At a time of life when most of her contemporaries are having
their second or third foals the 7yo Pins mare Epingle retains an admirable zest
for racing as evidenced by her fast finishing win in the Group III Chairman's
Handicap (2200m) at the Gold Coast.
Ridden by Hugh Bowman for Cranbourne-based trainer Mick Kent,
Epingle finished best to down the favourite Index Linked (GB) (Dansili) by a
half-length with Volkhere (Dehere) a length and a quarter back in third.
A first-up eleventh of twelve in the Group III Schweppervescence
Trophy (1600m) at Flemington on March 14, Epingle only needed to recapture her
spring form to be a major player and Kent was surprised at her price $21.
"I thought she would be second favourite in that race," Kent
said.
"She hasn't raced for a few weeks but she has been working
really well at home. Just the drop in grade and up in trip really suits her."
"She is a very natural stayer, she doesn't need much work.
If you look at her she is only a light little thing and she had a trial at home
before coming up."
"She has really thrived since she has been here."
"We thought we would avoid Sydney and aim her at a Group
two. This will be her last prep and go to stud at the end of the year.
"She's been a great little mare and has not always had the
best of luck."
The Brisbane Cup is the likely option for Epingle who takes
her overall record to 6 wins, 6 seconds and 7 thirds from 33 starts for
earnings of $710,673.
Owned by Gilgai Farms Rick Jamieson, Epingle was consigned by Waikato Stud to the 2009 Australian
Easter Yearling sale, making $180,000 to the bid of Dermot Farrington
Bloodstock.
The 7yo daughter of Pins is the second foal of the
stakes-winning Zabeel mare Etoile du Nord who hails from the family of
Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) winner Artie Schiller (USA).
Etoile du Nord has a 2yo colt by O'Reilly and a yearling
filly by O'Reilly. She was bred back to Pins last year.