Clara Jane earned a shot at black-type with a typically brave win in the Waikato Stud 1600 at Te Rapa today.
Continuing her run of winter form, the Istidaad mare made the most of a perfect trip given her by Mark Du Plessis, who bounced her from the outside gate and eased her into a trail.
He then angled her through to challenge with 300 metres to go and hold out determined challengers Lion Red and Kapsboy. At the line she had a neck to spare over Lion Red, with a short head to Kapsboy.
“That’s her, she tries like hell, loves a fight,” said trainer Roger James. “I think she deserves a shot at black-type now. A race the Matamata Cup could suit her.”
Today’s race marked Clara Jane’s fifth consecutive appearance at Te Rapa, beginning with a fresh-up fifth in May and a win in early June. Since then she has registered a second and a fourth and all up she has won three of her nine starts at Waikato headquarters along with three minor placings.
- The Informant
