Secret Amour Saturday Win No.4

Securing the fourth victory on the day for trainer Jamie Richards, who earlier set a national record (144) for wins in a season, Secret Amour  (4 m Niagara - My Secret, by Sakhee's Secret) won the $27,500 Bayleys Rural Rating 74 1400 metres on Saturday at Hastings.

Following a very good first campaign, in which she won authoritatively over 1400 metres, and included three seconds at Ellerslie, Secret Amour had quickened well to win when resuming in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 27 March at Tauranga, and rated a top three chance from barrier six.

Form rider Johnathan Parkes secured a nice trip in midfield with cover, presented nearing the home turn, but had his work cut out getting her home when given a tendency to lay-in under the shillelagh.

“That was a very brave win,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “Three deep with a bit of cover, pushed wider on the corner and wanted to lay-in a little bit under pressure. But she kept up a really strong gallop and Parksey has had a good day down there for us.

“She's a progressive mare, although not the easiest to train. She loves being out in the paddock, Tracy (Collis) loves her, at the Main Stable, and Michael Roustoby does the majority of work on her.

“We pulled the right rein with her, Feelin' Fancy (Rip Van Winkle), and Pazienza (Written Tycoon), to head down to Hastings, looking for better ground, and she's now taken the step up to Rating 74 grade really well.

“How far we keep pushing in this campaign with her, I'm not sure. But she's doing a great job and she should be even better again next season.”

On Dead5 footing that held up after showers, Secret Amore ran the 1400 metres in 1:25.2 and shortened in betting to pay $2.30 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by Scott Goodwin, who bought her as a yearling on Gavelhouse, by successful sire Niagara (Encosta de Lago), she is the first foal from a Sakhee's Secret mare that won two (1400m) of her five starts, in turn from impressive winning mare Keepolaria (Keeper) who won twice to 2000 metres.

Secret Amour carries bloodline crosses by the most influential thoroughbred stallions: Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, Danehill, and Danzig.

Secret Amour was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raeimages.co.nz