FIRST-UP WIN FOR MYRTLE

From a very good race mare, Myrtle Creek (3 f Ocean Park – Martini Red, by Red Ransom) recorded fresh-up victory in $12,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 3YO Fillies 1200 metres on 8 December at Hastings.

Dam Martini Red, somewhat of a pocket rocket, dual Group 3 and Listed winner over 1200 metres that impressed on decent ground, recorded her best victories in weight-for-age Darley Plate (Gr. 3, 1200m) and Windsor Park Stud Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) as a three-year-old, after winning Castletown Stakes (Listed, 1200m) and Northland Breeders’ Stakes (Listed, 1200m) while completing a hat-trick of wins from only three starts as a two-year-old.

She ended up winning seven of 22 starts and near $300,000 prize money.

In turn, Martini Red is out of Pernod (Centaine), trained by Mike Moroney to win eight of 19 starts, including Dubai Racing Club Cup (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Caulfield, and over $600,000 prize money.

Martini Red was the first foal from Pernod and arrived in New Zealand, as a foal at foot in December 2004, when her dam took up residency at Trewlawney Stud.

Pernod was raced on lease from breeder Trelawney Stud, and having bred and raced Martini Red, they had Little Avondale Stud offer Myrtle Creek for sale at Karaka 2020 Book 2 Sale, where she was selected and purchased by the keen eyes of Moroney brothers Mike and Paul.

After quickening without pressure to finish third when trialling on Slow7 in May at Avondale, Myrtle Creek debuted as a two-year-old later the same month at Pukekohe, but unsuitable heavy footing thwarted her chances and she went to the paddock before returning to work in August.

When resuming fast work, co-trainer Pam Gerard made the comment: “She is strong, professional, good natured, and doing everything asked of her”.

Ridden by Michael McNab (who retained the race day ride) when trialling on 4 November at Matamata, Myrtle Creek travelled boldly behind the leaders, angled clear on straightening and unpressured finishing strongly for second.

Having a good blow afterwards, Gerard was in two minds following the trial as to whether Myrtle Creek would trial again or race, but ticking over in training for a month obviously improved her fitness sufficiently to result in a first-up win.

Ideally drawn in barrier five but not rushed, Myrtle Creek settled just off the midfield bunch in ninth to the 600m, travelled up nicely held behind the leaders turning for home and after receiving a split inside the final furlong she quickened up to win. Without room, she would have been a certainty beaten.

Not only did she display professionalism alluded to by Gerard, but also genetic aptitude (genuine will to win and athleticism) of two very good mares from whom she descends, and plenty of promise for the future.

“They got under the guard and bought her for $20,000 because things were a bit quiet for Ocean Park’s that year (2020), but not now,” Gerard said. “She’s grown into a nice filly, quite typical of Ocean Park and has plenty of length about her.

“While not the easiest to break in and although butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth, she can be quick to show her competitive side to people and other horses when she decides to. But, she’s been a perfect angel leading up to resuming at the races.”

On footing upgraded to Dead4 after race one, Myrtle Creek ran 1200 metres in 1:12.3 and drifted in better to pay $8.50 & $2.90 on NZ TAB tote.

Adding to her bloodlines, third dam Martine Michelle, twice a winner at 1400 metres, is by Champion Sire Grosvenor, a son of immortal breed shaper Sir Tristram (Sir Ivor).

Myrtle Creek was strapped by Rathore Singh.