By Oz Wedmore
Although she finished only in third to Bunker Hut, it was John Sargent’s Pink Ivory (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) who really caught the eye. She was settled in last by William Pike but started picking up her rivals with ease late on, doing so under her motionless rider.
The 4-year-old mare was on the hunt for Group 1 glory last season, and got as close as fifth in the G1 Vinery Stud S. with a creditable performance. She got back to winning ways this season in a BM78 over 1800 metres at Rosehill on September 10, and is very well thought of by her trainer.
Whilst she holds some top-flight entries for next month, her trainer is looking to build her profile a little more slowly over the coming weeks.
“She’ll run Saturday week at Randwick, just in a BM78 over 2000 metres. Then she’ll go down for the Matriarch, a Group 2 for the mares at Flemington over 2000 (metres),” John Sargent told TDN AusNZ.
“She’ll (Pink Ivory) run Saturday week at Randwick… Then she’ll go down for the Matriarch, a Group 2 for the mares at Flemington over 2000 (metres).” – John Sargent
“She’s come up real good… She’s a lot stronger now, more mature mentally and physically – very happy with her.”
Her development, coupled with her performance on Monday, left the trainer in no doubt that there’s a top-flight success lying ahead for the filly at some point.
“She’ll get her Group 1 eventually, for sure,” he concluded.
