I Do on target for Group One challenge

Grand racemare I Do showed she was on target for a crack at Group One company with a dominant sprint win at Awapuni on Saturday. The genuine daughter of No Excuse Needed had no trouble posting her eighth career victory when successful in the Redcraze Bowl.

Raced by WS with their co-breeder Allan Sharrock, who prepares the six-year-old with his son Kane, I Do has been set for the Captain Cook Stakes on December 7. Already the Listed winner of the Rotorua Stakes, a strong showing in the Trentham feature would significantly boost her future breeding value.

I Do was ridden today by apprentice Dylan Turner and he angled her widest on the turn before the mare let down strongly in the straight to account for fellow WS-bred Aldebaran Star. “She didn’t jump all that flash, but we got three back and one off the fence and she came home really well,” Turner said. “She’s got a good turn of foot.”