Matamata mare Polly Grey scored her biggest career victory when she stormed to a convincing victory in Saturday's Listed Team Wealleans Matamata Cup (1600m).
The flashy grey five-year-old has proved a
revelation over the past six months as she has put together six wins from 10
starts in a campaign that started with her maiden victory over 1230m at Rotorua
back in April.
Saturday's success was her first at black-type level and she did it in fine style after racing wide towards the rear of the field before making a swooping run around the field at the 600m.
Rider Sam Weatherley had her trucking nicely as she joined the leaders shortly after heading for home and from there it was a one act affair as she scampered clear to win by a widening three-length margin from another Matamata local in Paisley Park.
Trainer Kylie Fawcett was holding back the tears as she waited for her stable star to make her way back to the winner's enclosure.
"I'm just thrilled as she's just so special to us," she said.
"It was a very good ride and I'm just blown away with how well she has won.
"I think she's top class and I'm really looking forward to the autumn with her.
"We'll see if there is anything else later this month but I think I'll give her November out and then aim high and come back for the three mare's races in the autumn."
Fawcett was referring to the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham in March, the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha in April and the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa later that month.
Weatherley, who was having his first ride on the Azamour mare, was suitably impressed by how she buckled down in the final stages of the contest.
"She really surprised me the way she let down, as watching her videos, it looked like she was waiting for them at times and just doing enough," he said.
"Today she really impressed me with the light weight on her back as she loved the soft conditions.
"It's great to win our hometown cup and pretty special as it's one of the biggest we have here during the season."
Polly Grey is the first foal of useful racemare Allanah and hails from the family of Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) winner Pasta Post and Gr.3 Hawke's Bay Cup (2200m) winner Don Domingo. – NZ Racing Desk
