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Former New Zealand based filly Aotearoa was most impressive in her Singapore debut when justifying her solid market support in the second event on Friday night.
Now under the care of Laurie Laxon, Aotearoa had displayed good ability in her three prior starts for the Lisa Anderson stable.
Although still a maiden, Aotearoa was placed in Listed company finishing third behind Astara in the Auckland Champagne Stakes [1600m].Unseen since April last year, Aotearoa was given plenty of time to acclimatise to her new surroundings and lived up to her solid recent barrier trial.
Ridden by Barend Vorster, Aotearoa overcame a wide run throughout, when too strong over the 1200m journey.Forced to sit three-wide for the majority of the race, Vorster never panicked, keeping the filly comfortable in third.
Shaken up passing the 300m, Aotearoa continued her run striking the front approaching the 200m.Although under siege on the outside, Aotearoa really dug in deep to score by a length from the Shane Baertschiger trained Sacred Army.
In a steadily run 1200m event (36.36 - 36.36 splits), Aotearoa's on-pace performance was made evidently more impressive with both first (Super Genuis) and second (Typhon) at the turn finishing down the track — 8th and 7th respectively.Admittedly she was very well placed at the weights, however her effort still held plenty of merit.
On raw ratings, Aotearoa was rated two lengths below her previous best in New Zealand and looks set for a great preparation.On debut last time in, Aotearoa bumped into the very talented Volpe Veloce, finishing second beaten just over two lengths — the latter has since notched up six straight victories including two at Group level in New Zealand.
The Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m] has been identified as a possible target following her success, suggesting the $4.80 on debut was very good shopping.“I bought her myself and I think she could be a Guineas horse. She will get in at a filly’s weight," Laxon said.
“Aotearoa means the Land Of The Long White Cloud in Maori and it’s the poetic name of New Zealand.”Likely to improve sharply with that race fitness under her belt, Aotearoa is definitely one to stick with as she appears a nice filly moving forward.
Whether she can reach the heights of the Singapore Guineas remains to be seen, however not one to question Laxon's judgement, he is a master trainer.There certainly appears to be more wins in store for this daughter of Sakhee's Secret and she is well worth adding to your blackbook.
Sir IsaacWhile yet to break through from his first five starts, Sir Isaac had finished second on four occasions and often proved his own worst enemy.
On trial at 1400m, Sir Isaac always travelled strongly with champion hoop Michael Rodd having no choice but to push up three-wide passing the 800m.Under a good hold, Sir Isaac pulled his way to the front before cut loose inside the 300m.
Displaying a sharp turn of foot, Sir Isaac quickly dropped his rivals, despite wanting to lay in towards the rail.Saluting by close to two lengths, Sir Isaac returned time figures ahead of the bare form and while he still has a bit to learn, he is clearly a promising type.
Much like Aotearoa, Sir Isaac should be better over further and is likely to be a more lucrative betting proposition at his next start — we suggest you stick with him.