I Do goes to another level

I Do emphatically proved Allan Sharrock wrong at Hastings on Saturday and the Taranaki trainer couldn’t have been happier. He had previously considered the grey mare to be a shade below the highest level, but such has been her development this preparation that she blew away a top field in the Gr 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes.

“She’s now done what I didn’t think she could earlier on – she’s a bonny mare,” said Sharrock, who bred the seven-year-old with his fellow co-owner Mark Chittick. The winner of 15 of her 34 starts, the daughter of No Excuse Needed has also placed a further 13 times for stake earnings of $473,725. “I don’t think I’ll find another one as genuine as she is,” he said.

The seven-year-old was ridden by Opie Bosson, who gave the daughter of stud resident No Excuse Needed an economical run behind the pace. “She’s a darling to ride and she puts in 100 per cent and attacks the line,” he said. “I got a beautiful run and I thought I may have taken the wrong option by staying in and saving ground, but I got the split.”

I Do drove between runners in the straight with an undeniable finish and a Group One credit to boost a future broodmare career. “It’s amazing how she’s improved and strengthened up,” Garry Chittick said. “Allan even encouraged me to have a bet so I’m delighted for the family and for the mare.”