Tauranga Winning Treble - Winner No.3 Mai Tai

Cocktails could be in order after Mai Tai (4 m Atlante - Tropical Punch, by Faltaat) broke through at her third start on 14 October at Tauranga, winning the $10,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres (eligible $11,500 bonus).

In training for the Hawkins' family at Wentwood Grange, Mai Tai had looked good finishing fourth on debut over 1200 metres in March at Matamata, and resumed with a big effort for second in the Pearl Series 1200 metres on 17 September at Te Rapa. 

Appearing to have top three prospects despite drawing wide (11), Mai Tai was three wide with cover under Opie Bosson, chasing a genuine and competitive pace, and after getting within striking distance rounding the home turn she stormed home to win comprehensively in the end.

On footing upgraded to Slow7 after race one, Mai Tai ran the 1200 metres in 1:12.3 and raced right up to her $2.10 & $1.20 favouritism.

It was the third win of the day for leading trainer Jamie Richards, following Perfect Scenario (Iffraaj) and Entriviere (Tavistock), and the second with Bosson aboard.

“It was a good effort after things didn't really go to plan,” Richards said. “She was made to stand in the barriers, missed the kick and got pushed deeper on the corner, but when Opie balanced her up she really quickened well. 

“It wasn't about hitting her too much with the stick, but riding her hands and heels and keeping her balanced. She was always going to get there and that's exactly what she did. It was pleasing to see, as she'd been knocking on the door and I was disappointed that she wasn't able to win last time after a couple of things happened in the race that shouldn't have.

“But, she's got the Pearl Series bonus ($11,500) today for the Wentwood team, as well. They've been good supporters, with Our Abbadean (Lookin' at Lucky), the dual Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed, and now Mai Tai.

“I think this mare can go with it and she deserved what was a good win.”

Her dam, Tropical Punch (Faltaat), was Group 3 and Listed placed to 1600 metres, and she carries a Mr. Prospector cross, used to good effect in breeding strategies by Wentwood Grange, as the sire of Faltaat and through the dam-lines of Atlante.

Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM said: “The Hawkins' family runs a first-class business that breeds quality horses and we always have confidence when buying horses we like off them.

“We've trained horses for them for a long time and they're a great family to train for. They are terrific supporters of the racing industry and it's always a thrill to win races for them, and it's great to be supported by breeders in the industry. 

“Our Abbadean continued to get better and better when we trained her for them and became a very valuable mare when we were able to secure black type for her, and hopefully this mare can do the same.

“She's in the Main Stable with Tracy Collis and Kate Belsham. They're working hard and have their horses going really well, so congratulations to their team for getting another win.”

Mai Tai was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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