Six Win Saturday - No.2 Shepherd's Delight

Following a three-length victory in the first race by Irish Red (Per Incanto), the same combination engaged in the next event won by Shepherd's Delight  (3 f Rip Van Winkle - Safari Sunset, by Volksraad) on Saturday at Riccarton.

In training for Wentwood Grange and Jo Wilding, and holding 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) nomination, Shepherd's Delight had finished a close second in a Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 8 October at Timaru, and broke through at her third start in $15,000 Maiden 1400 metres.

As he did aboard Irish Red, former Champion Apprentice Jockey Kozzi Asano positioned Shepherd's Delight outside the leader and she proved too strong after taking over a furlong out.

Sponsored by Cup Week Hospitality Options, she ran 1400 metres in sharp time (1:22.8), scoring by one and a quarter lengths, and justified strong tote ($1.90) support.

“It was another copybook ride from Kozzi Asano,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “He drew wide (11), went forward, took luck out of the equation, ran a quicker time than the first race and while not quite as impressive to the eye, she did win well.

“Both she and Irish Red have the 1000 Guineas in mind, so we'll see how they come through it. They've both won like the nice fillies that they are and each has a good future in front of them.”

By Rip Van Winkle (Galileo), the sire of dual Group 1 winner and former stable-mate Te Akau Shark, Shepherd's Delight is from a Volksraad (Green Desert) mare that has left five individual winners of 17 races.

“It's a good start to the day for Jamie (Richards) and Te Akau, so that's great,” said Dean Hawkins (Wentwood Grange).

“It's Jo Wilding's breed and she gave dad (Des Hawkins) the mare. Jo has wound down her breeding, so we put her to Rip Van Winkle, produced a lovely filly, and she races her with us. It's a privilege to have a winning filly from her family.

“Jamie has always thought a bit of her and it's nice to see her put it all together. She's still a little green, so a bit to learn, but a good win and we're in Jamie's hands when it comes to a decision of running in the 1000 Guineas.

“It was a good choice to send her down there and also exciting for Jo because she lives in Canterbury.

“She's bred to get more distance. One of the progeny has won over 3200m and she's from a really good family. Safari Sunset is a grand-daughter of Gone with the Wind (sire of brilliant Derby winner Zonda (Zabeel), so the family can stay.

“It was good to get a win over 1400 metres, as sometimes they can show speed over 1200m, which she did when finishing second last start, but can then take them time to put it together up in distance. She's managed to do it quite well.”

Shepherd's Delight is inbred to Northern Dancer, Special, Sir Ivor (sire of Sir Tristram) and the latter influencing staying qualities on the dam side.

Shepherd's Delight was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.racimages.co.nz