SUPER WIN BY TEVERE

Curraghmore Stud owner/manager Gordon Cunningham continued his good form with Ballymore Stables when Tevere (3 f Contributer – Italian Princess, by Bertolini) scored impressively in the $10,000 Te Akau Racing Maiden 1200 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

“Tevere is the third horse I’ve had in training with Ballymore,” Cunningham said. “The first was Chicharita (Towkay) who won the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) and she finished fourth in the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m).

“The second was Tofane (Ocean Park), who we sold after she trialled and last year she won the All Aged Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).”

Tevere displayed good attributes at the trials for a win and two seconds before fighting solidly after contesting the pace on debut in the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres on 26 April at Avondale, and overcame a wide draw (13) to win second-up.

Settling third last as the field chased a tearaway pacemaker, Tevere and rider Michael McNab stood the leader 12 lengths passing the 600m, loomed widest rounding the home turn, and simply stormed down centre track to win easing up by one and three-quarter lengths.

“They were going quick and she showed a sharp turn-of-foot,” McNab said. “She won easily.”

It really was a terrific performance by the filly with distinctive markings, and one that automatically signalled she is well above average.

On Slow8 footing that raced very well, Tevere ran the 1200 metres in a respectable 1:13.4, last 600m 35.8, and shortened from $14.00 & $3.90 (fixed odds) to pay $12.10 & $3.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

After breezing up in one of the fastest times (10.75), Tevere was subsequently withdrawn from the NZB Ready to Run Sale, a decision that appears a stroke of good luck.

Tevere, Italian for the river Tiber, is the fifth foal from Italian Princess, all bred by Cunningham, and she became the fourth individual winner from the stakes winning mare that recorded five victories, including three at Te Rapa.

Italian Princess is a half-sister to dual stakes winner Defibrillate (Shocking), with grand-dam Our Chickaroonie bred and raced by Graeme and Linda McInteer and trainer Graham Richardson.

“Pam Gerard has done some terrific work developing the filly,” Cunningham said. “She’s been very patient and she was impressive today and looks exciting.

“She’s by a good sire and I’d also like to acknowledge my staff at home for the work they’ve done with her and Lisheen.

“I’m very grateful to Te Akau for their sponsorship and it means a lot to me to win a race that they’ve sponsored.

“She grew up alongside Lisheen (Pins) and a positive coincidence that she was trained by Te Akau to win on debut and now Tevere has followed her debut fourth with a win, so let’s hope they both have good futures.”

Always aware of her natural ability, Gerard had been happy with Tevere since debuting and felt she was ready for action.

“She’d worked well through the week and had a senior rider at her second start,” she said. “She was jumping around and certainly ready to do something.

“She’d eaten well and looked good, although starting to get a bit longer in the coat coming into winter.

“I felt she may not mind the slow track, but Michael (McNab) said while handling it she would probably appreciate it better.

“The wide barrier was a concern and I’d hoped she could have found a spot with cover in midfield. She got back on a fairly genuine pace and it worked out as the right place to be. It was a good ride by Michael and he summed up the pace perfectly.

“I thought she may have been good enough to overcome the barrier and was pleased to see her race and win so well.

“I’m thrilled for Gordon and his staff at Curraghmore. They all put so much into it and we’re just glad to get these fillies going and be a part of their success.”

Tevere was strapped by Michael Thompson.