What A Charma too strong in Staphanos Classic

[Wandering Eyes]

Talented stayer What A Charma (NZ) (Jimmy Choux) brought his heavy track form onto an improving surface at Rotorua on Sunday when claiming the major spoils in the $80,000 Staphanos Classic (1950m).

The eight-year-old by Jimmy Choux found career-best form through the winter and early spring, winning the Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) in June before a string of solid performances in open grade, including a last-start third behind Diamond Jak on Matamata Cup Day.

The inclusion of class mare Val Di Zoldo meant much of the Staphanos field were compressed down to 54kg, including What A Charma, who closed an $11 hope after the scratchings of favoured runners Bozo and Bosch.

In the hands of Lynsey Satherley, What A Charma got over to the rail swiftly from an inside draw and settled midfield, finding a good rhythm while Opera Belle and Electric Time contested the early lead. The first pair had the field strung right out along the back straight, Satherley remaining patient on her charge before coming out to avoid traffic on the home turn.

One of the favourites in Rosetown Princess swept up to take the lead at the 200m but Gigi and What A Charma were surging down the centre of the track, the latter just having the edge late to kick clear by half a length.

His trainer and co-owner Mark Irwin was rapt with the performance, particularly considering the track came back to a Soft7 through the day.

“He’s a lovely old horse and he always tries, that’s the main thing,” Irwin said. “Lynsey did a great job on him today.

“He went pretty well last start so I thought I’d back him up, he’s won here at Rotorua before. He loves his work and was as good as he’s ever been this week so we thought we were in for a bit of a show if it was wet.

“It dried up a bit but he grew another leg today.”

Bred by Chouxmaani Investments Ltd, What A Charma was purchased for $15,000 by Charma Heights at the Karaka May Sale in 2018 from the draft of Seaton Park. Raced by Irwin and Cynthia and Craig Horn, the gelding has now won over $173,000 with five wins in 35 starts.

“I’m friends with Darrell Hollinshead and he’s a Hollinshead breed, and he always thought he would take time,” Irwin said.

“We’ve given him that time and it’s been a good thing.”

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