Orinto Makes a Matamata Double

Given a lovely ride by Matt Cameron, Orinto (4 m Iffraaj - The Perfume Garden, by Tights) scored a well-deserved win the Mitavite Benchmark 65 2000 metres on Nov. 21 at Matamata, and in the process returned trainer Jason Bridgman to level pegging at the top of Trainers' Premiership with 30 wins.  

Stiff not have won in two recent starts at Te Rapa, and never in contention from last on Oct. 19 in the Benchmark 65 1950 metres at Rotorua, Orinto appeared ideally placed and duly obliged as race plans worked out beautifully.

Settled nicely on a competitive pace, one off the rail in tenth at the post with a lap to run, Orinto remained patiently handled eight lengths from the leader at the 600 metres. Saving ground, she tracked up on the bridle entering the straight and once into the clear at the 300m quickened up to win well.

“She's very honest,” said jockey Matt Cameron. “Her last couple of runs she has got back and been a bit unlucky, but got a nice split today and ran away with it. She is pretty relaxed, just cruises along, so the 2000 metres was never going to be a problem."

Scoring by a comfortable margin, she covered the 2000 metres in 2:03.59 and returned $5.50 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB.

“It was a lovely ride by Matt (Cameron) and I had said to him ‘rather than come out, ride for a little bit of luck',” said Bridgman.

“I think, last time she went to the races she was the Nation's first pick and she had no luck at Rotorua. She has always been a very honest performer, races well here on her home track and I feel she will develop into a handy staying mare with a bit more time.

“She will go out for a good spell now and we look forward to getting her ready for the autumn. The Perfume Garden, early in the piece, left Zazabelle (Zabeel), a mare that ran third in the Melbourne Cup, so we would like to think she has the stamina on her side and she has the right attributes; she relaxes nicely, has a good turn of foot, and is very genuine."

Adding to the staying qualities of her family; Now Voyager (Last Tycoon) finished third in the 2000 AJC Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) at Randwick.

“He was a hell of good horse, Now Voyager,” said Ron Chitty, breeder and owner from Haunui Farm. “I always remember Ray Verner saying to me, ‘when you decide you're going to spell a horse and you get a win, don't ever change your mind, just keep to your plan'. Bart (Cummings) trained many of the family. They all stay and this is the last foal from the mare.”

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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