SHE'S A SUPER THIEF

Impressive debut winner She’s A Thief (2 f Showcasing – Steal, by Red Ransom) emulated her performance on the same course, during Waikato Cup Day at Te Rapa, in the $30,000 Wentwood Grange Premier (1200 metres).

Backed as unbeatable ($1.60 & $1.20), the good-looking grey filly utilized barrier one to dictate terms in front and rider Patrick Moloney had his head on a swivel as she coasted to victory.

“It was just a gallop to have her right for New Year’s Day,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard, referring to her next start in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Ellerslie.

The winning share of booty ($18,750) increased prize money to $25,000 and moved her to fifth in Order of Entry for the Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) on 27 January at Ellerslie.

She’s A Thief is owned by Karen Glindemann, Jane Carolan, Jo Hikaka, Lisa Lindberg, Lynette O’Connor, Woburn Farm, and Ballymore Stables (NZ).

Initially a $13,000 weanling purchase by Adrian Stanley and Hannah Kettlety (Woburn Farm), she was prepared and offered by them at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Yearling Sale before being selected by Paul Moroney and purchased for $30,000.

Following the sale, which gave her Karaka Million eligibility, Woburn Farm bought back into the filly.

“It’s very emotional,” Kettlety said. “We bought the filly as a weanling, always thought a lot of her and she was Adrian’s favourite horse, and we’ll keep the dream alive for the Karaka Million.

“We bought her from Dan Myers draft. Adrian loved her walk, and sold her at Karaka, before buying back a share in her.

“It’s been a massive thrill and Pam and her team have done an unbelievable job.”

Gerard reported She’s A Thief to have come through the race in good order.

“She was relaxed afterwards and ready to go again,” she said. “She had a nice little blow, because we hadn’t really planned this race and she’d only had one gallop through the week to get her ready for it. So, fitness wise there is plenty of improvement in her.

“It’s a good hit out for her before racing again on New Year’s Day, and she did it pretty easily.”

She’s A Thief was strapped by Scott Magee.