Top O’Reilly filly firms for classic

20 September 2014

O’Reilly’s outstanding daughter O’Marilyn is already a short order for the Gr 1 NZB 1000 Guineas. A spectacular return to racing this afternoon to claim the Gr 3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes has seen TAB bookmakers bring her into $4 favouritism for the Riccarton classic.

Last season’s leading filly after her Gr 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes success, O’Marilyn sat in behind the pace at Hastings before she ran into trouble 300 metres from home.

“It was a bit tricky at times and it got a bit tight up the straight and I knew all I needed was a needle eye gap as she’s got such a great turn of foot,” rider Sam Spratt said.

Her prayers were answered along the fence and O’Marilyn showed her acceleration to power home for a decisive victory.

“That’s the best draw (three) she’s had and she missed away,” trainer Stephen McKee said. “It was a little bit eerie at the 300 until a gap opened up.”

“Obviously, the Guineas at Christchurch is her main aim, but how we get there I’m not that sure yet – probably the Sarten Memorial next. Being by O’Reilly out of a Zabeel mare you would expect her to go further.”

A $130,000 Karaka yearling, O’Marilyn is a half-sister to the Group One winners Anacheeva (Caulfield Guineas) and Headturner (Australian Derby). It is also the family of Viennetta (Gr 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes).

Porcia Catonis powers home as Super Seth’s rise continues

Super Seth’s strong run continues with Porcia Catonis, who delivered a dominant win at Riccarton for Fortuna Racing. The lightly raced filly is now a two-time winner and adds to a stellar season for her sire, who boasts three Group 1 winners and a 4.34% G1 winners-to-runners strike rate.

28 May 2025

Gutsy bebut win for Ardrossan’s Macallan

Ardrossan’s son Macallan impressed on debut in Thursday’s opener at Tauranga, overcoming Heavy10 conditions to win the Tierra Maiden 3YO (1200m) by 1.3 lengths. Trained by Wexford Stables and racing for JML Bloodstock, the gelding showed toughness and class to finish strongly before the meeting was abandoned due to weather.