Course specialist delivers again at Tauranga

[Chief Stipe]

Consistent performer Pasabache has again shown her liking for the Tauranga racecourse by scoring her fifth victory at the track today.

The Team Rogerson-trained six-year-old was coming off a creditable performance for fifth in open company at the same venue last weekend as she defeated a small but competitive line-up of fillies and mares in the Rating 82 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race over 1300 metres.

Settled midfield by rider Ryan Elliot, Pasabache travelled sweetly as Honneur Noir set a solid speed up front. Elliot moved the Shocking mare into contention on the point of the home turn before unleashing her with 300 metres to run.

Pasabache surged to the front in the closing stages to defeat La Mia Stella with Honneur Noir fighting on gamely for third.

Elliot was full of praise for the mare’s effort after her trainers had decided to bypass today’s feature event, the Gr. 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan NZ International Trophy.

“She loves this place down to the ground,” Elliot said. “Graeme (Rogerson) was debating whether to run in the Group Two today or the 1300. I’m glad he stuck to the 1300 as she won that well.

“She didn’t disgrace herself last week. This time I was able to bring her back a couple of positions and just travel up on the corner and she’s really let down.”

Raced by long-time Rogerson Racing administration manager Denise Howell, Pasabache has now won nine of her 57 starts and close to $160,000 after being purchased by Howell for just $500 at the 2014 National Weanling Sale at Karaka.

Today’s also continued a good run of form for the progeny of Rich Hill Stud-based stallion Shocking, whose four-year-old son Surprise Baby took out the Gr. 2 Adelaide Cup last week, while promising three-year-old filly Artic Shock finished a close third behind Princess Jenni in the Gr. 3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley last night.

 

View the full article