Written by Richard Edmunds
Its sponsor and its position in the spring racing calendar may have changed, but Godolphin’s dominance rolled on in Saturday’s G3 New Zealand Bloodstock Spring S. at Newcastle.
The 3-year-old feature was previously held in September, and Godolphin won it in each of the last two years with Astoria (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) and Aramayo (Poet’s Voice {GB}).
On Saturday, Asiago (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) followed in their footsteps and delivered a third straight Spring S. win for the all-blue colours.
Unlike her predecessors, however, Asiago is a filly – just the fourth one ever to win the Spring S., joining Lotteria (Redoute’s Choice) in 2004, Lovemelikearock (Fastnet Rock) in 2009 and Invincible Gem (I Am Invincible) in 2016.
And unlike Astoria and Aramayo, who were both among the favourites in their respective years, Asiago’s victory went against the odds in a 20-to-one upset.
After beginning the spring with three consecutive wins at Hawkesbury, Newcastle and Kembla Grange between August and early October, Asiago’s campaign veered off course when she dropped out to finish second-last in the G2 Fillies’ Classic at The Valley on October 26. But on Saturday she got her season back on track in perfect style.
Asiago
Ridden by Rachel King, Asiago stalked the front-running favourite Rule The World (Hallowed Crown) up to the home turn. When the pressure went on in the straight, Rule The World was no match for Asiago’s slick turn of foot.
The filly dashed clear, getting herself out of the reach of the fast-finishing local runner Game of Thorns (Animal Kingdom {USA}). Asiago held on by a half-neck, with Donandkim (Smart Missile) another 0.5l behind that pair in third position. Rule The World was swamped in the straight and crossed the finish line in fifth, beaten just over 2l.
“She (Asiago) came back and relaxed really well just off the leader" King said.
“The leader gave a really good kick from the 600, but she wasn't going to let him get away and she was really strong late. She just keeps getting better every run and keeps stepping up to the mark.”
Rachel King
Asiago now has four wins to her name from nine starts. She comes from a quality family, being a daughter of stakes winner Disputes (Manton) and closely related to G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Divorces (Domesday), and she now has some black type of her own.
“Having some black type to her name now is a perfect result,” said Darren Beadman, assistant to trainer James Cummings.
“Having some black type to her name now is a perfect result." - Darren Beadman
“In her last start, we had a throw at the stumps over the mile at The Valley. But she went too hard in front and just gassed herself out.
“Rachel controlled the race today, she took all the guesswork out of it when she followed the favourite across.
“This is normally a colts’ type of race, and this win will set her up for something nice over the autumn carnival.”
