Go Nossenko - 3 Win Friday

Ridden in similar fashion, Nossenko  (3 f Savabeel - Vera de Bosset, by Stravinsky) proved too good in the $12,000 Rating 65 1550 metres on 4 March at Awapuni.

Trainer Jamie Richards had identified the pattern of horses coming from off the speed and getting home down the outer, which worked according to plan for Charmander (Shooting to Win) and again in the next race with Nossenko.

While it appeared as though Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin may have been lackadaisical when trailing last, Nossenko quickened around runners turning for home and went on to score dominantly by two lengths.

In training for owner/breeder Kevin Hickman ONZM (Valachi Downs), Nossenko had won a Maiden 1400 metres on 27 January and was notable when fourth in a Rating 65 1600 metres to subsequent Lowland Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) runner-up One Dream One Soul (Ekraar), both at Hastings.

“She doesn't make things easy on herself, but it was a good ride by Joe (Kamaruddin),” Richards said. “I told him not to panic if she missed away, which she'd done previously, and he rode to instructions.

“It was a strong performance and it's always a pleasure to train a winner for Kevin Hickman. He puts so much into the racing industry and has a very good team of staff.

“Valachi breeds good horses, stand promising stallions, and they'll continue to strengthen as their broodmare band grows through the quality fillies they're racing and retaining.”

Sponsored by Richard Simpson Contracting, Nossenko ran 1550 metres in 1:32.7 and easily justified the $1.80 & $1.20 in betting.

Following her Maiden victory, Valachi general manager Gareth Downey had referred to Nossenko as ‘looking the part all the way through'.

“Jamie (Richards) has done numerous things to help getting her there mentally. She changed barns, been on the walker morning and afternoons rather than going out in the paddock, and has worked solo to keep her settled etc. He's changed things, rather than doing the same and hoping for a different outcome. He does a great job and Joe Kamaruddin rode her well.

“There's not a lot of depth to her family as far as commercial appeal, but it's a handy running sort of family. Her half-brother, Zac De Boss (Zacinto), won again recently in Melbourne, and there's enough to like about Nossenko with her Savabeel/Stravinsky cross that should be good.”

Downey was hopeful of Nossenko putting together a record worthy of joining the Valachi broodmare band and developing a family from her. Winning two of her last three starts are steps in the right direction.

Nossenko was strapped by Olivia Hill.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz