Dolcetto makes it five straight in Metric Mile
DOLCETTO remained a perfect five-from-five when taking out the $70,000 Metric Mile at Awapuni on Saturday.
The Sylvia Kay-trained star was drifting in the market from $4 to $4.60 with CrownBet.com.au, but the five-year-old showed why it’s one of the most improved thoroughbreds in New Zealand this year.
The son of Per Incanto turned around a second placing to race rival Francaletta ($2.20) last October at Hastings by upsetting the favourite and it never looked in doubt as they turned for home.
Dolcetto was on the outside of runners in the better ground and jockey Samantha Collett got the better of Francaletta and Authentic Paddy in the run to the line, extending its winning streak and it’s all coming on unsuitable track conditions.
“We would like some sun and a decent track,” Kay said. “It’s been hard because he’s had sore feet with all the wet.”
The heavy winter in New Zealand has put pay to many top spring hopes, but Dolcetto seems to thrive in all conditions and Kay was happy to see a full team of owners on track at Awapuni.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, especially as the other owners came up from Christchurch,” she said. “That made me a little worried as it’s a long way to come, but I thought he was brilliant today.”
Kay spoke to Horsebetting.com.au earlier this season and expressed a possibility of running on the last day of the Hawke’s Bay spring carnival, but she was more reserved following the impressive win.
“We’ll get over today and then we’ll go from there,” Kay said. “I’m just pleased he went that extra distance, I always thought he would.”
Authentic Paddy battled on well for second and showed why it’s still one of the more consistent winter runners in New Zealand.
Rosewood dove late to secure third place over Our Bandit and Francaletta, which was stuck on the inside of runners, but looked to have its chance at winning.