Cold Snap's Cup

Our third winner of the day snared the feature - from last, Cold Snap (5 m Pins - Forty Two Below, by O'Reilly) sprinted home along the rail to win the Poverty Bay Cup (Benchmark 75 1350m), sponsored by Corson, on Sept. 22 at Gisborne.

A picture in the birdcage beforehand, Cold Snap caught the eye of Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon who put $20 each way on the mare at $5.70 & $2.00.

“She looked really good in the coat, had a big hindquarter and plenty of muscle definition, so she looked the one to me,” said Foon, in equine educated fashion.

Steadied for cover after jumping well from barrier seven, Cold Snap stood the leader nine lengths passing the 600 metres and jockey Matt Cameron switched her inwards for a rails run approaching the 250m. Her response was immediate when asked to extend and she made up many lengths to score comfortably in the end.

“It was a muddling run race,” said Cameron, “and as it panned out I thought rather go around them I'll shimmy through on the inside and she really quickened up. When the pressure came on she was up for it.

Now the winner of three races up to 1350 metres, Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman said: “She'll run a mile”.

Although unable to attend due to work commitments in Auckland, breeder and owner Gary Wallace was thrilled by the win.

“That was pretty exciting,” said Wallace. “I timed it nicely to watch the race and was really proud of her. It was a great ride by Matt (Cameron); he showed a lot of patience and the sting just out of the ground was perfect.

Wallace raced her grand-dam Icy Calm (Western Symphony), who impressed with give in the ground to win five of thirteen starts before becoming a very good producer - leaving a string of talented horses to win 16 races. Her daughter, The Big Chill (O'Reilly), raced at the top level in Australia, winning the VRC Red Roses Stakes (Listed, 1200m). 

“I was impressed and Jason (Bridgman) has handled her really well,” said Wallace. “Being the first foal out of the mare, she has always been a bit immature but as a five-year-old is really starting to hit her stride. Now she has a bit of strength, she might have another couple of wins in her.

“When she won at Wanganui, she settled back as well. So I was quite relaxed when given time to find her feet. When the leader, Dorian Grey, got away I thought this will be a challenge, but when Matt went for the inside run I said to Vicky (Wallace) if she shows a turn of foot we'll see how she goes - and she did, which was fantastic and really impressive.

“It's very interesting, the old breeding (industry),” said Wallace. “The dam, Forty Two Below, only had a handful of starts and won once and had three seconds. This is her first foal and I have a Savabeel (Zabeel) filly being prepared for K1 and the vet at Waikato Stud told me she was one of the nicest fillies on the farm.

“I think they will all run, out of the mare, and she is back in foal to Savabeel. So, I'll have plenty of time and there will definitely being another one coming along and if I have a filly, or a horse, to race in New Zealand there is no question where it would be going. It's a lot of fun.

“I've got to say,” said Wallace, “you guys lead the way in communication and as an owner it's fantastic. I'm really proud of Jason. I used to support him when he had a handful in work and I've always thought of him as a really nice guy, with ability. And, it gives me a real thrill to see where he is now. I always thought he would do well and it's a pleasure to sit back and see what he's doing. He's a good man.

“It was a great day today. I know it was only a $10,000 rating 75, but it's not just about that. It's about winning and the whole package, and being part of the journey,” said Wallace.

Photo credits - www.raceimages.co.nz

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