Best Stone continued her love affair with Canterbury with a gate to wire victory on Monday, October 5.
The Phoenix Thoroughbreds owned mare recorded her fourth win in five starts at the track which have all been recorded with jockey Nash Rawiller on her back.
John Thompson’s charge was stepping down from an excellent front-running performance in the Group Three Tibbie Stakes and proved popular in the betting. Despite being drawn in an outside gate for the third time in six starts this preparation, the daughter of I Am Invincible was not to be denied.
Blasting from the barrier, for the 1250m trip, the four-year-old showed exceptional natural speed to get the front, and notably to the rail. Rawiller was able to ease his mount into a nice pace as the partnership enjoyed an uncontested lead. Moving through the turn for home it was noticeable that Best Stone’s main rivals weren’t travelling as sweetly as she was. In the straight, she was the last off the bridle, so Rawiller asked her to kick on and win her race which she did with a bit to spare.
“She’s such an honest mare and she does it the tough way,” Thompson told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“She’s had six runs this prep and drawn the outside three times. In the stakes race (The Tobbie Stakes) the other day she drew 13 of 15 and was still in front at the 100, It was just a little far for her. She’s just very gutsy, gives her all and is very professional.
“Just does everything correctly. Nash knows her and rides her well and it’s great to get another winner for Phoenix.”