Best yet to come from Group One filly

17 November 2013

Courageous filly Spellbinder became O’Reilly’s latest Group One performer when she finished third in today’s NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She sat outside the leader to the turn before being left in front and stuck grimly to her task down the long Riccarton straight.

Trainer Jason Bridgman, who also saddled the winner Costa Viva, was proud of Spellbinder’s performance and said the best was yet to come from the filly. “She was very game and she showed a lot of heart on a track that was a bit too good for her. When you see her up to 2000 metres at Ellerslie at Christmas time she’ll be a special filly.”

Spellbinder was unbeaten in her first two starts, including a Listed victory in the Soliloquy Stakes by a wide margin. She had rounded off her Guineas preparation with a runner-up finish in the Gr 3 Sarten Memorial at Te Rapa.

Miriam scores for Seth at Matamata

Waikato Stud-bred filly Miriam (ex Kym Dynasty) secured victory at Matamata over 1050m for Stephen Autridge and Craig Grylls. Digging deep to hold off Sister Cynane, she surged to win by 0.8 lengths.

12 March 2025

A Wish fulfilled: I Wish I Win retired, returns to Waikato Stud

From an uncertain start to a dazzling career, I Wish I Win has defied expectations at every turn. Now, the champion sprinter bids farewell to the track, retiring to Waikato Stud, where he will enjoy a well-earned rest among familiar pastures and the team who believed in him from day one.