New Zealand Bloodstock sales graduate Chequerboard (Fastnet Rock) recorded her first stakes victory when taking out the Listed Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) at Launceston on Sunday.
The Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes-trained filly was fresh off a runner-up result in the Listed Strutt Stakes (2100m) at Hobart and her connections were confident she could go one better on Sunday.
Ridden by Brendon McCoull, Chequerboard was trapped three wide early but soon settled into fourth spot, one off the rail.
Turning for home McCoull asked his charge to improve and Chequerboard quickly swooped around the outside to take the lead.
The daughter of Fastnet Rock carried her part-owner Coolmore’s famous blue silks to a 1-1/2 length victory over Queen Adele, with a further five lengths back to My Squeeze Louise in third.
McCoull admitted to being slightly concerned with his position early on in the race.
“I was a little bit worried for a second early in the race, and I was running through my options,” McCoull said.
“I waited until the race unfolded a bit more and, luckily, I was able to slot in.
“I was pretty confident from then on. I had a nice run and, by the 600m mark, I was very confident she’d win.
“She did lose concentration a bit when she hit the front, and a set of winkers might help. I think she would have put them away even more easily if she’d had something to chase.”
Out of the Zabeel mare Chi, Chequerboard was offered through Rich Hill Stud’s draft at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale.
