Photo: Race Images South
Last start winner She’s A Con proved her maiden victory at Riverton was no fluke when she stepped up her game to claim the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton in a thrilling finish with northern raider Luella Cristina.
The Contributer filly had relished the 1600m journey at Riverton and the extra 400m of Saturday’s black-type contest also played in her favour as she found plenty in the final stages to down a gallant Luella Cristina after the pair went to war for the final 400m.
Jockey Kylie Williams, who was having her own red-letter day with the win making it four victories in the first eight races, was content to sit back off a hot speed set up by Luella Cristina’s stablemate Doddle, before sweeping into contention at the 600m.
Luella Cristina, who nearly fell at that point after being squeezed between runners, went with her and appeared to be travelling slightly better as she put her head in front at the 200m.
She’s A Con refused to be denied and fought back to finally claim victory by half a length at the line, with Alminette battling into third a further four lengths away.
Co-trainer Kelvin Tyler, who prepares the filly in partnership with daughter Aimee, had fancied his chances of a good result and felt she was the best of their team for the day.
“I knew she would be tough enough and we just needed that little bit of luck to go our way,” Tyler said,
“When I was sorting out the team for the day, I really did think she was our best chance and that’s how it played out.
“I also knew the 2000m wouldn’t bother her as she was wide and did it tough over the mile last time and got the win.
“All we wanted was to be off the rail and to try and come with the last run at them.
“I left it up to Kylie (Williams) to sort out how the race was going to pan out as she was on fire so I didn’t need to be telling her what to do.”
The win was an all-Tyler family affair as the filly is raced by Tyler’s brother Allan and sister-in-law Marie, so there will be plenty of celebrating in the household as they plan out where to go next with She’s A Con.
“We normally don’t go home (Riverton) until the Sunday after a Riccarton meeting so we might have to celebrate a little tonight,” Tyler said.
“We haven’t got any real plans for her and now she has some black type under her belt it is pretty satisfying.
“She has the makings of a nice horse as she had already run well in some good fields and the one thing we know about her is she won’t lie down in a tight finish.”
She’s A Con is out of the Fastnet Rock mare, Rocks For Me and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) winner Sleek Chassis and multiple stakes winner Marble Halls. – NZ Racing Desk
