Felicienne Flies Home
Date: 11 Feb 2023
Warranting favouritism, Felicienne (4 m Savabeel - Flavigny, by Mastercraftsman) scored under a copybook ride by Opie Bosson in the $30,000 Rating 65 1600 metres on 10 February at Hastings.
Terrifically consistent and narrowly beaten at her only course attempt, Felicienne had run the fastest last 600m (35.6) when claimed late in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 25 January at Matamata, and had the benefit of barrier four with a short run to the first bend.
Felicienne chased a genuine pace from four back inner, stood the leader five lengths 600m, but quickened appreciably when angled clear turning for home and once in front had them covered despite a diminishing margin on the line.
Following placed efforts earlier on the card by stable-mates Zeitaku (Savabeel) and Zouluminous (Zoustar), who sprinted particularly well fresh-up, the win by Felicienne gave trainer Mark Walker his 50th success at Hastings, during a week that saw him collect his 1000th domestic win on Tuesday at Taupo.
“It was a nice win by Felicienne,†Walker said. “It's always satisfying to win another a race with a horse that's had a tendon injury, and I think she's capable of going on with it.â€
On footing that remained Soft5 throughout the day, Felicienne ran 1600 metres in 1:36.2, last 600m in 35.3, and paid $3.60 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.
Recording her second win - aside from her eight seconds - Felicienne was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $190,000 at 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park, and owned is by Te Akau Flavabeel Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM)
By Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) winning three-year-old and eight-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), she is from young mare by very successful sire Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer).
“The owners have been patient and she continues to build value as a very consistent winning Savabeel mare, with the potential of more to come,†Ellis said.
“She finds the line, had been building to another win, and a good by Opie to get her home.
“It's been another good week for the stable with 10 wins in seven days, plus Mark getting his 1000th winner, and we've got some nice chances tomorrow (Saturday) at Te Rapa, on a huge day there, and also at Riccarton.â€
Felicienne was strapped by Stephanie Hyde-Richards.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz
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