Progressive mare One More Dance (NZ) (Sweynesse) dropped back in distance and picked up a lucrative maiden victory at Te Rapa on Saturday, claiming top honours in the TAB 1200.
The daughter of Sweynesse had recorded three minor placings from seven starts, while her most recent effort was a game fourth in a competitive MAAT contest at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. On that occasion, she was ridden by Sam Weatherley, who advised her trainer Ross McCarroll to revert the mare back to 1200m, advice he took on board and targeted the $65,000 event.
One More Dance closed among the middle market with race winners Phoebe Buffay and Ballon D’or the top picks, and both favourites settled at the back end of the field early. One More Dance had powered from barrier six for Sam Spratt, who allowed her to be crossed by Charmrose and Special Sakura.
Charmrose showed a good kick on the turn and had her rivals chasing hard, and leading the charge, One More Dance wore down the leader just in time to take the race by a short head, with Phoebe Buffay close-up in third.
“Halfway up, I thought they had a kick on us and we weren’t going to get it, but the last little bit when I really asked her, she found the line well,” Spratt said. “It was good.
“She’s a nice horse, I remember riding her ages ago in her first couple of trials and she showed a bit, but she’s just putting it all together.”
McCarroll was rapt with the result, having been unsure initially in the tight finish.
“I thought on the line that we had missed, but then George (Simon, commentator) said she’d got up so I was hopeful,” he said.
“I’d like to thank Sam Weatherley for this, because after he rode her at Ellerslie, he said he was adamant she wants 1200m. I gave her two weeks off, brought her back and Sam (Spratt) couldn’t have ridden her any better. I’m sorry for Sam Weatherley, but I’m pleased for Sam Spratt.
“She’s probably better off fresh, with three or four weeks between runs, and we’ll stick to the 1200m.”
One More Dance was purchased by the Te Awamutu horseman for $40,000 out of Seaton Park’s draft at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales, with much of her large syndicate on course to celebrate the success.
“There are a lot (of owners) in her, about 20 or 30 that have little bits of shares,” McCarroll said.
“We thought she’d win before this, but this is a good one to win that’s for sure.”
Bred by the N and P Balia Family Trust, One More Dance was the fourth foal out of Aaja Nachle, a five-race winner and Listed performer. The mare also produced One More Time, who placed in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m).
