Image of You - Picture Perfect

Overcoming a wide draw (12), Image of You (5 m Pins - Exactly Like You, by Savabeel) won the $14,000 Rating 65 1400 metres on 28 April at Rotorua.

Third-up in this campaign, after missing the start by 10 lengths when resuming in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 8 April at Pukekohe, and rounding off strongly for fifth against a good field in the Pearl Series Rating 65 1400 metres on 19 April at Matamata, Image of You has always been a capable mare and duly deserved her third win.

Ridden by in-form Champion Jockey Michael McNab, who won aboard stable-mate Stella Splendida (Zoustar) two days earlier at Hawera, Image of You settled one off the rail beyond midfield, six lengths 600m, sighted daylight turning for home and stretched out to win well.

It was the second time McNab had won on the mare, having initially provided her Maiden win over 1300 metres Taupo. 

“It was a satisfying win and another lovely ride by Michael (McNab),” said trainer Mark Walker, ahead of preparing some nice chances among 16 runners on Saturday at Te Rapa and Hastings. 

“We've had a lot of trouble with her feet, so full credit to our farrier Gareth Allis in getting them right.

“Hopefully that win gives her confidence and she can go on with it.”

On footing that upgraded to Slow7 after race four, in the race named: Have Your Function at Arawa Park, Image of You ran 1400 metres in 1:26.5 and paid $5.20 & $2.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

By Champion Sire Pins (Snippet), whose last yearling progeny sold in 2020 at Karaka, he was a phenomenal attribute to Waikato Stud and the New Zealand breeding industry. He continued to show his versatility by siring Metropolitan Handicap (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner No Compromise this season at Randwick.

Twice, Pins was New Zealand's leading stallion for global progeny earnings and is sire of incredible galloper Ambitious Dragon. Ambitious Dragon won 13 races, including seven Group One, the equivalent of NZ$10.9 million in prize money and twice named Hong Kong Horse of the Year.

He is also the sire of memorable Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) winner El Segundo. 

Image of You was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $300,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, and is owned by the Te Akau Mirror Image Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

She is out of a young mare by eight-time Champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel), and grand-dam Glitzy (O'Reilly) was a stakes' winner among nine victories from 1200m - 1400m.

Able to climb in ratings, further success and the prospect of some achievements at stakes' level would enable her residual value and commercial breeding viability to increase substantially. 

“She's grown into a lovely big mare and great to see her return to winning form,” Ellis said.

“She was a cracking yearling, a beautiful filly and the first foal from a Savabeel mare. She had a lot of quality, walked very well, and is by a stallion that has been so influential in our industry.”

Image of You was strapped by Te Akau Racing Manager Reece Trumper. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz