5 WIN WEEKEND: Pilates Perfection

Ridden cold and let fly, Pilates (4 m Savabeel – Splits, by O’Reilly) resumed with a stunning victory in the $25,000 Maiden 1200 metres on Saturday at Matamata. 

A sister to Te Akau trained stakes' winner Scrutinize, and direct descendant of dual Group One winner Legs (Pins), Pilates had won both trials before a solid debut in January, and recently went through the line with more to offer in a trial on 22 September at Avondale.

Ridden by leading jockey Michael McNab, who was also aboard for the trial, Pilates was allowed to find her feet in ninth position, after drawing barrier 10. She stood the leader seven lengths at the 600m, slipstreamed into contention at the 300m, and let down brilliantly to win.

It was a very confident ride by McNab, who obviously knew what he had beneath him, and the type of win by Pilates that suggested she is a stakes' quality mare in waiting. 

“She was impressive, but everyone knew her ability, albeit she hadn’t done it race day,” McNab said. “She’s done it now and onwards and upwards for her.

“I think that will be the way she is best ridden, just quietly, and she’s got that explosive turn of foot. Hopefully she can become a Group One horse.”

In the race sponsored by Noble & Lee Xmas Twilight 18 December, Pilates ran 1200 metres in 1:10.9, last 600m in 34.7 (approx.) on Soft5 footing, and paid $2.90 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

“She was a bit immature as a three-year-old, but much stronger now at four and she showed that today with a really good win,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“There is no one riding better than Michael (McNab) at the moment. He’s in great form, seeing it well, and it’s always good to get another winner for Waikato Stud in their colours. 

“Obviously and eventually, she’s going to make into a beautiful broodmare and she should take a lot of confidence from the fresh-up win.”

On course, Bergerson added: “It’s always good when they trial like a rocket and then go out and do it on race day.

“We’ve had a really nice build-up and I can’t thank the team at home enough. We certainly knew the ability was there and great to see it transpire on race day. 

“It was a patient ride by Michael, the (genuine) tempo really aided her and great to see her show that turn of foot.

“She’s had a couple of soundness issues that took time and managing, but Kris Shailer has done a lot of work with her as well at Waikato Stud, and we’re thankful to Mark (Chittick) and the team that have been so patient with her.”

Pilates is bred and owned by Waikato Stud, whose sire Noverre (Savabeel) was also represented in the race by second placed Noverre Belle.

By the Waikato Stud 10-time Champion Sire Savabeel, who passed in June this year aged 24, and was recently acknowledged with the NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement, Pilates goes back to 1964 born mare Sun Priestess, who Garry Chittick put to Sir Godfrey to produce fourth dam Riverlette, which produced Arletty (Centaine), the grand-dam on Te Akau bought and trained dual Group One winner and sire Xtravagant (Pentire). 

“Thank you to the club and sponsors, they are great fields here today, a really good track, and good to see everyone in the community getting behind the meeting, especially 120 from the Matamata Primary School,” said Mark Chittick, in the Waikato Stud Winner's Circle.

“It’s exciting to win this race with Pilates. We’ve been hearing good things about her and it’s great to see her deliver on the promise. 

“Thank you to Te Akau and to Nabba (Michael McNab) for the ride and also to our team at home on the stud that have worked with her from conception through to now.”

Te Akau principal Sir David Ellis said: “It’s fantastic to train such a promising filly for one of the greatest studs in the world. 

“We bought and trained Return To Conquer (Snitzel), who is standing his first season at Waikato Stud and they’ve reported to me that he’s got a full book and terrific fertility, so it’s going to be exciting to see his progeny when they start racing.”

Pilates was strapped by Nathan Trumper. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz