STEP IN TIME PROVIDES EXCITING WIN FOR APPRENTICE

Recording a second win on the programme for Ballymore Stables, Step In Time (4 g Time Test – Caradonna, by Don Eduardo) broke through in the $17,000 Maiden 1600 metres on 8 May at Matamata.

Following the victory by Mineshaft (Merchant Navy) in the Rating 65 1600 metres, Step In Time provided Ballymore apprentice Joe Nishizuka (a4) with his second career win and first for the stable.

Having finished fifth after leading when resuming in the Maiden 1400 metres on 19 April at Matamata, with Nishizuka aboard, Step In Time utilized barrier one to position fifth inner passing the 1000m, improved to trail turning for home, and was out in good time to win drawing clear of well supported Incredible (Almanzor).

In the race named Winter Race Day 5th June, Step In Time ran 1600 metres in 1:38.8, last 600m in 37.6 (approx.), scoring by one length on Soft7 footing, and shortened in betting from $26.00 fixed odds to pay $14.50 & $4.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by Deirdre Neville-White MNZM and Ballymore Stables, who share a long history together, Mineshaft was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased for $45,000 at the Karaka 2021 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Highden Park.

Step In Time stems from a very good family. Winner of three races to 2200 metres, his dam Caradonna is by AJC Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Don Eduardo (Zabeel), the highest priced ($3.6m) yearling to sell at Karaka.

In turn grand-dam Balmacara (Bassenthwaite) was a top miler that won the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1600m) and two other Listed races among eight victories to 2100 metres, and she is half-sister to Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 3, 1400m) winner and Australia Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m) runner-up Vedodara (Kreisler), who left Avondale Cup (Gr. 1, 2200m) winner Sharvasti (Montjeu), along with dual Group Two winner Bhandara (Zabeel) and Group Three winner Shastri (Stravinsky).

Immediately following the win, Pam Gerard received a call from training partner Mike Moroney, while recuperating in Melbourne hospital, who was thrilled with the result.

“Mike loves winning races on the home course at Matamata, and Deirdre (Neville-White), whose colours he wears, has been a massive supporter for a long, long, time,” Gerard said.

“It was great to get Joe (Nishizuka) on the board with a win for Ballymore. He’s been working really hard and he’s a young jockey with a lot of potential. He’s super excited and he rode the horse perfectly.

“Step In Time was really good at 1400 metres last start and he’s come back in this prep as a different horse.

“He wants 2000 metres, ultimately, like so many of the family, and he’s in at the right time of year because there is wet track from there.

“He’s just taken time and we’ll probably give him another mile on the back of what he did today.

“I’ve always liked him, but he used to go to the races and absolutely drip with sweat, and he’s just taken time to work it out.”

There to welcome him back to the enclosure, Riding Master Noel Harris said: “Joe followed the instructions that Pam asked him to, and to win like that will give him so much confidence.

“He jumped the horse out well, slowly improved his spot on the rail, and he rode him out really well.

“Iain & Betty (Marks) did plenty of work with Joe, getting him up to the stage of riding a winner and supported him beautifully.

“He had an injury, which has reset him and he’s gone into a stable (Ballymore) with more opportunities and Pam (Gerard) is doing a really good job with him.

“There is a lot of pressure on the apprentices in their first year, but Joe has a good disposition and the type of kid that is really passionate about what he’s doing.”

Step In Time was strapped by Michael Thompson.