Kashmir takes first winning step

25 March 2013

She’s bred to be good and at Matamata today Kashmir gave the first indication she can live up to her pedigree. The WS-owned daughter of O’Reilly and the stakes winner and multiple Gr 1 performer Vedodara was an effortless winner for trainer Roger James.

Spelled after two runs in the spring, the three-year-old showed a fine turn of foot from the top of the straight when asked for an effort by rider Opie Bosson. She quickly put paid to her rivals and coasted the post with a length and a-quarter to spare.

Kashmir is a half-sister to the Gr 1 Avondale Gold Cup winner Sharvasti, the dual Gr 3 King’s Plate and Cuddle Stakes winner Bhandara and the Gr 3 Hawke’s Bay Guineas winner Shastri. Gr 1 Easter Handicap runner-up Balmacara is another well-perfofmed member of the family.

Wolfy reacts well to change

A tactical change by trainer Nicky Ryan saw Tivaci’s son, Wolfy, triumph at Flemington on Saturday. Dropping back to 1200 metres with blinkers applied, the Waikato Stud-bred four-year-old stormed to victory under Ethan Brown, showcasing a powerful finish to secure his third career win.

18 January 2025

Frustrating runs ends in style

Slipper Island returned to winning ways at Trentham with a powerful finish over 1200 metres, ending a 17-month drought despite consistent form with seven placings. Trainer Tony Pike praised the stable favourite, describing him as “frustrating but talented.” A son of No Nay Never, he was purchased for $180,000 at Karaka.