Imprevu (NZ) (Wrote) came within half a head of causing a major boilover in the Gr.2 Westbury Stud Classic (1400m) when runner-up to Australian raider Konasana at Ellerslie on Saturday, but it came as no surprise to trainer Janenne Dalley.
The six-year-old daughter of Wrote had been in pleasing form for the Cambridge horsewoman, finishing runner-up to Babylon Berlin in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa in November before posting fourth placings in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) and Royal Descent Stakes (1400m).
She then finished runner-up to Group One winner Captured By Love in a 1000m trial at Matamata earlier this month, but wasn’t wanted by punters ahead of the Westbury Classic, drifting to $53.90 when the market closed.
She belied her odds when flying through the pack to head Konasana with 100m to go but was just pipped at the line by her more fancied rival.
Dalley was rapt with her mare’s performance and said she wasn’t surprised by the result.
“She had improved a lot since Boxing Day (Royal Descent Stakes) and that trial at Matamata just topped her off. She was the best I had her all season,” Dalley said.
“We were very confident. Earlier on we were looking at the Railway (Gr.1, 1200m) and then once we knew all of those younger horses were going to be in there, we decided we would go to the fillies and mares race (Westbury).
“We weren’t surprised with the run, she got a beautiful run and Tayla (Mitchell) rode her a peach.
“It was very close, and it gave the horse a lot of confidence too.”
Dalley enjoyed being a part of the Karaka Millions night once more, with Imprevu having performed well at the meeting last year.
“It was a fantastic night. She got fourth in the Concorde (Gr.3, 1200m) last year on that night, so it was really nice to be a part of it.”
Pleased with the way Imprevu has come through the race, Dalley is now eyeing the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata on February 15, seeking redemption for stablemate and half-sister Impresa, with the added incentive of chasing black-type in this year’s edition.
“She has come through the run great,” Dalley said. “We are looking at the Lisa Chittick. We got third in it last year with Impresa, her half-sister.”
Saturday’s $111,000 pay cheque has now brought Imprevu’s career earnings to more than $325,000, having recorded five wins and 10 placings from 27 starts.