Prowess, a mare with a string of Group One victories, faced setbacks in recent months, keeping her connections on edge.
An abscess and a subsequent stone bruise forced her withdrawal from the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) and a trial at Taupo, respectively.
Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood successfully addressed these issues, and Prowess marked her return in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes, finishing as the runner-up to Town Cryer.
“It (the run) was good, and looking back on it probably better (than initially thought).” Prowess navigated a challenging race, being wide most of the way and struggling on the Soft 7 track,” noted Wellwood.
Jockey Michael McNab described her movements as dipping and diving, requiring effort to keep her on track.
Despite peaking late, the trainers are optimistic about her future, eyeing the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley on October 28.
“It has been very frustrating, but we are on the road now, and I am really looking forward to seeing her up over a mile and further going forward,” Wellwood said.
Prowess showed positive signs post-race, trotting up well and displaying a hearty appetite.
At the same meeting, Kingsclere Stables secured a runner-up position with Pinion in the Egmont Cup (2100m).
Wellwood expressed satisfaction despite unfavourable conditions.
“He is a horse that doesn’t like wet ground and was probably in the worst part of the ground, but he was very good.”
Pinion is now set for potential races in Riccarton, including the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and the New Zealand Cup (Group 3, 3200m).
Looking ahead, the Cambridge barn is gearing up for more action, sending three-year-old fillies Sonnet and Sudbina to Taupo on Wednesday.
“Both have drawn nicely enough and they had very good runs at Matamata first-up.”
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