CATWALK GIRL STRUTS TO GLORY

Particularly unlucky at her previous start, Catwalk Girl (4 m Per Incanto – High Heels, by High Chaparral) made amends in fine style on Wednesday in the $10,000 Waikato Draught Maiden 1600 metres at Te Rapa.

Having produced a notable effort for fourth after covering extra ground in the Maiden 1600 metres on 14 October at Tauranga, Catwalk Girl had closed from well back with a fast last 600m (34.5) in the Maiden 1600 metres on Melbourne Cup Day (3 Nov.) at Ellerslie.

Getting back to last on this occasion, jockey Sam Weatherley chose an inside passage approaching the 600m, was jogging three back inner turning for home and shot away when clear in the straight to win easily.

“She was on her best behaviour today,” Weatherley said. “She’s certainly above average. I ummed and ahhed about going in or out, but she travelled really well and got up in behind them.

“She’s a nice mare, learning, and gives the feeling of a mare that will get out to 2000 metres.”

A drifter in betting from an earlier fixed odds quote of $6.50 & $2.40, Catwalk Girl returned $9.00 & $2.80 on the NZ TAB tote after winning like a $2.00 shot.

On Dead6 footing, she ran the 1600 metres in 1:37.0, last 600m 36.8, and won by two and a half lengths.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard said: “We had a slight concern back left-handed after racing well right-handed, but she looks good, had eaten well, going super, and we expected her to be a good each-way chance.

“As Sam said, she’s learning all the time. She really showed what she’s made of in a strong field last time at Ellerslie, was unlucky not to win, and I’m thrilled for Rochelle that she has a promising mare that is capable of winning more races.”

Making the presentation, Waikato Racing Club director Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM said: “Congratulations to owner Rochelle McLaren, who unfortunately can’t be with us today, on a lovely win by Catwalk Girl – aptly named, out of High Heels.

“Another excellent training effort by Pam (Gerard) and we know what a wonderful horsewoman she is, and a lovely ride by Sam (Weatherley), as well. He is such a talented young rider and great to have him back and domiciled in New Zealand.

There was also a FLAIR sash for the winning owner, presented by Pam Brindley, FLAIR women – for Ladies Advancing the Interests of Racing.

Catwalk Girl was selected as a yearling by Paul Moroney Bloodstock at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

Bred by Sunlight Trust, she is from the family of their very good Group 1 winning, and multiple group performed mare Veloce Bella (Volksraad), with the dam, High Heels, a half-sister.

Catwalk Girl carries a simple Northern Dancer cross on the dam side of Per Incanto, and through the sire line of dam-sire High Chaparral.

Catwalk Girl was strapped by Rathore Sher Singh.