3 minute read

A pleasing trial performance at Cambridge earlier in the month hinted quality three-year-old filly Honey Rider would be hard to beat at her next racetrack appearance and so it proved at Te Rapa today.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trained filly hadn’t been seen since a dismal performance in the Gr. 2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at Te Rapa back in October. Sent to the spelling paddock after the run, the filly had her first serious hit-out at the Cambridge trials on January 10 where she finished close-up behind multiple Group One winners Turn Me Loose and Xtravagant over 935 metres.

Sent out a warm favourite at Te Rapa on the strength of that trial, Honey Rider settled beautifully just off the speed in the five horse field before rider Michael Coleman asked her for a serious effort in the home straight. The Pins filly quickly saw off the challenge of the pacemaking Parker’s Piece before easing clear to win untouched by two and a half lengths in a tidy 1.10.38 for the 1200 metre journey.

Coleman was satisfied with the filly’s performance in the tricky conditions that prevailed during the race.

“The way she trialled behind two good horses the other day, and with just 54kgs on her back, we thought she would be hard to beat,” he said.

“It was windy out there but not too big a factor although they are copping it as they swing for home, so it was a good effort.”

Co-trainer Andrew Forsman was also pleased with the result.

“It can be tricky in a small field but she got the right run and she hit the line well,” he remarked.

“We don’t have any real plans for her at present. She is a Group Three winner already so we will just look for some more black-type options for her.

“We’re still trying to figure out what the go is with her, whether we keep her fresh as a sprinter or whether we try to get her to go further.”

The victory was the third for Honey Rider in just six career starts including success in the Gr. 3 Gold Trail Stakes at Hastings to commence her three-year-old campaign.