Backed into favouritism ($2.90), with apprentice jockey Kozzi Asano aboard, Queen Constantine took up a front-running role and was never hampered by her competition, running away to a comfortable 3-3/4 length victory.

The European import had previously started four times in New Zealand for owner Kevin Hickman of Valachi Downs, each on dead footing but seemed to relish an extra amount of give on Thursday for trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer.

“She hadn’t really fired in two starts at Ruakaka, but she’d shown in track work to be a fairly handy horse so we trekked down in the hope of winning at Wanganui,” Autridge said.

“She’s a lovely little mare, a real cracker, and we’re pleased to get the win. Now with that under her belt, there’s no reason she can’t go on with it. Who knows, she might get some black type in a staying race with some give in the ground heading into spring.

“Kevin (Hickman, Valachi Downs Principal) and Rick Wylie bought her overseas. She won three up to 2200m and let’s hope we can win another three here. She’s not big, but she’s very strong and they said in Europe that she just keeps going.”

Autridge said the next assignment for Queen Constantine could be over 2000m at New Plymouth on July 24.

Meanwhile, Autridge is excited about several stable prospects ahead of spring racing. 
 

“At Valachi, the spring team is warming up,” he said. “We’ll have 25 horses to trial in the next month and we should have a bit of fun.”