4 Win Saturday - Miss Dunsford Dives

But for being momentarily held up, Miss Dunsford (3 f Dissident - She Chose Me, by Foxwedge) may have won the $30,000 Rating 65 1200 metres outright on Saturday at Riccarton, but settled for a dead-heat instead.

Notable when third off a wide gate (12) at her first course attempt in the Rating 65 1100 metres on 28 January, Miss Dunsford received a contrasting economical trip from barrier two under Te Akau apprentice Hakim Kamaruddin (a1) and, after being held in a pocket for an extra stride or two, she finished strongly to level Sooo Dusty (Power) on the line.

In the race sponsored by Rangiora Equine Services, Miss Dunsford ran 1200 metres in 1:08.7 on Soft5 footing, and had her win dividend halved to return $1.80 & $1.70. 

Miss Dunsford was bred by Seymour Bloodstock and is owned by them in conjunction with Conquered by None Breeding and Racing. 

“It was great to get a win, albeit a dead-heat,” said trainer Mark Walker. 

“Seymour Bloodstock sent her across from Australia, so it's really good to get the win for them.”

Walker said Miss Dunsford would now step to stakes' class and contest the $65,000 NZB Insurance Stakes (Listed, 1400m) on Saturday 4 March at Wingatui. 

Victoria based Seymour Bloodstock developed a relationship with Te Akau when they purchased 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Risque (Darci Brahma), shared in ownership by Werrett Bloodstock who part-owned Black Caviar (Bel Esprit). 

Miss Dunsford was from an early crop of five-time Group One winner and Australian Horse of the Year Dissident (Sebring). Trained by Peter Moody, Dissident was known for his exceptionally tough qualities when winning from 1000 metres to 1600 metres.

She became the third winner for dam She Chose Me, a mare by Group One winning sprinter Foxwedge (Fastnet Rock), following Rebel Man (Dissident) and Red Hawk (Deep Field).

Miss Dunsford carries a pedigree crosses to Danehill and Danzig. 

Miss Dunsford was strapped by Katija Cherie.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz