Tuesday, March 09, 2010

One of South Australian racings favourite racehorses, Augusta Proud, showed a return to her best form when she took out the Gr 3 RN Irwin Stakes over 1100m yesterday at Morphettville.  Ridden by regular rider Clare Lindop, it was the 4th Stakes Win for the talented 4YO mare who completed the Magic Millions Adelaide and Gold Coast double as an outstanding 2YO.

The Leon McDonald trained mare settled back off the speed before chiming in down the straight with a well timed run to claim the leaders within the final 150m, racing away to win by 1 ½ lengths.  Needless to say, both trainer and an excited group of owners were delighted to see the bonny mare bounce back to her brilliant best.

“She was a great 2YO and once she go up to open company, she’s found it a bit hard,” Macdonald said after the easy win.

“With a lot of speed in the race today, I thought she’d be able to come off their backs and that’s what she did.  As soon as she came off their heels, I was very happy.  She’s a good filly.  She always has been.”

The ever consistent daughter of More Than Ready has now won 8 races and had 5 placings from 22 starts, with earnings of over $1.6million.  It now looks likely August Proud will get her chance for Group 1 glory with her next start possibly in the Gr 1 Robert Sangster at Morphettville later this month.

More Than Ready added another winner on the day in the final race on the program.  The David Hayes 3YO filly Quietzer took out the Boag’s Draught Hcp over 1050m.

Shares are still available in Champion’s More Than Ready/Artistique colt at $12,980 for 10% and $6,490 for 5%.