Promising filly She’s All That (NZ) (Time Test) rewarded the patience of her connections as a fitting winner of the Wexford Stables (1400m) at Te Aroha on Wednesday.
Prepared by Wexford trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott, She’s All That had come out of a key form race in mid-December, won by Ardalio (NZ) (Ardrossan), finishing fifth behind the subsequent Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) victor, and race-winners Charmrose (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Mirabella (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Kananaskis (NZ) (Vadamos).
The daughter of Time Test closed at $6.40 in the hands of George Rooke, with the favourite Clear Conscience going forward early inside of Miss Seth. She’s All That settled in a good rhythm just better than midfield and looked a big danger turning for home, and once she balanced up, the filly let down with a dashing turn-of-foot to score by 1-3/4 lengths to Captain Stan (NZ) (Reliable Man).
Rooke had been aboard She’s All That for much of her three-year-old campaign and was rapt with the performance.
“We had a good draw and she jumped very well, as she always has done,” he said. “I didn’t want her to do too much early on, so I got cover straight away and she’s relaxed beautifully for me.
“I just had to make sure to get her balanced at the top of the straight and she’s hit the line very well.
“She’s got good form, she’s bumped into a few nice ones and last time we didn’t get the cleanest of runs. Stepping up to 14 today, I’m really pleased she’s got it done.”
Scott was similarly impressed, indicating a switch to the right-handed Te Aroha circuit was well-suited to the filly.
“We always knew that a win was close, she hadn’t had a lot of luck and struggled a bit going left-handed,” he said.
“Back on the quick ground today, she quickened well and it’s a great result for a big bunch of owners who have shown a great deal of patience with her and continue to believe.
“She’s got it all in front of her, she’s just starting to learn how to settle and quicken. That certainly won’t be her last win this season.”
Bred by Little Avondale Trust, She’s All That carried the colours of the Wairarapa nursery who race her alongside a large ownership group. As a three-year-old filly, Scott has every intention of finding stakes-level opportunities for her later in the preparation.
“There’s a couple of options for her at black-type level through the autumn months, she could quite easily work her way towards those with no bother at all,” Scott said.
“She’s only going to continue to improve and it was a good win with a good bit of authority today. She’ll keep on improving.”
She’s All That is the first foal out of an unraced Per Incanto mare Imadreamer. Her granddam, A Chance To Dream, won at Listed level and was fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m).