Hinerangi makes it a winning treble at Trentham
Progressive Cambridge mare Hinerangi enhanced her burgeoning reputation as she completed a winning treble when leading all the way over 1600 metres at Trentham on the weekend.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman trained four-year-old had tripped south to score at the venue in rating 65 company on Wellington Cup day in January after breaking her maiden status at Tauranga in December.
Despite rising in grade to rating 75 company and resuming from an eight week break from the track, the Fastnet Rock mare never looked in danger as rider Matt Cameron rated her nicely in front to score a comfortable three-quarters of a length victory.
Co-trainer Andrew Forsman admitted to some pre-race concerns over the gap between races for the mare, but those worries were quickly dismissed when she received an easy time of it in front.
“We were a little worried about the space between her races, especially if it turned into a bit of a slog,” he said.
“It’s not easy to lead all the way at Trentham but she ended up getting a pretty comfortable trip where she could dictate to them.
“Matt rated her nicely and she found a good kick when he asked her to go. He did say she would probably have been better if he could have taken a trail but the way the race panned out that wasn’t really an option.
“I think as she gets into a better grade there is likely to be more speed on so the turn of foot she does have will certainly be an asset.”
Forsman believes maturity has been the key to the mare’s improved showings in this campaign with better things to come next season.
“She is a big boned mare who was quite weak early on,” he said.
“She just needed time to mature into her frame and this time in she is showing the benefits as she has strengthened up nicely.
“We’re in no hurry with her and will continue to take her through the grades but eventually you would think she could certainly get to stakes company based on what she has shown us.
“She is likely to have one or two more runs before we tip her out although that will depend on the tracks as she won’t handle it when it gets really wet.”
Hinerangi races in the familiar green and gold colours of her breeder and co-owner Christopher Grace who was on-course to celebrate the victory.