Racing: Class filly lets victory talk for her

Volpe Veloce leads the field home at Wanganui. Photo / Race Images

Volpe Veloce's victory in the Listed Castletown Stakes proved hugely satisfying to Graham Richardson.

"There's a lot of loyal owners who stuck by me with this filly so I'm absolutely chuffed," the Matamata trainer said.

"I don't like getting carried away and I'll let her do the talking - it was a big thrill. She's pretty smart."

Richardson had concerns about the heavy going at Wanganui yesterday. While she wasn't entirely comfortable, she was still too good for her rivals in the John Turkington Forestry-sponsored feature.

"It was heavy at Matamata during the week and she handled it, but in saying that we never let her head go," he said. "She'll be better on top of the ground."

Volpe Veloce was an impressive first-up winner on her home track in March but missed last month's Listed Hamilton Vets Equine Stakes because of a stone bruise.

Volpe Veloce settled behind the pace and the daughter of Foxwedge rounded off impressively in the straight.

"She did it fairly easily and got the job done well," rider Johnathan Parkes said. "You'll see a lot more of her in her 3-year-old season - she's definitely one to look out for."

Volpe Veloce had two and three quarter lengths to spare on Honey Rider at the post with the debutant Technician a game third after setting the pace while Pluck That, also a first-timer, made late ground for fourth.

- NZ Racing Desk.