More Success for Mastercraftsman Mare
Talented mare Thee Auld Floozie (5m Mastercraftsman x Thee Auld Hussie, by Spinning World) has been enjoying an outstanding season and it got even better at Ellerslie on Thursday with further feature race success.
The Group I winner of the Thorndon Mile at her previous appearance, the game grey produced a determined performance to add the Group II Westbury Classic (1400m) to her record for part-owner and trainer Stephen Marsh.
“There wasn’t much in it, she was brave,” the Cambridge horseman said. “She knocked up the last bit and she will be perfect for the Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha now, that’s the logical race for her.
“After that we’ll have a crack at the 2000 metre race (the Group II Travis Stakes) at Te Rapa on April 29 and then she’ll go to the paddock.
“She’s a fully grown mare now and I think she’s going to be even better next season.”
Thee Auld Floozie has understandably made a huge impression on jockey Rosie Myers, who rode her for the first time when they were second in the Listed Anniversary Handicap before they triumphed in the Thorndon.
“I love this horse – she’s got so much attitude and she tries so hard,” she said.
“She puts herself in the race and wants a fight. She won very well again.”
Thee Auld Floozie raced close to the pace and one off the fence before she hit the front 250 metres from home and fended off the late challenge of Mime, who had to change ground in the straight, by the barest of margins.