Images courtesy of NZ Racing Desk, Trish Dunnell
Hickman bred and races both Needle And Thread, who led all the way to bolt in by 4.5l, and runner-up Lily’s Lady (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) to quinella the age group feature sponsored by his Matamata-based operation.
Both fillies are trained by Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer with Valachi’s retained rider Craig Grylls pulling the right rein to partner Needle And Thread, who finished fourth in the G2 Eight Carat Classic on Boxing Day.
“She was impressive and we thought she would back up well and be suited by the 2000 metres. Craig rode her a treat and they had the rest off the bridle a long way from home,” Shailer said.
“To get the quinella is just great for Kevin and Joanna who put so much money into racing. It’s a big team effort and everyone gets rewarded.”
Needle And Thread and Lily’s Lady hold nominations for the G1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks at Trentham on March 20.
“We’ll see how they pull up and give them a quiet week before we pick a path with them,” Shailer said.
“We’ll see how they pull up and give them a quiet week before we pick a path with them.” – Kris Shailer
Needle And Thread, a sister to Valachi Downs' resident stallion Savile Row (NZ), was quickly into stride and Grylls allowed her to bowl along at the head of affairs.
They surged clear with 300 metres to put the issue beyond doubt with Lily’s Lady coming on well for midfield and Il Affare (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) did well to come from the tail of the field for third, as did the next filly home Beaune (Kermadec {NZ}).
“It’s great to get this Group 2 for Kevin and Joanna and all the Valachi team. She’s a classy filly and she was good here on Boxing Day and the plan was to roll forward,” Grylls said.
“She was a little bit keen and I would have liked her to settle a bit better, but it made no difference and she was just too good for them.”
Needle And Thread is a daughter of two-time winner Fleece (GB) (Daylami {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the G3 Curragh Park S. winner Chintz (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), dam of the dual Group 1 winner and sire The Gurkha (Ire).
