No Excuses Needed For Smart Filly

A No Excuse Needed filly from a well-performed family confirmed a bright future with a strong winning performance at New Plymouth today. Nasrina went back to back when she led all of the way to claim a $20,000 special conditions event for Cambridge trainers Tony Pike and Mark Donoghue.

The three-year-old had broken her maiden at Pukekohe at her previous appearance, and fourth lifetime start, and had no trouble stepping to another level. “She’s not a big filly, but she’s always showed plenty of heart and she never gives up,” stable representative Wayne Pike said.

That was evident this afternoon when she stayed on strongly under pressure in the straight for rider Sam Collett. “She’s really tough and has come a long way in a short time,” she said. “She worked a bit to cross them, but then settled beautifully in front and she’ll go further.”

Nasrina is out of the King Delamere mare Delamarda, who is a half-sister to the former quality gallopers Anderil and Impasada. The former won a Telegraph Handicap, while Impasada won both the Royal and Desert Gold Stakes.