Like her Namesake - All Class

Promising filly Duchess Kate (3 f Savabeel - Royal Prize, by Prized) recorded a timely win in Mobile Welder Taupo Maiden 1300 metres on 7 October at Taupo.

Gaining a victory when holding a nomination for the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) is imperative, and for that matter entry into any stakes' race. At only her third start, she scored second up after a tough run for second when resuming on 16 September in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres at Matamata.

On the crest of a wave in the saddle, rider Cameron Lammas saluted for the fifth time in six days. Working across from barrier seven to find a lovely spot in fifth, Lammas set out after the leader once clear on straightening and she quickened over the concluding stages in smart fashion.

On Good3 footing, Duchess Kate ran the 1300 metres in a respectable 1:16.8 and last 600m in 34.7. As second favourite she shortened late into $2.70 & $1.30.

“She went awesome last start and if she sprinted like that again I had a feeling that she could run over the top of them,” said Lammas. “She did it a lot better than I thought she might have."

On debut as a two-year-old Duchess Kate produced a gutsy effort for sixth to stable-mate Scrutinize (Savabeel), who has subsequently won again and finished second in the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m).

And prior to racing she had separated two talented horses: the winner Let Her Rip (Rip Van Winkle) and stable-mate Xtravagant (Pentire) in a trial at Matamata, before easily winning a trial herself at Rotorua.

“We've always liked her,” said co-trainer Stephen Autridge. “When I saw the replay of the favourite's (Thornhill) last run I thought we'll have to be good to beat him but her last 200 metres was great.

“I've spoken to Max Whitby [breeder & owner] in Australia and he said to just take our time. We'll be in contact in a couple of days, once everything has settled down, about what plans we might have."

Autridge intimated that provided he and training partner Jamie Richards were happy with the filly then a tilt at the Soliloquy Stakes (Listed, 1400m) could become a reality on 24 October at Ellerslie - 17 days away.

“She won with a good turn of foot and that's what you need at the top level”.

“And I said to Max that if we could run in the first four at her next start we might end up in Christchurch,” said Autridge, referring to the venue for the 1000 Guineas on 14 November.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz