Outstanding filly Spring Rain put her mysterious Lowland Stakes failure to rest with an emphatic victory in the $50,000 Wellington Breeders' Guineas (1500m) at Trentham, Wellington, yesterday.
Spring Rain stunned her supporters with a lacklustre performance for fourth in the Lowland Stakes for fillies at Hastings on October 7 but there were no such worries yesterday.
Against the colts and geldings in the group two guineas, she jumped brilliantly from a wide draw and was never headed, taking the honours by a half-length from Tit For Taat, with a long neck to Kings Honor.
Said relieved trainer Roger James after the race: "You only need to get beaten once and the knives come out.
"I had my own theory about the Lowland run and I think I was proved right."
James was not about to disclose that theory. However, he expressed confidence before the race that the filly would bounce back strongly, and she did.
James was thrilled to be able to start Spring Rain at Trentham after there had been some doubt earlier about likely track conditions.
He took the precaution of entering the filly in two races at the Waikato meeting yesterday but opted for Trentham after inspecting the track on Saturday.
It dried out more under the hot sun and was close to firm by the time the guineas was run.
Spring Rain clocked 1:28.96 for the 1500m.
The Volksraad filly will now head to Riccarton for the group one $130,000 One Thousand Guineas (1600m) on November 11.
James is unsure of plans beyond that point. The filly is entered for the $150,000 Bayer Classic (1600m) at Otaki on November 30 but James said it was doubtful she would run.
"We will just put her where she is best placed," he said.
James said it had not been intended to lead, but jockey Vinny Colgan had no option after Spring Rain jumped so brilliantly.
He was able to dictate terms and always looked to have the filly's rivals covered, though Tit For Taat and Kings Honor closed in the last 50m.
Tit For Taat, who enjoyed a good trail, battled gamely right to the line for Hayden Tinsley, who was having his first ride back after a break. He carried 1kg overweight at 57kg.
Tinsley said Tit For Taat, having his first run for a month, would be improved by the run.
Trainer Wayne Herbert was encouraged by the effort and said a tilt at the group one $160,000 Two Thousand Guineas at Riccarton on November 15 would be considered.
Kings Honor looked a big chance 200m out but just peaked on his run and Camacho made ground for fourth but was nearly three lengths away.
Rider Noel Harris said Camacho had huge ability but was still learning and doing things wrong.
Herbert said Camacho could be aimed at the Bayer Classic, and may have a couple of runs in lesser company in an attempt to improve his racing manners.
South Islander Sir Clive did well for fifth after copping a severe check after about 300m and then being trapped three wide. He will return home.
Colgan was left shaking his head after shaking hands yesterday cost him a $300 fine.
Colgan was charged with breaching the rules of racing for shaking hands with Spring Rain's owners before he had weighed in after riding the filly to victory in the guineas.
Senior stipendiary steward Noel McCutcheon said it was a clear breach of the rules, and said jockeys had been warned about such action for some time.
McCutcheon has been concerned about increasing slackness over weighing in procedures, as well as jockeys flourishing their whip before reaching the winning post.
Though several jockeys have been fined for brandishing their whips, Colgan is the first to be charged over touching someone before weighing in.
Colgan was visibly upset.
"What could I do? The owners asked me to shake their hands. I don't think it is that important."
- NZPA
Racing: Emphatic win shows filly back on song
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