Former Kiwi provides Begg with stakes triumph

[Wandering Eyes]

Talented mare Niance landed some valuable black-type for connections when prevailing in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The former Kiwi has won four of her five starts since crossing the Tasman to join the stable of Cranbourne trainer Grahame Begg.

Despite having not been seen on raceday since May, Niance was sent out a $3.20 favourite. Given a tactically brilliant ride by Jordan Childs, the jockey took his opportunity to pocket key rival Isthmus, who eventually finished fourth.

Sporting the Ace Bloodstock silks, Niance raced handy to the speed and defeated Karaka graduate Pondalowie, with another former Kiwi, Expressiveness, finishing third.

“She’s got good ability and a good record, it looked the right race for her,” Begg said.

“We identified this race some months ago and 1100m around here, it’s just a nice starting point for her and Jordan rode her perfectly and put her in a great position.

“It’s a great result for Ace Bloodstock, who purchased her out of New Zealand and Gerry Harvey is still in the ownership. So, she’s got a good little record and I’m sure she can only build on this.”

A daughter of Swiss Ace, Niance began her career in the care of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, for whom she was a winner and a placegetter from four starts in New Zealand.

Begg took his time with the mare when she first crossed the Tasman, with 12 months between her final run in New Zealand and her Australian debut victory at Pakenham in February this year.  

“We were only learning about her as to what she likes and what she doesn’t like,” Begg said. “So, we feel that she’ s best when she’s a bit fresh, and the races are a bit spaced. I’m sure she’s going to get to a good level.”

The Gr.3 How Now Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on November 16 now shapes as the next target for the lightly-tried five-year-old.

Niance was bred by Gerry Harvey and is out of the Red Giant mare Cosmetic. Second dam Renovated is a half-sister to the Australian Group winners Alma’s Fury and Enforced.

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