Tough as titanium win for Titaness at Newcastle
TITANESS stamped herself as a filly to follow when breaking through for her first career win over 1350m at Newcastle on Tuesday.
Ridden by in-form apprentice Rachel King, Titaness fought out a tough battle with race-favourite Bodhi Blue in the home straight to register a one-quarter-length win, with Ultraman almost three lengths behind in third.
It was a deserved win for the three-year-old which had been knocking on the door at her three prior starts, her most recent being a solid second at the Sapphire Coast on June 11.
Trainer Theresa Bateup said it was a big relief to get Titaness’ maiden win on the board in tough fashion, with the lightly raced filly still with plenty to learn.
“She has still got no idea so there are lots of positives to come out of today’s run,” Bateup told Horse Betting.
“One part of the straight I thought the favourite had us, but she is such a tough little filly and Rachel is such a good rider – she really lifted her across the line.
“Rachel said she was looking at the other horse in the home straight was was wary of it coming close to her – but all she needed was a bit of a pat and to be told to keep going.
“After that she dug in deep – it was great to see.”
The win was especially rewarding for Bateup who dove in the deep end by buying the daughter of Pluck and Adequate when she was listed for sale on the internet.
“I bought her two-year-old half sister at the Scone Yearling Sale last year and then I saw her advertised online for sale.
“When I saw the breeding I made some enquiries and bought her because her little sister goes quite nice– I didn’t pay a lot for her and at the same time I also bought another yearling half sister as well.
Ring-a-Ding-Ding it’s another win for Rachel King as she lifts Titaness off the canvas to nose out Bodhi Blue in Race 6 at #Newcastle! pic.twitter.com/VoN3ataJLl
— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 27, 2017
“It’s only early days but I’m hopeful that I’ve made a good investment.”
Bateup, who has 25 in work at Kembla Grange, said there are no immediate plans for Titaness and that she will monitor the brown filly before deciding what’s next.
“She is only a three-year-old and she is still very immature in the head so I just want to take her home and see how she pulls up.
“If she pulls up well there is probably another start or two in her before she looks for the paddock – but I’ll just let her tell me.
“She is a nice filly – she is still learning what its all about – I think she has a good future ahead of her.”