SHOES PUT IN THE SLIPPER

Effortlessly winning a recent trial, Shoes (3 f Derryn – Ambitious Beauty, by Towkay) gave nothing else a look in when winning fresh-up in the $18,500 Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 9 November at Taupo.

Shoes commenced her racing career last December with a top run for second to subsequent Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Trobriand (Kermadec), and spelled after contesting the $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) in January, where she produced a notable effort from an awkward draw (10).

Reported by co-trainer Pam Gerard to have blossomed during her break, “she did really well out spelling, grown, lengthened, and looks terrific”, Shoes had indicated her readiness with two preparatory trial wins, most recently by a big margin on 31 October at Te Rapa.

Champion Jockey Michael McNab was aboard in the six-length trial win, keen to retain the ride, and was hardly out of the armchair in getting the job done.

Quickest into stride once again, Shoes travelled on a nice rein, put the slipper in topping the rise at the 400m and parcelled things up comfortably to score by three lengths.

In the race named Appreciation of Taupo Track Managers, she ran 1200 metres in 1:12.1 on Soft6 footing and shortened from $3.00 fixed odds to pay $1.90 as dominant favourite on the NZ TAB tote.

“She got the job done and won well,” Gerard said.

“She won easily at the trials, not quite there in the coat yet, but had worked up well and we expected her to go a good race.

“Nabber (Michael McNab) said he couldn’t go any slower in the trial, doing half pace, and he likens her to Babylon Berlin (speedster mare that loves to lead).

“That’s what she wants to do and she a very, very competitive filly. She was fresh, but still came back to the rider and cruised along in front at genuine speed.

“We chucked a nomination in for the Railway (Gr. 1, 1200m), as she’s pretty quick. Not saying she’s up to it at present, but if she was able to win another couple of races it would justify it and she’d only carry 51 kilos.

“Otherwise, there’s the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) for three-year-olds on Karaka Million Night (27 January).

“She will probably get up to a mile in time, too, but she’s showing a fair bit of brilliance over shorter trips at present.

“She had a really good blow afterwards, today, so we expect plenty of improvement from it.”

Owned by C S Bruggeman, J Carolan, K Glindemann, J Hikaka, Mrs L Lindberg, M Moroney, L O’Connor, N Reeves, and Ballymore Stables NZ, Shoes was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased for $22,500 at the Karaka 2022 Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Grangewilliam Stud who stand sire Derryn (Hinchinbrook).

Gerard was also pleased with the performance for second by Rezeki (Ardrossan) in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres.

A striking individual, Rezeki produced a top debut effort for close second in the Maiden 1200 metres at Taupo, followed with a notable third in the El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m), before finding the ground too testing in the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m).

“He was really good, super, got back amongst them and was really genuine,” Gerard said.

“Michael (McNab) said he’s a very good horse in the making and just needs 1400 metres.”

Gerard also reported that triple Group One placed Harlech (Darci Brahma), who did well for fifth in a slickly run (1:21.8) Open Handicap 1400 metres when resuming on 21 October at Te Rapa, is on target to contest the $250,000 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) on the middle day of Cup Week (Wednesday 15 November) at Riccarton.

“I’ll gallop him in the morning (Friday) and if we’re happy then he’s on the float on Saturday morning with (strapper) Richie (Fallon),” she said.

“He’s been all over the place, so the trip will probably harden him up a bit.”

Stable apprentice Joe Nishizuka did the strapping of Shoes.