I Do strolls to Rotorua title defence

Allan Sharrock headed to Arawa Park full of confidence in the top mare I Do and his faith was once again rewarded yesterday afternoon. He prepared the grey daughter of No Excuse Needed to win the Listed Rotorua Stakes 12 months ago and she had no trouble defending her title with a comprehensive win in the fillies’ and mares’ feature.

“Her work on Tuesday morning was phenomenal and I thought she was a gilt-edged prospect,” the New Plymouth horseman said. Unlike last year when I Do was turned out after Rotorua, Sharrock is keen for one more roll of the dice. “She’s a bonny mare and we might go to the weight-for-age at Wanganui (Listed Ag Challenge Stakes, May 31) – there’s $50,000 beckoning there,” he said.

Raced by Sharrock and WS who bred the daughter of No Excuse Needed together, I Do was ridden by Opie Bosson and he had no concerns during the race. “She cruised into the race beautifully and it was just a matter if letting the brakes go,” rider Opie Bosson said. “When I asked her to quicken up I had a heap of horse beneath me.”

I Do also has a victory in the Gr 3 Manawatu Challenge Stakes on her CV to boost her future broodmare value. Out of O’Reilly mare Freequence, she is from the family of the dual Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap winner Black Piranha and the Gr.1 Queensland Derby winner Court Ruler.