Opulent Outstanding (Again)

Opulent (3 f Keeper - Silk Slipper, by Woodman) made light work of stepping up in class to win the Ship Repair NZ Rating 65 1400 metres on Saturday 11 July at Ruakaka.

Having gained a well-deserved Maiden win over a mile on the same course a fortnight ago, and prancing around her paddock like a toff through the week, the indicators were positive and the punters certainly agreed as she was steadily backed from tote opening on Friday to start a clear $3.40 & $1.60 favourite.

One of the most consistent performers during the series of winter racing in Northland, Opulent boosted her course stats to two wins and two places from four starts and the roll may not be over yet as suitable races also present on July 25 and August 1, 12 & 29 should trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards consider it the best option.

Although progressing in three starts from 1200 metres to winning at a mile, Opulent had no trouble coming back in distance to 1400 metres and jockey Matt Cameron had the job made easier when the filly drew barrier three.

After tracking along in a lovely spot, one off the fence in sixth, she looked to be cruising on straightening and put her rivals to the sword at the 200m when clearing out by four lengths - a margin that few are able to win by.

She had carried a different air since winning on June 27, such was her growth in confidence, and the most recent manner of victory should see her reach another level again.

In keeping with the 1:23.3 winning time set by the open handicappers earlier in the programme, Opulent covered the 1400 metres in 1:23.4.

“It was a very easy and impressive win,” said Stephen Autridge, from the course. “Matt (Cameron) said it was ‘too easy' and that she travelled very well. She was a quiet as a lamb prior and has pulled up really good, so we're thrilled and will now wait to see what rating points she gets before making a plan.

Opulent was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $205,000 at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, and certainly appears to be justifying not just his belief but also that of breeder Sir Patrick Hogan, who said: “Opulent was a special foal. She was a special yearling and a special type of yearling when she went through the ring at the sales and right from the start she was a very good-looking and smart filly”.

The three year old looks to have an exciting future after going back to back - plenty to look forward to for Karyn (Fenton-Ellis) who races her with a small team of close girlfriends and loyal Te Akau owners.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz