Awesome Win Affinee

A patient approach paid dividends when Affinee (3 f Exceed and Excel - Household, by Chester House) recorded a stylish debut win in the Royal Hotel Maiden 1000 metres on April 29 at Blenheim.

A filly purchased by David Ellis for $120,000 at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Lyndhurst Farm, had been given plenty of time to mature but trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards decided on sending her south to snare a victory after displaying gate speed to win a recent 800-metre trial at Avondale.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She is a filly by a Champion Australian stallion that is a noted sire of two and three-year-olds. Her grand-dam, Dangora (Sovereign Dancer), won twice as a two-year-old and her third dam, Mofida (Right Track), won five times as a two-year-old in the UK.

“She is a lovely filly that possesses the scope to train on at three and has a wonderful pedigree. She strikes me as a natural athlete and one that looks very speedy.

After a false start, Affinee got away cleanly to lead, looked to have the measure of her rivals when travelling sweetly around the home turn and won easily after establishing a two-length buffer at the 200m.

Affinee covered the 1000 metres in 58.7; a conservative six lengths quicker than the Rating 85 1000m (59.9) and got punters off to a good start when paying $2.60 & $1.40.

“She's had her share of immaturity problems, but the owners (Te Akau Affinee Syndicate) have been very patient and she has natural ability,” said co-trainer Jamie Richards.

“It was a lovely ride by Lisa (Allpress), and Kurt Hillis, who travelled away with her, has done a good job.

Affinee was strapped by Kurt Hillis.

Photo credit - [email protected]

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