Chantilly Lace claims Listed Wanganui Guineas
Trainer Chrissy Bambry experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on Saturday, transitioning from frustration to elation in just half an hour. Her talented three-year-old filly, Chantilly Lace, secured consecutive stakes victories with a courageous win in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m).
In a previous race, Bambry’s Flower Of Wanaka, trained by her, had appeared unfortunate as she surged into second place but was held up for a considerable stretch of the home straight by apprentice Lily Sutherland. However, Sutherland ensured history did not repeat itself on Chantilly Lace, a daughter of US Navy Flag.
Sutherland positioned Chantilly Lace at the back of the eight-horse field but initiated a sweeping move at the 600m mark, engaging with the leaders halfway down the home straight.
Despite a strong challenge from Jonathan Riddell and the promising maiden Lantern Way in the final stages, Chantilly Lace displayed remarkable determination to secure victory by a neck, completing a stakes double at the same venue where she had previously triumphed in June in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) during her two-year-old campaign.
2023 Listed Wanganui Guineas – Chantilly Lace – J: Lily Sutherland – T: Chrissy Bambry
Chrissy Bambry, who co-owns the filly with her parents Tony and Judith, continued a family tradition of success in the race, having previously claimed it with Lord Turbo in 2013 and Alcaldesa in 2015.
“She was very brave as she had to do some work, I know Lily has faith in her, and she got the best out of her,” Bambry praised.
“She is a real tough horse, and when we saw our barrier draw (8 of 8), I knew we would have to go back as we didn’t want to see her caught three wide.
“She relaxed nicely and was so strong when she made her run.
“She doesn’t shy away from a fight, and when she gets her head in front, she is hard to run down.”
Saturday’s victory provides an ideal platform for Chantilly Lace, who has her sights set on the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 17.
“We can take confidence from this win, and we know she can perform on a good track, so the 1000 Guineas is definitely in our thinking,” Bambry confirmed.
“We might look to back her up in the Gold Trail Stakes (Group 3, 1200m) at Hastings next week, and then we can assess the path to Riccarton.”
The Bambry family and bloodstock agent Paul Moroney acquired Chantilly Lace for NZ$66,000 through the Valachi Downs Dispersal Sale.
Her three victories from nine starts have repaid their faith, earning over NZ$105,000 in prize money and significantly boosting her future broodmare potential once her racing career concludes.