Inflamed scorches to Breeders’ Stakes triumph
A last start victory on her home track at Wingatui less than a week ago provided the springboard for underrated mare Inflamed (NZ) (Ghibellines) to capture an all-important black type victory in the Gr.3 Donaldson Brown South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.
Co-trainer Shane Anderton admitted he had had some doubts about the six-day back up for the daughter of former White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines, but advice from his legendary training partner, his father Brian, had convinced him to line the mare up in the Group Three contest.
“I was a wee bit doubtful to start her, but Dad said we’re going as she’s a mare and we need that black type,” Anderton said.
“He was right and she got the job done.”
Stable jockey Corey Campbell gave Inflamed the perfect trip outside pacemaker Ears Back and began to increase pressure on that runner at the 600m. Inflamed quickly took over turning for home but was joined by Auckland visitor Pour The Wine (NZ) (Telperion) and the pair went hoof to hoof over the closing stages.
Inflamed refused to give in and edged away at the 50m to win by three quarters of a length from a gallant Pour The Wine with local runner Third Decree (NZ) (War Decree) running home well for third.
Anderton felt the Good 4 track had played in the mare’s favour as she relished the firmer footing on offer.
“She does like good ground and it is probably the first time she has struck that for a wee while,” he said.
“She had done a bit of work early on, but Corey held her up for as long as he could and she really hit the line.
“She held her ground pretty good so it was a good effort.
“We will take her home now and let the dust settle, but she is probably not away from being a broodmare although she has raced really well this season.”
Bred and raced by Brian Anderton ONZM and the estate of his late wife Lorraine, Inflamed is out of stakes-winning Gallant Guru mare Ortem Fire (NZ), a half-sister to Group Three winner Inferno, the dam of Group One winner Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines)
Inflamed has proven to be a solid performer on the track, having now won eight of her 35 starts and has earned just shy of $326,000 in prizemoney.
