FRESH-UP WIN FOR WONDER WOMAN

Meeting a solid field in the $11,000 Magnum Build Rating 72 1150 metres on 31 October at Waipa, Wonder Woman (5 m Showcasing – She’s Invincible, by Elusive City) resumed with a brave victory.

Under the light weight (51kgs) of three-kilo claiming apprentice Tegan Newman, Wonder Woman utilized barrier two to co-lead a competitive pace. She saw off her rival, Pacific Coast (Snitzel), working to the 400m and showed a good kick to pinch an advantage at the 200m before staving off Fortune Patch (Not A Single Doubt) who had trailed.

It was not only a gutsy performance, but one that indicated her fitness was right up to the mark for a stern contest despite not having trialled. She had to work on pace and it took a big effort.

“It was a very gutsy win and Pam (Gerard) had her spot on for today,” Newman said. “Pam said to use the light weight to advantage. I had ridden her in a couple of gallops and she’s a very determined mare. She held on very well when challenged and I’m really happy that she got the win for the owners and Pam as well.”

On Slow8 footing, Wonder Woman ran the 1150 metres in 1:08.7, the fastest of three races over the distance, and paid a handsome $12.80 & $3.60 on the tote.

Having ended her previous campaign in May, following a win and four thirds, Wonder Woman had shown to act in a fresh state when winning on debut as a two-year-old, was course/distance placed on slow footing at her only attempt, and registered her third win for Casey and Michelle Dando (Bradbury Park) and members in the Wonder Woman Syndicate.

“She’s always goes well fresh and had three good jump outs, so I knew her fitness was thereabouts, but I wondered whether she could beat a strong field first up,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard. “I thought she’d be in it for a long way.

“She’s a bit stronger for her spell, has fresh legs – although they’re not the best – but showed the sort of kick she’s capable of.

“When I saw her relax down the side of the course, I knew she would go okay. The pattern of racing on the day was to kick off the corner and any that pinched a couple of lengths like she did were proving hard to catch, and I thought the rail was playing a bit better than out wider.

“I was a little worried she might get going a bit on Tegan (Newman), with the blinkers on, but she rides her in work and has got to know her. She’s pretty tough, doesn’t like to give up too easily and Tegan did a good job.”

Gerard said there had been a slight change to her ownership since last racing.

“The Dando’s and Jason Roberts have arranged the syndicate, and Ken & Bev Cherry, who have always been in her, drove all the way from Wellington to come and watch. They come to all her races.”

The first foal from She’s Invincible, a four time winner that impressed over 1200 metres, Wonder Woman is from the family of New Zealand Horse of the Year Seachange (Cape Cross), Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Keepa Cruisin (Keeper), and stallion Yachtie (Broad Reach). She also boasts a lovely pedigree cross with Danzig (Northern Dancer) and Gone West (Mr. Prospector).

Wonder Woman was strapped by Scott Magee.