Flying filly Pivotal Ten will chase an early double in the South Island’s three-year-old stakes race at Gore on Sunday when she lines up in the Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m).
The daughter of Ten Sovereigns and her trainer, jockey Samantha Wynne, have formed a formidable partnership this campaign, winning three on the bounce including the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day.
“I was really proud of her, she was stepping up in trip on a heavy track and her class prevailed,” Wynne said. “It was a gusty effort.”
“She’s just had her usual work at home in between, she’s gone into the track the odd time for a gallop but she’s pretty cruisy filly. We just keep ticking her over, trying to keep her happy and healthy.
“She’s taken each task as it comes, so we’ll see how she goes with the next one on Sunday.”
Pivotal Ten was the $2 favourite in the NZB Insurance Stakes and will likely fill a similar quote at Gore, but Wynne is not underestimating the quality of the field, which includes northern raider Sesimbra and a string of last start winners.
“It’s a good field so the pace should be on, she’s pretty adaptable and she’s proven that,” Wynne said. “She didn’t mind Timaru which is an on-pace track as well, but, as I said, it’s a tough field so hopefully she can step up.
“All going well, she’ll stay down there for the Southland Guineas (Listed, 1400m), then we’ll take it from there.”
Wynne will also partner her own Kellanzor in the Hokonui Suzuki / Advance Agriculture (1335m), after a sterling effort for second on debut at Kurow.
“It was a good run, she’s very green and still has a lot to learn,” Wynne said. “We’ve stuck some side winkers on her and she’s improving, so she’ll benefit from the day out.
“She’ll stay down as well, it’s all great experience for her.
“We have a lot of family and friends in the ownership, as well as people from the internet who have been keen to get in on a horse. A lot of them are owning their first racehorse, it’s good to have a bit of fun with them and making owning a racehorse possible.”
Progressive mare Sestina headlines Wynne’s quartet of outside rides when the daughter of Lonhro contests the MLT Gore Cup (2000m). Prepared at Ascot Park by Jo-Ann Dalton, Sestina flew home into second behind Quintabelle at Wingatui a fortnight ago, with that runner going on to score again at Riccarton on Saturday.
“I’m looking forward to seeing her get over 2000m, she’s won at Gore before, albeit at a different distance, but she’s a lovely mare going forward and Jo does a great job,” Wynne said.
“I’m excited to get her over the distance and hopefully we can see her strong to the line, it’s a strong field and we’re expecting some good racing on Sunday.”