REPUTATION VALIDATED BY WIN

In the colours of breeder/owner Christopher Grace QSM, Reputation (4 m Iffraaj – Tenacity, by Zabeel) looked good winning the $17,000 US Navy Flag – Champion First Season Sire Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 23 August at Taupo.

After running home strongly for second in a trial on 13 June at Te Rapa, Reputation made a great fist of her debut outing when working to lead and fighting hard for close second (short head) in the Maiden 3YO 1400 metres on 20 July at Hastings.

Going one better in similar fashion, again with jockey Jasmine Fawcett aboard, Reputation began well to steady outside the leader, claimed the front a furlong out and found two lengths before winning comfortably by a neat length.

“She was quite keen early, but we went forward from the outside gate (7), settled nicely and she’s got raw ability,” Fawcett said. “She’s got the ability to develop into a really nice mare.

“She switched off a bit late, so I put my stick away and started pushing her out again.”

On footing upgraded to Slow7, Reputation ran 1400 metres in 1:28.6, last 600m in 37.8, and drifted in betting to return $4.80 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

Reputation is raced by Grace in partnership with I J & J F Cameron, D W Dalziell, A E Falloon, Mrs S Grace, J R & L D Griffith, G Jones, J E & S J McKenzie, and B C & T D White.

Speaking on behalf of the owners, Dave Dalziell said: “Christopher has been kind enough to give us a racing share and we’re a bunch of farmers and stock agents.

“We’ve had a very good run so far and thanks to Pam (Gerard) and her staff for the training of this promising mare.”

Her dam, Tenacity, won five to 1400 metres on good ground and the family has both depth and talent.

“She’d only had one trial this time in, so did a good job to win after finishing second fresh-up,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard, who a day earlier saddled stable-mate Chancellor (Vadamos) to win at Rotorua.

“She’s still quite green, but Jasmine (Fawcett) said she went super on debut and although quite fresh and on the toe today, she’d only had one gallop since Hastings, and she’s won nicely.

“Christopher Grace’s families generally do better as they mature. He gave her good spell and she came in a different horse. She was always big and now starting to fill out.”

Reputation is a half-sister to three time winner Motivation (Mastercraftsman), out of impressive five time winner and stakes placed Titanium (Kingdom Bay), who left four individual winners of 14 races including Wellington Cup (Gr. 2, 3200m) winner Graphic (Volksraad).

Reputation was strapped by Shersing Rathore.