Local filly Loose Sally put aside the disappointment of missing a start in the Listed Southland Guineas (1400m) a fortnight ago when refusing to load into the starting gates, by coming from the tail of the field to upset the favoured runners in Saturday’s Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m).
The Shankar Muniandy-prepared daughter of Turn Me Loose had demonstrated she has a lethal finishing burst when winning on debut over 1200m on a heavy surface at her home track at Wingatui back in November.
Muniandy had given the filly a short break after she finished third behind boom southern filly Pivotal Ten in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) on Boxing Day with the Southland Guineas scheduled as her first run back.
That plan turned to custard but Muniandy soldiered on and got a just reward on Saturday with a thrilling victory.
Ridden by Muniandy’s jockey brother Ruvanesh, Loose Sally loaded away confidently into a midfield barrier but was eased to find her feet in the early rush after jumping away nicely.
Allowed to slide forward out wider approaching the home bend, Loose Sally was the widest entering the home straight and quickly pounced on the leaders to burst clear before easing away for a two and a half length victory over Airpark Hustler and Freddie Time.
Shankar Muniandy, who rode 237 winners during his time in the saddle, was gunning for a second successive win in the race after preparing Collect Your Cash to take out the 2024 running and was delighted to achieve that feat.
“It is a massive thrill to go back-to- back and win again as she is not a very easy horse to prepare,” Muniandy said.
“She missed a run last time and I was a little concerned about lining up her but she is fit and they are only three (years old) once.
“She does have good ability and she proved that today.
“The speed was on early and the boy did a great job as he knows the horse well having done a lot of work on her.
“He knew what to do which was to get back, not pull out too early and get some cover which was good as she is a big filly and needs some room.
“When he pushed the button she just grew another leg.”
Ruvanesh Muniandy was also thrilled and quite emotional with collecting his first black type victory aboard a horse prepared by his brother.
“She jumped ok but the pace was good and she travelled well,” he said.
“I knew she would run home as she has a good finish and she was very well.
“I’m just so happy I could ride my first Listed winner and to do it for my brother.”
Raced by Ray Chalklin, Loose Sally is out of the race-winning mare Sally’s Mustang and has won two of her four starts and over $121,000 in prizemoney.
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