The morning was going so well; Quintessential looked in great nick when I watched her work at the Matamata track around 7am. She jogged off the track in the usual manner and track rider Darryn Weatherley provided John Sargent and I with a pleasing report on her work.
Then we waited for the barrier draw; the all-important ingredient to her chances in Saturday’s $300,000 NZB Insurance Spring Classic-Gr.1 at Hastings. Sixteen starters & she draw the outside gate!
But we’ve been there before with the Queensland Oaks winner of last season; let me paint you a picture of the run of misfortune with barrier draws for Quintessential…
QUEENSLAND DERBY-Gr.1 (2400m) – drew the very outside; ran a brave second to Brambles
THE ROSES-Gr.3 (2000m) – drew 13 of 16 runners; long way back & stormed home for fourth
GUNSYND CLASSIC-Gr.3 (1600m) – drew 16 of 17 runners; rocketed home for fourth
NEW ZEALAND OAKS-Gr.1 (2400m) – drew 15 of 16 runners; huge effort from the back to run third
DESERT GOLD STAKES-Gr.3 (1600m) – drew 10 of 14 runners; powerful finish to win
So I’ve put the barrier draw to the side when I think about her chances on Saturday; yes it’s going to make it tough but Group One races are never an easy assignment whatever your draw, form, rider or weather.
John Sargent, Damien Browne (he flies in from Brisbane on Friday) and I will sit down and discuss a race plan.
In my opinion, Quintessential is up to winning this race. Her run in the George Main Stakes-Gr.1 last time was full of merit. With all due respect to the opposition on Saturday, she doesn’t have to contend with the likes of Shoot Out, Rangirangdoo, Secret Admirer & All Too Hard – the 4 horses in front of her last time. The mare is peaking and from what I saw this morning, her condition is spot on for Saturday.
Whatever the outcome on Saturday, Quintessential will spell from Monday at Paul Pertab’s Matamata agistment complex. It’s been her ‘home base’ since being broken in there after I purchased her for Nearco Stud Ltd at the 2010 NZB Karaka Select Sale from the consignment of Trelawney Stud.
Quintessential winning her maiden at Te Teko in October last year - she's come a long long way since then!