WINS KEEP FLOWING FOR TEVERE

Track specialist Tevere (4 m Contributer – Italian Princess, by Bertolini) converted with a genuine effort in the $35,000 Waikato Draught Open 1200 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Impressive winning her Maiden over 1200 metres in May last year, Tevere extended her course record to four from six, with a second to boot, and five out of 10 in total.

Continuing his great affinity and aboard for each win at Te Rapa, jockey Michael McNab tracked in fifth before challenging to level with smart galloper Mega Bourbon (El Roca) and drawing to a winning advantage inside the final furlong.

On irrigated Soft5 footing, Tevere ran 1200 metres in respectable 1:10.8, last 600m in 35.4, and shortened in betting from $2.80 fixed odds to pay $2.00 on NZ TAB tote.

Bred and owned by Gordon Cunningham (Curraghmore Stud), Tevere has achieved tremendous success in a twelve month period and shapes as an exciting prospect for next season. She won the Open 1300 metres on 9 January at Ellerslie, came from near last for fifth in the King’s Plate (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Derby Day (5 March) at Ellerslie, and bounced back after an uncharacteristic performance in the Flying Stakes (Listed, 1400m) on 2 April at Awapuni.

“I probably made a mistake last time when we sent her to Awapuni, because she is still learning and just didn’t settle in and eat as well as hoped the night before racing,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard.

“It impacted on her becoming a bit stirred up on race day and she raced below her best, but she’ll benefit from the experience.

“We got her home, freshened, and she has been full of herself and worked really well in the past fortnight.

“She was back on her favourite track and Michael (McNab) knows her well. He had her in the right place and she tried really hard.”

Gerard contended that Tevere would now more than likely spell and prepare for spring assignments.

“Even though we’ve freshened her up a few times she’s still had a lengthy campaign and it’s probably the right time to give her a spell,” she said.

“We know she’s got ability, that’s proven, and she’ll keep being better at getting things right as she matures. Although she’s won five races, she’s still learning.

“We’re working things out with her, too, and next season it will be interesting to see whether or not she can stretch out 1400 metres and a mile, or whether she sticks to sprints.”

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

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

Deputising for his father, who arrived home in the early hours after a week at Inglis Sales (Riverside, NSW), Patrick Cunningham accepted the spoils for Tevere.

“She’s certainly very effective at Te Rapa, and has a great strike rate,” said Cunningham, who works for Gavelhouse.com (New Zealand Bloodstock).

“She’s bounced back today and full credit to Pam (Gerard) and her team for all the work they’ve done with her.

“Dad really appreciates the effort that Ballymore puts into the horses. He can be pretty conservative when it comes to looking after a good race filly like her, with a breeding future, and it’s fantastic how well she’s performed.”

Tevere was strapped by Michael Thompson.