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New Zealand Racing News
Saturday, February 11 2017

Murray Baker knew the only way to try and end the winning streak of Volpe Veloce at Te Rapa today was to ensure the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic was run at a genuine clip.

Bonneval (outer) and Nicoletta providing Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman with the quinella in today's Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic.

Bonneval (Matt Cameron) and Nicoletta (rails) providing Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman with the quinella in today’s Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic.

The Cambridge horseman’s pre-race plan worked to perfection with his representatives Bonneval and Nicoletta dominating the finish of the Cambridge Stud-sponsored fillies’ 2000-metre feature.

“We knew the only way we could beat her was to make it a staying test,” said Baker. “Volpe Veloce is an outstanding filly and she’d won seven straight. I can’t recall that being done since Sunline.”

Last-start Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes winner Nicoletta over-raced early before rider Michael Coleman allowed her to stride to the front. She then settled well and fought tooth and nail to the post.

“She was pulling and he rated her perfectly and she was only beaten on the line,” said Baker, whose training partner Andrew Forsman is in Melbourne with the stable star Turn Me Loose.

Bonneval had been set alight by Matt Cameron 700 metres from home and the Makfi filly was able to sustain a long run to earn a head decision over her stablemate.

“She’s a very good filly and both of them will be heading to Trentham for the Oaks,” said Baker.

Devise enjoyed a good run behind the pace and she stuck to her task well in the run home to take third money off the commanding favourite Volpe Veloce.

Rider Johnathan Parkes took her back to last from a wide gate before they got an ideal drag into the race behind Bonneval.

Volpe Veloce was in trouble soon after straightening, but to her credit she stuck on grimly to finish fourth and a little under three lengths off the winner.

Posted by: AT 02:49 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
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