Princess Reigns Supreme

Although shouldered with top weight and made to work, Princess Davone (5 m Iffraaj - Nikey Davone, by Bertolini) ran out a brave winner of the $11,000 Rating 70 2100 metres on 21 March at Te Teko.

Under 59kgs, courtesy of being highest rated (69), it appeared she could lead untested when in front with a round to go. But, a midrace move by Thailand (Tavistock) created an eyeballing situation and both horses raced keenly before Princess Davone eased to second at the 800m. Rider Cameron Lammas had her back in front at the 300m and saw off a challenge by Cochise (Savabeel) to win by a neck.

In the race sponsored by Computech Alarms and Security, Princess Davone ran the 2100m in 2.08.2, last 600m in 37, on Good3 footing and in a field of five she paid $3.00 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

It was a welcome return to victory for the consistent mare that placed five times in stakes' races as a three-year-old and now recorded four wins for the Te Akau Princess Davone Syndicate.

It was also a savvy piece of training by Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards. She finished fourth off 33 days last Wednesday in the South Waikato Cup (Rating 70, 2000m) at Matamata, and having handled a short turnaround in races previously she was able to once again.

“Backing up suited her, and the Rating 70 races midweek for these sorts of horses are quite important and she's been given a good opportunity to win a race here today,” Richards said.

“A big thanks to the team at home, because on the back up is never easy, and a lovely from Cameron (Lammas). He was able to let Sam (Collett) go and then come across her heels and he rode her really well.

“She had been running well without winning one and up to Rating 75 grade she might be able to win another race before the tracks turn.  She's been patiently handled, owned by a good bunch of loyal owners, and Dave (Ellis) bought her out of the paddock privately. She's a black type mare that's won four and another good horse for us to have at the races.”

From an unraced mare, her grand-dam, Pherozity (Herocity), was impressive winning over 1400 and 1600 metres, while notching six victories. She in turn left Phantom Storm (Volksraad) who was a versatile five time winner up to 2400 metres and finished fifth in a Wellington Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m).

The Te Akau trainers have been in good touch of late, with Princess Davone their ninth winner in the past fortnight and a season tally of 59 has them second in the premiership.

The win also continued a great run for Robert & Donna Rudd, who share in her ownership, have celebrated two Group One winners this season, and almost nabbed a Group One trifecta with horses they share ownership in. The couple was on hand for the trials on Tuesday at Taupo, there for the win by Princess Davone, and travelling to see Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock) contest the $600,000 Rosehill Guineas (Gr. 1, 2000m) on Saturday in Sydney.

“It was a very nice win and well-deserved,” said Donna Rudd. “She sweated up a little bit, but it was quite warm, and she looked really good. Cameron (Lammas) is a very good horseman and we're very pleased. Backing up from last Wednesday was a little bit of a concern, but it was very nice run.

“We're proud of her. She's very honest, consistent, without being a star, and a nice bread and butter horse. Her three-year-old season was probably her better and she may not progress into open handicap type races, but she's done exceptionally well to date.”

Recounting the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) in November at Riccarton, Rudd said: “We have a share in the three: Embellish, Age of Fire, and Te Akau Shark, and went within a nose of getting the trifecta. We're very proud of that.

“We've probably got more shares in horses than we intended to have, but very much enjoying the ride and we've been fortunate with Embellish and Age of Fire to be Group One winning owners twice this season. Group Ones are not easy to come by, so having two is very special.

“We enjoy catching up with the staff, talking to the trainers, being close to the horses themselves, and the team do a fantastic job with them. David and Karyn are easy to talk with and keep in contact with and information that comes out on the horses is always very timely,” she said.

Princess Davone was strapped by Melissa Ford.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz