An autumn trip to Canterbury has turned out to be career-defining for Matamata mare Sassy Merlot, who added a valuable black-type win to her record in Saturday’s Listed Daphne Bannan Memorial Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.
The $1million Group I ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m) this afternoon will have a big bearing on the Australian First Season Sires List with five stallions vying for the title of Champion First Season Sire.