Volpe Veloce bounces back to remain unbeaten at Tauranga

[Chief Stipe]

Class mare Volpe Veloce maintained her unbeaten record at Tauranga when she strode to victory in the Gr. 2 Windsor Park Stud Japan NZ International Trophy today.

In her most recent start the Foxwedge mare was all at sea on a Slow8 track when finishing well back in the Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic at Otaki, but back to a Dead4 surface at Tauranga she showed just what she is capable of in stunning fashion.

After settling well back off a solid speed set by The Mitigator, Volpe Veloce had plenty to do with 600 metres to run. Rider Michael McNab didn’t panic, however, as he eased Volpe Veloce to the outside and sent her forward.

Turning for home former Australian galloper Endless Drama had shot to the front and looked hard to catch – but that was before Volpe Veloce hit top gear. With huge bounds she gobbled up Endless Drama before easing across the line to score comfortably from Watch This Space, the 2016 Japan NZ Trophy winner, who dashed home late along the rail after being held up before the home turn.

Trainer Graham Richardson, who prepares Volpe Veloce with Gavin Parker, was relieved to see his stable star bounce back to winning form after some frustrations in her last two starts at Group One level.

“She’s a great chaser and everything panned out this time,” Richardson said. “He (McNab) didn’t panic and to be honest, that’s half the battle as well with her.

“It was a good effort and I’m just chuffed for her and all the owners.”

Richardson confirmed that Volpe Veloce would now have another tilt at Group One level in the Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha on April 6.

“She will be at Te Aroha in two weeks’ time,” he said. “She’s been unlucky hence why we got over a mile as she just lacks that early speed, but what a run today.”

A $240,000 purchase by Richardson from the 2014 National Yearling Sale at Karaka, Volpe Veloce has taken her record to 12 wins – three of them at Tauranga – from 24 starts and $639,000 in stake-earnings.

 

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