Promising three-year-old filly Spring Delight is a bridesmaid no longer.

 

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained filly has been runner-up in three of her five previous starts and managed to break through for her maiden victory in the Magness The Mighty Steam Train 2100 at Avondale on Wednesday.

 

The daughter of Tavistock settled off the pace for in-form hoop Matthew Cameron before he improved her three-wide at the 600m mark.

 

Spring Delight took control of the race down the straight, winning comfortably by 2-3/4 lengths over Acacia, with 2-1/2 lengths back to Rusalka in third.

 

“It was a really good effort,” Forsman said. 

 

“First run over ground with blinkers on, she got into a bit of a niggly position in the run, but she was too good.

 

“She has been in really good form. She just hit the front a couple of times and just knocked off the job and I think the blinkers really helped.”

 

 

 

 

Savabeel mare Tantalising made it back-to-back wins when she took out the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race 1600 at Avondale on Wednesday.

 

The Stephen Marsh-trained runner was sent back to the rear of the field by jockey Sam Collett, where she stalked her four competitors throughout. 

 

Collett presented her charge at the home turn where she was able to gather in her opposition and run away to win by 1-1/4 lengths over Excelsior Island, with Pullyoursocksup a further long neck back in third.

 

“It was a tactical affair,” Racing Manager Todd Pollard said. 

 

“Sam went back last, but she has that good turn of foot at the end of the race, which she always has, and that was evident today.

 

“She’s a mare who has kept improving and is turning into quite a nice mare to go back-to-back. 

 

“She is only lightly raced and she has already won two, so it’s quite good for the Valachi team.”