at the course in Benner’s care, and added another victory prior to Sunday’s contest.
Benner had considered heading to Christchurch seven days later for the National Week feature, but after opting to stay closer to home, Pride Of Aspen looked beautifully placed in a five-horse field, where she was a deserved favourite in the hands of apprentice Amber Riddell.
The mare jumped positively to sit outside leader Rua Rocks, who ensured the compact field would stream along at a decent tempo. Riddell pressed on to get on terms with Rua Rocks turning for home and Pride Of Aspen was in front a long way out, but she showed her tenacity to fend off the late challenge of a game Verry Flash and Dancin In The Dark.
Benner was pleased to get the result he’d expected of his charge.
“It was probably a bit of a nothing race really, but we went there expecting to win and she won, so it was good,” he said. “There wasn’t much around for her, so it was a nice race to fill the hole.
“It was a big ask for a seven-day back-up and rising in class again (in the Winter Cup), and we think she’s probably better suited to the 2000m, so opted to keep her up here and get a few more runs out of her, rather than going down there and that be the last run.
“She’s an eight-win mare now, so she’s done a good job and we’re very happy.
“We’ll possibly go to Wanganui in two or three weeks’ time for an Open 2100 there.”
A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Aspen was bred by Millburn Creek Stud in New South Wales and purchased for A$120,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale by Aspen Bloodstock. She has now accumulated more than $177,000, with eight wins from 35 appearances.
The mare was one of four winners for Benner last term, having presented just 11 starters to the races. He enjoyed having some time away from the demands of full-time training, but ultimately, the love of the sport kept him involved.
“It was good to have a break, I needed to take a step back for a few reasons, but the love for the game never goes,” he said. “Once you’re in racing, you’re stuck in it for life I think.
“I’ve got an awesome little team of horses, I’m planning on training around 10 or 12 this year. I’ve been very selective, just having a small operation and keeping that work-life balance.
“That’s my plan going forward.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
