Afterglo powerful late in Matamata victory

Progressive Ardrossan mare Afterglo got her preparation back on track in impressive style in the deteriorating conditions at Matamata on Saturday, 4 October.

A winner on debut at the course in April, the four-year-old mare has been patiently handled by local trainer Stephen Autridge and appeared first-up this spring in a competitive Rating 65 contest at Ellerslie, where she finished below expectations in 11^th.

Afterglo was bred by Waikato Stud’s former night foaling unit manager Bev Spriggens. She is the fourth live foal of Little Glo who wasn’t served last season.

Ridden on this occasion by Opie Bosson, the pair jumped from barrier five in the seven-horse field and raced their way through the heavy ground to take over and charge clear by 2.3 lengths across the 1400m trip.

“We were pretty rapt in the effort she put in,” said Autridge. “We were expecting a big run at Ellerslie but she was cramped for room coming up the straight, which she’d never experienced before.”

“Matty Cameron said to forget about the run and make sure she’s got plenty of room next time, and he couldn’t ride her this time, so we grabbed Opie and he’s done a great job.”

“I’ve always been happy with the mare, she seems to be above average and loves wet ground.”

Afterglo is from Ardrossan’s second crop. His eldest are now five, and despite limited numbers, he is producing well above average. Ardrossan sired the first two-year-old winner of the Australasian season, De Armas, who is on a path toward the Karaka Millions 2YO.

First crop: 39 runners, four stakes horses. Second Crop: 37 runners, two stakes horses. Third crop: three runners, 2 stakes horses, with 80 current juveniles striking at one runner for one winner, and 126 yearlings – Ardrossan is moving on up.