Te Akau NZ Half Century

Date: 29 Jun 2013

Te Akau NZ Half Century


Urban Angel (4 m Savabeel - Tutuland, by Green Desert) turned around a run best forgotten at her previous start to take out the Waipu in Tartan Benchmark 65 1600 metres on Saturday at Ruakaka.


In the corresponding race on June 8 at Te Rapa, nothing went right for Urban Angel when she was shuffled to the rear before making ground untested in the straight to finish tenth.


The mare bred and owned by Brent & Cherry Taylor at Trelawney Stud was impressive when recording her only previous win, clocking 1:36.68, last 600m in 34.83, on Dead4 footing at Ellerslie, and a reflective time of 1:37.9 on Dead6 ground proved a telling factor.


Jockey Matt Cameron had plenty to think about when Coachline (Econsul) swept up to lead mid-straight, but under vigorous riding closer to the rail Urban Angel charged the last bit to snatch a half-head victory.


“It was a tough effort and she appreciated the better ground,” said Te Akau assistant trainer Pam Gerard. “She can sprint and then keep grinding away, is certainly tough and just keeps giving, while going right-handed is her preferred way of going.


“She only got the 1600 on determination today and I think she will find it easier going a bit further. Matt couldn't have ridden her any better, it was a patient ride and it would be nice to see her up to 1800/2000 metres on a decent track,” said Gerard.


Depending on how she comes through the race, thought may be given to a return trip for the Benchmark 75 2100 metres on July 13 at Ruakaka.


“She is quite a nice looking filly [Urban Angel], but unfortunately she was hurt during a yearling prep, damaging a hock, and couldn't go to the sales, but let's hope that is going to be a good omen,” said Brent Taylor.


“The mare [Tutuland] hasn't had a lot of luck, but she has thrown some horses that look like they can run. She is a well-bred mare in her genetic makeup and I actually bought her in Europe to go to Zabeel and Zabeel line stallions like Savabeel.


Now twice a winner from three starts on dead ground, Urban Angel has shown a pleasing combination of ability and consistency in her short career to date and seems a nice prospect to go on from here.


Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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