Racing: Trainer boldly backs filly

John Sargent had some inside knowledge about a Don Eduardo-sired yearling colt entered in the Karaka Sales this month - and he went to $100,000 to get what he wanted.

The yearling colt is a half-brother to Sargent's outstanding 2-year-old filly Naturo, an impressive winner of the (Group Two) Robin, Duke Of Bedford Matamata Breeders Stakes.

Sargent has a massive opinion of Naturo and backed that judgment when going to six figures to secure another member of the same family at the yearling sales.

This was a bold move considering the filly had had just the one race start before the yearling sales.

Yesterday, Naturo settled perfectly in midfield in the the $100,000 event and tracked the favourite Italia.

When Jason Waddell pulled Naturo out into the middle of the track in the home stretch, the response was staggering. She lengthened stride like a well-balanced athlete to reel in her rivals effortlessly.

Naturo scored by a half length over Chant with a further 1 lengths back to Trudy Tee (third).

Italia was gallant in defeat finishing fourth, just over two lengths from the winner, after starting from a wide barrier draw.

However, all honours were with the winner, having only her second race start following a winning debut on December 3 at Trentham.

"The big thing with this filly is her temperament as she is more like a 3-year-old in her attitude as opposed to a 2-year-old," said Sargent.

"She's always had the ability to be a top-class filly and this was the race I've set her for all season.

"The breeders put Naturo into the yearling sales but she was passed in at $9000. Then they took on board some additional owners and decided to race her themselves.

"As soon as I found out that there was a half-brother entered in this year's sale I was determined to get him. The pity for the breeders is that the dam [Rubiton's Best] died while giving birth.

"But at least they have this filly to carry on the breeding bloodlines."

Waddell was in good form at the Matamata meeting, kicking home likely Auckland Cup favourite Pentane to a narrow neck victory over Shinko Prince and Our Kitty in the feature flat event.

Pentane came with a powerful finishing burst out wide to win narrowly while Our Kitty closed quickly late through the middle of the field.

Another to catch the eye was the fifth-placed Kerry O'Reilly who battled on well late to finish within two lengths of the winner. An impressive performance from a horse looking to win over 3200 metres.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY