Progressive mare Marotiri Molly made it three wins in a row when she overcame a chequered passage in the home straight to take out the Courtesy Ford Redcraze Bowl (1400m) at Trentham.
The Matt Dixon-trained six-year-old has always promised plenty however bad luck and wayward manners had hampered her progress in her earlier campaigns.
An eye-catching runner-up finish at Taupo back in August signalled she may have finally come of age and although she finished well back at her next start she hasn’t stopped winning since with victories at Hawera and Otaki added to on Saturday with another gritty effort.
Unable to find the front from a midfield barrier, rider Kate Hercock settled her nicely behind pacemakers Tavis Court, Old Town Road and Master Marko, who attacked the front pair from the 800m.
With the Heavy 10 track surface favouring runners who could scout wide approaching the home bend, Marotiri Molly found herself cluttered up behind a wall of horses at the 600m as her race rivals swooped into contention.
Hercock desperately searched for a gap and managed to find clear air for her charge at the 250m where the daughter of Per Incanto burst through to take control of proceedings, running out a comfortable winner ahead of Chantilly Lace and Master Marko who fought on bravely for third.
Dixon admitted he wasn’t sure how the mare would handle the very testing ground after enjoying better surfaces for her last two wins.
“I had a slight doubt she might find it too wet as it is very testing out there,” Dixon said.
“In the end her fitness and her added maturity got her through, as well as a lovely ride by Kate.
“Kate gets on so well with her and she didn’t panic when she couldn’t get to the front early on. In the past she probably needed to lead but these days she just relaxes and drops the bit for Kate and I think that played a big part in her performance today.
“She certainly paraded well and she ran accordingly so it was very gratifying to see her step up to this grade and win so well.
“It gives us a lot of confidence moving forward although I don’t really have any specific plans at this stage for her.
“She will get her chance in stakes company but we won’t decide on that until we get her home tonight and give her a few days to get over this one.”
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