The Phoenix Thoroughbreds team are celebrating more success in Australia after Best Stone made it two wins on the bounce with a taking victory at Canterbury.
Jockey Nash Rawiller continued his excellent record aboard the John Thompson trained filly producing a superb rail-hugging ride to grab the glory late on. Rawiller’s form figures on the daughter of I Am Invincible now read 311 and he once again drew the best for the three-year-old.
Breaking from the inside barrier Best Stone gave up her customary position of leading the field as Rawiller gauged the early pacesetters were setting off quickly over the 1250m trip. Content to sit off them in third the winning combination tracked the pace until the turn for home. Initially held up a little when first making their move Rawiller switch Best Stone to the inside to challenge up the rail. As is her way the filly buckled down to power home on the inside to record another win.
“Nash judged that ride well,” Thompson told Sky Sports Racing post-race. “He saw they were going off too quick and settled her back in third. She showed a great turn of foot late; she’s a gutsy little racehorse.”
As for Rawiller he was impressed and a little surprised with his mount.
“Full credit to her, she’s taken a little while to hit her straps,” explained the jockey. “I think since she’s been over the 1250m she’s been able to find her rhythm and be more comfortable in her races. For that reason, she’s been able to hit the line well late.
“There were a few in there I wasn’t sure if she’d be quite up to, but she surprised me tonight, held her ground good and honestly I think she’s one of those horses that will keep getting the job done.”
It’s a good start to the weekend for Phoenix Thoroughbreds who are looking forward to sending out Loving Gaby in the Lightning Stakes as the filly goes in search of her second Group One prize.