Under-rated mare Santa Monica showed she was ready to tackle her biggest assignment next month after producing a comprehensive performance to win at New Plymouth yesterday.
The five-year-old had registered a pair of runner-up finishes at her most recent starts, with one of those coming behind speed machine Prom Queen at Ruakaka. Despite that form recommendation, the Per Incanto mare was largely overlooked as a winning chance in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).
A tardy start didn't enhance her prospects but aided by a heady ride by apprentice Darren Danis, who hugged the rails throughout, Santa Monica produced an irresistible finish to burst clear in the closing stages and claim her fourth career victory from just her 22nd start.
Trainer Stephen Ralph admitted he got a bit of a surprise when his charge burst up the fence in the straight as he had been anticipating her finishing on out wide.
"I lost her on the corner and was looking out wide for her," Ralph said.
