By Tayler Strong
Trainer Brad Mowbray announced that he would race the 3-year-old filly Delishka in Auckland after her win at Forbury Park on Thursday night.
“I will take her to Auckland now. There is a $30,000 race for fillies (New Zealand Sires’ Stakes Graduette on February 24),” said Mowbray, who trains in Christchurch. Delishka had led over the last 1600m of 2200m in the hands of Matthew Williamson. She held out the talented 3-year-old gelding Santanna’s Rocket by a head in light rain.
It was the second win for Delishka in her last three starts.
Mowbray races Delishka with his father-in-law, Ernie Knight, of West Melton, who bred the filly. Knight (81) and his wife Jenny made the trip to Dunedin to see Delishka race.
Delishka is the first foal to race out of Balishka, who won seven races for Knight and Mowbray. Knight bred Mister Zion (Red River Hanover – Cross Lady) who won at group one level as a pacer (2010 South Australia Cup) and trotter (2013 Australian Trotting Championship Final). He had won two races as a pacer under the name Zion in New Zealand when trained by Jim Curtin.
Knight and Mowbray won a race at Forbury Park in 2011 with Sachin Arden, who won four times before he was sold to Australia.
Anneta Payne, of Balclutha was overjoyed when she had her first win as an owner with Thaboyz Toy.
“I just can’t believe it,” said Anneta who races Thaboyz Toy with her husband Ken. They bred Thaboyz Toy from a mating of Changeover and Mrs Soleece, a winner when raced by Ken in partnership and trained by Brent McIntyre. Suzie Blue won three with Ken in the ownership.
Thaboyz Toy, having his third start, is trained at Gore by Tony Stratford.
American Spirit gave Mosgiel trainer Darryn Simpson success at the end of a testing day. His 13-year-old daughter, Ella underwent major leg surgery at Dunedin Hospital. Ella is closely involved with the stable operation.
Dexter Dunn took his tally of wins for the season to 102 when he drove four winners -Thaboyz Toy, Lanikai, Black Raine and Sovereign Banner. Lanikai started from the second row. Dunn improved him three wide to lead at the 700m and he held on by a nose. Dunn told owner, Syd Brown that Lanikai had switched off when he got to the front. Lanikai, trained by Tim Butt was having his fifth start. He is 3-year-old gelding by Somebeachsomewhere from Ednalea, a sister to Foreal, a big winner for Brown and his wife, Shona. Ednalea ran second in her first start, then suffered an attack of hives when raced in Auckland and she was put to stud.
The 3-year-old filly Black Raine was starting afresh after a race in April. The daughter of Bettor’s Delight – Rona Lorraine is trained by Cran Dalgety for a group of owners including breeders Ken Spicer and Dave and Wendy Fleming and the Think Big syndicate from Lawrence. Black Raine is the third progeny to race out of Rona Lorraine, the dam of Bettor Think Twice (four wins) and Bettor Think Quick (five).
Winton trainer-driver Allan Beck produced Shortys Mate to win in his first race for 11 months.
“I thought he would need the race so there is improvement in him,” said Beck of the Art Major – Shortys Girl 4-year-old who won twice in his previous eight starts. “ He sprained a joint when he was spelling so he was out for another couple of months,” said Beck.
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