Oh My Osmunda

Having already shown to be a talented filly, Osmunda (3 f O'Reilly - Wyndam Special, by Centaine) earned herself a crack at the New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) at Riccarton, following her win over 1600 metres in the Benchmark 65 Handicap today at Otaki.

Importantly too - it was Jason Bridgman's 60th win for the season - a tally that sees him still lead the Trainers' Premiership.

“It was a tenacious run given that she came into season on the day and provided she pulls up well she can head south to race on April 12 at Riccarton,” said Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman.

Also a winner second up in her first campaign, uniformly following her debut second with a win, at Awapuni, as she has done this time in.  The filly that races in the colours of Tom Hogan (Sir Patrick Hogan's father) has now had two wins and two seconds, from six starts, for Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan and their nieces, nephews and relatives that make up the Ballindooley Syndicate (Mgr: Candice Barker).

Her dam, Wyndam Special, won her first two races, including the Cadbury Roses (Listed, 1200m) second-up at Flemington.

Steadied to eighth after jumping well from a wide gate, Osmunda travelled on the bridle three wide with cover and passing the 600 metres seven lengths from the leader she still had plenty to do.

Jockey Kelly Myers tracked a nice path around the home turn and Osmunda let go with a sustained sprint to win comfortably by three-quarters of a length.

A good-legged filly with an action to match, Osmunda was stylish on the line after changing stride and pricking her ears in the knowledge her job was done.

“She certainly appeared to have switched on from her fresh up run for second at Matamata, and travelled a lot more within herself having strengthened further from her first campaign in the spring,” said Bridgman.

Bridgman said that he was thrilled to have secured the win with the filly in order to keep alive the plans of heading to a stakes' race next time out and says it is a privilege to train for Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan and their extended family.

He also hopes that the vein of form continues for the Hogan colours when he lines up Abidewithme (Redoute's Choice), the winner of six from ten starts, in the Easter Handicap (Gr. 1, 1600m) on April 12 at Ellerslie.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz