Otaki Stakes race Next for Unbeaten 2YO

Unbeaten kiwi 2YO filly Catsacharmer (Charm Spirit) has booked herself a place in the Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki in three weeks after lifting herself off the canvas to claim victory at Te Rapa on Saturday. Having just her second career run after scoring impressively over 800m on debut at Otaki last month, the Charm Spirit filly was backed into an odds-on quote of $1.80 for the 1200m contest, reports racingnews.co.nz. Allowed to stride to the front by rider Danielle Johnson, Catsacharmer looked to be in trouble turning for home as several rivals, including eventual runner-up Burgundy Dancer (NZ) (Burgundy), launched their bids for victory. Clearly headed by Burgundy Dancer at the 200m, Catsacharmer lifted bravely under the urgings of Johnson to snatch the lead back in the final few metres to win by a short head with Treasure State (Trust in a Gust) just a short neck away in third. Sharrock, who was watching on from Awapuni where he produced highly regarded 3YO Butler (Showcasing) for an effortless win earlier in the day, was left shaking his head in disbelief that his charge had managed to take the victory. Sharrock enthused, “That’s not something you see every day and certainly not by a 2YO… I think we have to try and get some black type with her now, so I’ll set her for the Ryder Stakes at the end of the month.”

Catsacharmer (checked sleeves) fought back (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)