WASP WINS ON HOME TRACK

Returned to form when fighting hard for second in the Maiden 1560 metres on 28 December at Rotorua, Wasp (4 m Ocean Park – Thimble, by Pins) went a step further to break through in the $10,000 Maiden 1600 metres on 25 January at Matamata.

Away well to race on speed, as she did last time, Wasp forced the issue before quickening to an advantage on straightening and she stuck to her task strongly under Ballymore apprentice Eilish McCall (a3).

“It was a good ride by Eilish, from a good draw and she did the job to instructions,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard. “She was taken on in front but didn’t panic, held her together around the turn and she found a really good kick. I was proud of both her and the horse.

“She’s always been a lovely filly, with a lovely walk, very correct, with good muscle and really good action.

“She also very quiet, has a great nature, gets on and does the job and gives the riders a good feel, and I think having run second last time she gained the confidence to know that she could go one better and win.

“She’d come on in track work and just starting to put it together as a more mature and stronger mare.”

Selected by Paul Moroney, Wasp was bought cheaply for $16,000 at the 2018 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Seaton Park.

On perfect Dead4 footing, Wasp ran the 1600 metres in 1:36.9 and returned handsomely: $17.20 & $4.20, in the race sponsored by J Swap Contractors.

Wasp is shared in ownership by Savvy Racing Hurricanes Syndicate (Mgr: Keith McDonald), Rupert & Cheryl Legh, whose colours she carries, Wally Campbell, Andrew Clark, Vaughan & Catherine Brown, Richard Sims, Betsy Jones, and Ballymore Stables NZ & Aust.