TEVERE WINS FIRST TIME IN OPEN CLASS

Under perfectly judged ride by Masa Hashizume, Tevere (4 m Contributer – Italian Princess, by Bertolini) won $55,000 Monstavision Open 1300 metres on 9 January at Ellerslie.

Somewhat of Te Rapa course specialist previously, winning three of five starts, including most recently in Rating 74 1200 metres on 11 December, Tevere showed to be more than one-trick pony when extending her record to four wins from seven outings.

Carded on minimum (54kg) for her first open class assignment, Tevere benefitted further by two-kilo apprentice allowance to carry luxurious 52kg.

Prior to the race, co-trainer Pam Gerard was confident of having Tevere in order to compete.

“She is very well and busting to do something,” said Gerard, regarding 29 days since last racing.

“She has worked well, mind in right place, and we are confident within the horse herself and to where she is at, but is step up in class.”

A step in class, for sure, but what followed was pinpoint accuracy by Hashizume and proportionate with ability above his current station.

Out well from barrier three, Tevere chased genuine early pace in sixth before Hashizume opted to rail when opportunity arose at 800m. The ground saving move paid dividends when able to slide off rounding home turn and she was up to task of running home strongly to beat stakes placed sprinter Run to Perfection (Sepoy).

On footing that remained Dead4, Tevere ran 1300 metres in 1:16.8 and returned $4.50 & $1.80 on NZ TAB tote.

“Michael (McNab) loves her and had been riding her well, but he was suspended and Masa (Hashizume) was the only one that rang for the ride,” Gerard said.

“I thought another two-kilos off is not a bad idea and I think he rides really well, actually. He rides Ellerslie well and has a good mental approach, guided by Grant Cooksley and he certainly knows what he’s doing.

“Depending how she comes through it, we could look toward the Westbury Classic or Concorde Handicap on Karaka Million night. But it’s inside two weeks, so may not suit.

“Otherwise, the BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) back at Te Rapa on 12 February, but it could be a bit early to tackle weight-for-age.

“We’ll see what suits best and there is no rush with her. She’s still inexperienced when it comes to race numbers, but the ability is there and she has stepped up well so far.

“She is going to continue to mature and strengthen into a really nice five-year-old mare and that could be the right time to tackle some loftier options.”

Showing natural ability from outset, Tevere was withdrawn from 2019 NZB Ready to Run Sale after breezing up in one of fastest times (10.75), in decision reaping benefits for owner/breeder Gordon Cunningham (Curraghmore Stud), and fourth individual winner from impressive five-time sprint stakes winner Italian Princess.

In turn, Italian Princess is a half-sister to dual stakes winner Defibrillate (Shocking), winner of nine, and another nine-time winner Rush’n Prince (St. Petersburg).

Tevere was strapped by Michael Thompson.