Consistent mare Supera capped an outstanding season's work when she dominated her rivals in the closing stages when taking out the Group II Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.
The Savabeel four-year-old has proven a
model of consistency throughout her current campaign that commenced back in
October with a fresh-up victory over 1400m at Te Aroha.
Patience has been the keyword for trainers Ken Kelso, wife Bev and Mark Donoghue as they slowly made their way through the grades with the Sir Peter Vela-owned mare.
Ken Kelso had indicated he felt Supera would be at her best when tried over a middle-distance after she stormed home to be beaten by just a long head behind Nicoletta when finishing runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha at her last start.
That opportunity presented itself on Saturday where rider Michael Coleman displayed a steely nerve to settle Supera well off the pace before asking her to sustain a powerful finishing burst that carried her to an imposing two-length victory over Awapuni visitor Jessiegee.
"I thought she was further back than what we initially thought she would be, but she was nice and relaxed and lobbing along," Ken Kelso said.
"There was a bit of speed in the race, so we always thought if she was our best, she would get over the top of them.
"She's very special."
Kelso indicated this would be the last run for Supera before she heads for a break with bigger things expected from her in the spring.
"She's going to go out now," he said.
"She's come a long way, so she can have a nice break.
"She won't be out too long and we'll bring her back and set her for something through the spring.
"We've had a lot of good mares over the years and she is right up there with them."
Bred by Sir Peter Vela's Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd, Supera is the daughter of unraced Van Nistelrooy mare, Sopra Tutto who is the daughter of his dual Caulfield and Melbourne Cup winner, Ethereal.
She is the younger half-sister to multiple Group Three winner and Group One placed mare, Eleonora along with handy stayer Sopraffina. – NZ Racing Desk
