Tsarine makes it two on end at Mornington

Well-bred Savabeel mare Tsarine (NZ) (Savabeel) continued her affinity with Mornington on Saturday, producing a strong finishing burst to win the Sportsbet BlackBook Handicap (1200m).

Prepared by Anthony and Sam Freedman, the five-year-old made it back-to-back victories at the course under a patient ride from Ethan Brown, taking her record to three wins and six placings from 12 starts.

Brown was content to settle Tsarine towards the rear of the field as a strong tempo developed in front, before bringing the mare to the outside and allowing her to build momentum in the straight.

Despite some concern that the leaders may have gained an advantage earlier on the card, stable representative Billie Rodda said Brown had ridden Tsarine perfectly.

“The first race was dominated by an on-pace runner, so we were probably a little bit concerned about whether she was going to be able to make up the ground,” Rodda said.

“But Ethan has really figured her out. It was just rinse and repeat from last start and he’s done it again.

“It’s really good to see her step up in grade and manage to put another one together.”

Tsarine races in the colours of Hilldene Farm, which is owned and operated by Nick Wakim, and Rodda said Saturday’s success was a deserved result for the prominent owner-breeder.

“It’s really good for Nick Wakim and his team back at Hilldene Farm,” she said.

“He’s very patient with his fillies and he always has very well-bred mares, so it’s great to come here today and get the win for him.”

Brown believes Mornington’s racing pattern is particularly well suited to Tsarine, who can race keenly when the tempo is not strong enough.

“Certain horses go around here better than others and she’s adapted really well to this place,” Brown said.

“I think it’s just the way the races are run here. There’s generally a bit of pressure over a sprint trip at Mornington and that sets up well for her.

“She can get a bit keen and a bit light in her mouth, so a good pace suited her well today and suited her last start as well.

“I knew they’d gone hard enough that I could make ground, but after watching the first race I wasn’t sure if I was too far back.

“But she’s fit and when I set her alight, away she went.”

The victory added further value to Tsarine’s pedigree, with Brown confident there is more to come from the lightly-raced mare.

“It’s a great thrill for Nick. That’s two in a row for this mare and it’s good for her pedigree to get a city win now,” he said.

“She’s in the right stable to keep progressing.”

Bred by David Wallace, Tsarine is by Savabeel out of the Darci Brahma mare Champagne Tastes (NZ), a half-sister to stakes winners Hasahalo (NZ) (Savabeel), Hasabro (NZ) (Savabeel), All Saints’ Eve (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and All Hallows’ Eve (NZ) (Sacred Falls).