Outstanding Osmunda

Trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards edged back into second on the Trainers' Premiership when their only runner on Friday at Tauranga, Osmunda (5 m O'Reilly - Wyndam Special, by Centaine), got her nose down where it counted in the Mills Reef Winery & Restaurant Rating 65 1600 metres.

Owned by Sir Patrick & Justine, Lady Hogan and raced by them with their nieces, nephews and relatives that make up the Ballindooley Syndicate (Mgr: Candice Barker), Osmunda was purchased by David Ellis at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale for $180,000 and carries the colours of Tom Hogan.

“When we discussed the racing colours, I suggested we resurrect my father's colours, Tom Hogan, which hadn't been used for many a year. We thought that would be a lovely touch in remembrance of my father. They are lovely colours (emerald green, black sleeves, purple armband and cap),” said Sir Patrick.

Immature as a yearling and early on at the stables, Osmunda always showed the makings of a decent race mare and now furnished she was able to kick off her five-year-old campaign with a strong fresh win over a mile.

Placed in each of her three fresh up runs, Osmunda showed her readiness for a bold effort when finishing fourth in a quiet trial over 1000 metres earlier in October at Te Teko. On that occasion she was ably handled by stable apprentice Mahammad Hanafi, who was having his first trial ride.

“She didn't pull and just cruised along in the trial,” said Hanafi. “She's knows what she's doing and she was very good in the race. I got quite a surprise to see her do it like that, but I was told that the field was not too strong and that she could win."

Recording her third victory, and a top four finisher in the eight of her fifteen starts, Osmunda has raced in good style over 2000 metres and could notch a few more victories once stepped up.

With little option other than settle back in the field from a wide draw, Osmunda and jockey Matt Cameron were aided by a three-way duel in front. Crossed down to the rail in tenth and ridden for luck inside the 800m, she found room one off the fence in the straight and dived through on the inside of the leader, Zaviera (Zabeel), as she rolled off at the 100m.

The genuine tempo was reflected in a solid time of 1:35.88 for the 1600 metres on Good3 footing.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz