SHE'S A THIEF PINCHES VICTORY AT TE RAPA

Matamata filly She’s A Thief thrust her name into Karaka Million contention with an effortless front-running victory at Te Rapa.

The athletic grey filly backed up some impressive trial form as she bounced straight to the lead from a handy barrier draw and ran her rivals ragged thereafter in the Wentwood Grange Juvenile (1000m).

Co-trainer Pam Gerard had been expecting a forward showing after scratching the Showcasing filly from Saturday’s Listed Ashford Lodge 2YO Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe in preference for the Te Rapa event.

“She’s a lovely filly who ticks all the boxes, with just a fantastic relaxed nature,” she said.

“We thought this race might be an easier option as it’s not such a big trip and this race only came up with the six runners.”

Gerard admitted the plan had been for the filly to take a trail in the race however rider Jake Bayliss had other thoughts as he made use of the filly’s good gate speed to dictate once she jumped to an early lead.

Heavily backed race favourite Simogramor sat outside the speed throughout however once Bayliss released the brakes in the home straight She’s A Thief bounded away to win from the fast finishing Luvlucy in a smart 58.5 for the 1000m journey.

“She trialled enormous and the stable has always had a good opinion of her,” said Bayliss.

“She galloped really well at home a few days ago and I came here with the confidence that she was never going to get beaten.

“She’s a little professional, who will do whatever you want.

“We didn’t want to lead, but she jumped quickly and put herself there and handled it like the little professional that she is.”

For the victory She’s A Thief earns $6,250 which places her in ninth equal position on the current order of entry for the $1m Listed Karaka Million (1200m) that will be run at Ellerslie on 27 January. – NZ Racing Desk