After going through all stages of life together so far, it would be a fitting result for Meltemi and Wild Thyme to collect their maiden victories in respective races at Wanganui on Friday.
The three-year-old fillies were bred by Richard McKenzie, an equine veterinarian by trade, who trains the pair in partnership with Jordan Bassett.
Back in 2020, the Hastings couple elected to send the dams of both fillies to Darci Brahma, mating with The Oaks Stud’s former sire on the same day.
“Ironically, I took both of the mares up to stud on the same day and both were served by Darci Brahma, which resulted in these two fillies,” Bassett said.
“We’ve done everything with them ourselves and we’re having a lot of fun with them.”
Lining up first on Friday will be Wild Thyme, having her fourth raceday appearance in the Wanganui Maiden (1200m).
The filly contended with the extreme outside draw and did plenty of work last-start at Tauherenikau, to only be caught late by Bold Choice and Shavasana.
“I thought it was a good run, she was three-wide most of the way before she got to the straight and Joe (Doyle, jockey) thought she would’ve won had she drawn a better barrier,” Bassett said.
“She was very brave.
“What we liked most about the run was even though it was only over 1000m and she got run down late, she keep running through the line. She’s trained on well from there, so we’re hoping she will see out the extra 200m.
“She’s got really good tactical speed early so we won’t change much with her, she puts herself there.”
Her stablemate Meltemi has been knocking on the door in her first two starts, finishing runner-up on both occasions in the hands of experienced local hoop Kate Hercock.
Aiming to go one better, she is one of the key players in the Whanganui MDN 3YO (1200m).
“She’s come through her last run very well, she’s still learning on the job and Kate does a very good job with her, because she’s not the easiest filly to manage,” Bassett said.
“But she tries really hard and has trained on well since her last start.”
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