Robina Joy (NZ) (Iffraaj) will complete a unique family double if she can successfully rise to the sternest test of her career at Riccarton on Wednesday.
The patiently handled daughter of Iffraaj has three wins from nine career appearances and booked her spot in the Gr.3 Valachi Downs Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) with a last-start victory on her home track at Wingatui.
Robina Joy is trained by Jackie Jones and she shares in the ownership with her father David, who bred the five-year-old.
He also bred, owned and trained her dam Madam Stravinsky (NZ) (Stravinksy), who posted an upset success in the 2008 edition of the Breeders’ Stakes when it carried Listed status. She also placed in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Coupland’s Bakeries Cup (1600m).
“I’ve always targeted this race, there’s sentimental reasons as her mother won it and Dad is also really good friends with (sponsor) Kevin Hickman,” Jones said. “Dad also bred Master O’Reilly so he’s done pretty well really.”
Master O’Reilly (NZ) (O’Reilly) was sold for $75,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2004 South Island Sale and three years later won the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) for trainer Danny O’Brien.
Robina Joy will make her black-type debut on Wednesday and Jones is confident she can give a strong account of herself.
“She will have to step up a bit, but I think she is good enough to be amongst it,” she said.
“I’m sure she’ll put on a good show, I’ve got a great jockey and they just need some luck, as they always do.”
Rider Kylie Williams has struck up a good association with the mare, having guided her to all three career wins and a placing from five outings together.
Robina Joy has required patient handling and only started her racing career 12 months ago.
“I’ve waited on her on purpose because like a lot of reasonable mares she hasn’t been easy,” Jones said.
“She’s been tricky mentally and I’ve had to be patient with her and quite pleased that I have been.”
Jones has a full-time role as a Rural Manager with BNZ and with a lifestyle block to also maintain, Robina Joy is the only horse she has in work.
“It’s a hobby for me and I don’t muck around with them if they’re not good enough, a poor one costs as much as a good one,” she said.
