Filly to Cap Exciting First Campaign

The Informant reports:

Having already lived up to her pedigree and reputation in her first three raceday starts, exciting filly Paulownia will bring the curtain down on her three-year-old season in Saturday's Gr. 3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders' Stakes at Te Rapa.

Carrying the colours of global racing and breeding powerhouse Coolmore, the Fastnet Rock filly is a full-sister to the Group One winner and sire Foxwedge.

Long held in high regard by trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, who rated her a 1000 Guineas prospect until a slight setback delayed her introduction to racing, Paulownia made a winning debut at Pukekohe in late February.

She was then thrown in at the deep end for her second start in the Gr. 2 Wellington Guineas, charging home for an outstanding second, beaten by a whisker by top-class gelding Scott Base.

Paulownia's only other start came two weeks ago over the same course and distance as Saturday's race. She produced a strong finish from second-last and dead-heated for second with Merlini, beaten by a mere head by the upset winner Malambo.

“She was probably unsuited by the slow track conditions that day, she seems to be a filly who really appreciates better ground,” Richards said. “There's a bit of rain in the forecast again for this weekend, but hopefully we're a chance of getting a better track.

“She worked very nicely at Matamata this (Tuesday) morning, and she's heading into the race in lovely condition.

“This will be it for her as far as this season is concerned. She'll head out for a spell after this, and we'll be really looking forward to having her back for the spring.”

In the hands of raceday rider Michael McNab, Paulownia worked 1000 metres on the plough alongside stablemate Vinevale. The pair clocked 1:03.5 with the last 600 metres in 36.3 seconds.

Less than three-quarters of a length separated the first six horses home in the race two weeks ago, and Saturday's event shapes as a rematch.