All eyes were on Royal Randwick for Randwick Guineas Day and while the weather was less than ideal the racing action on track was to the level expected as we continue on the path to the Golden Slipper, the biggest talking point of the day was the run of Shelby Sixtysix splitting the greats – Eduardo and Nature Strip.
While all the action at Randwick didn’t disappoint those that braved the conditions, the stable sent a small team of runners up to the supporting meeting at Newcastle on the provincial circuit of NSW. One of the runners was 3yr filly PINK IVORY.
The hombred filly for Gerry Harvey has always shown her ability from early on when joining the stable late last year, especially when she broke the maiden status at just her second start at Gosford on New Years Day over the 1600m with apprentice Tom Sherry in the saddle. She was then sent for a well earned break and returned in a barrier trial at Hawkesbury at the beginning of the month where she finished 3rd and showed her readiness to head straight back to the races.
John opted to start the filly by Redwood at Newcastle on the 12th and she finished an impressive 2nd behind the unbeaten Godolphin filly Tipitina over the mile with Rory Hutchings in the saddle. Having come through that run well, John identified Saturday’s race as another suitable option for the filly to continue on her path toward the Oaks over the Autumn Carnival. This time stepping out over the 1880m and with Rory back in the saddle, the pair jumped and settled toward the rear of the field but on the back of the Godolphin filly.
900m left to run and Hutchings stoked up the filly to begin circling the field to edge closer, turning for home and into the clear Rory was able to give Pink Ivory some encouragement with the persuader and she was able to grind her through her gears and in the final furlong she was able to run away from them, turning the tables on her Godolphin rival by over 4 lengths.
Pink Ivory has come through the run well and next up will head to the Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m on the 26th at Rosehill and all going well with that run she will continue onto the Australian Oaks on Day 2 of The Championships.
