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A storming late finish at Rotorua at her last start indicated lightly raced mare Massofdash would be a winning prospect when she lined up again and that proved to be the case at Te Rapa on the weekend.

The talented daughter of Align was sent out a warm favourite in the Risk Management Group sponsored 1400 metre event and gave her many supporters little cause for worry with a narrow but convincing victory. It was the mare’s third win from just 8 starts and providing a golden present for her part owners, Jenny and Tom Hobson, who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on the day.

“We’ve always held her in high regard but we’ve had to be patient with her,” said trainer Jim Collett who shares in the mare’s ownership.

“She has taken some time to get things right but her last run at Rotorua was very good when she was only having her second start for the campaign so I knew she would take a lot of benefit from that race.

“She was spot on for Saturday and it was a good performance as the runner-up (Suffire) is also a very handy mare so to get a win over her was a top effort.

“The win was also perfect timing for Jenny and Tom who were having their 50th wedding anniversary so you couldn’t have scripted it any better. They are wonderful people and terrific to train for so I’m thrilled for them.”

Collett believes Massofdash has the ability to compete at the top level although when that will happen is still a wee way off.

“I have no doubt she is good enough to win a stakes race but probably not until she is a five-year-old,” he said.

“We will take her through the grades this time and see how she improves but with another year on her I think she will be a real black type prospect for next summer.”