Quintessa takes out Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes
In the thrilling Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings, Quintessa showcased her exceptional talent, securing a memorable victory for Te Akau Racing.
The daughter of the illustrious Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) champion, Shamus Award, demonstrated her prowess once again, making this her third consecutive triumph.
Despite the challenging task of starting from the outside gate in a 13-horse field, jockey Opie Bosson maintained his composure.
He allowed Quintessa to find her rhythm in the early stages of the race, patiently tracking behind the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) victor, Chantilly Lace, as they approached the pivotal home bend.
With a balanced approach, Bosson summoned Quintessa’s latent power, enabling her to surge past Chantilly Lace and Oneira in a remarkable display of speed and determination.
This victory marked her third consecutive win, affirming her status as a formidable contender for future spring classics.
2023 Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes Replay – Quintessa | J: Opie Bosson | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson
Bosson, recognizing Quintessa’s potential, remarked, “She is a very classy filly who is still learning, so when she gets out to a mile look out.
“Everything ended up going nicely as we got a good track into the race, and she did the rest. It was very impressive.”
Co-trainer Mark Walker, in partnership with new training collaborator Sam Bergerson, acknowledged Quintessa’s promise and hinted at her potential appearance in the $1.5 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in late January.
He noted, “She is a pretty exciting filly as on her pedigree, you wouldn’t think she would be doing this, as she is out of a High Chaparral mare that won over 2600m. There is a lot of upside to her.
“Opie summed it up nicely and got her in from the wide draw as he is riding in great form so early in the season.
“We will get her home now and see how she pulls up.
“Although she is nominated for the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m), there is also the carrot of the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m), and on her pedigree, she is bred to get a lot more distance, so we will just take it one race at a time.”