Racing: Recite cruises to victory

Recite was simply in another class, High Fashion won the race for second almost as comfortably. Photo / Thinkstock

The big Waitangi Day crowd that flocked to Tauherenikau yesterday witnessed history in the making.

Hastings filly Recite powered to a commanding win in the Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes, becoming the first 3-year-old to beat older mares in the listed event in more than two decades.

During a run of four defeats at the beginning of her 2013-14 season, some began to doubt whether the very best of Recite, a former champion 2-year-old, would be seen again.

But now, after two brilliant wins in a row, she's shown she's as good, if not better than ever.

The Darci Brahma filly made a high-quality group of older mares look second-rate, cruising to the finish line two-and-a-half lengths clear. It was effortless, and it was emphatic. These two consecutive wins have boosted Recite's career record to six wins from 10 starts, with another two seconds and two fourths - even in the depths of her form slump, she was never beaten by a big margin. The last two wins rank among the very best of her career, and the huge future she looked destined for at this time last year now once again looks attainable.

If John Bary and the Recite team were looking for an indication yesterday of whether Recite might be up to an ambitious assault on next month's Australian Guineas in Melbourne, they got their answer.

While Recite was simply in another class, High Fashion won the race for second almost as comfortably. Arietta and Roc de Chine dead-heated for third, with Soriano right alongside them.

Recite's win was a wonderful result for Hastings, but unfortunately the outcome wasn't as good for the other Hawke's Bay runner in the race. Stepping up from rating 75 to stakes company is a big ask, and Colourful Lady wasn't quite up to it yesterday. She finished last of the 11 runners, 18.1 lengths from Recite.

There were other good results for Hawke's Bay horses earlier in the day. Three-year-old Captain Zippo made a winning debut in the first race of the day, beating Miss Kaylee by half a head in an exciting finish.

Bary's first-starter, Lenin The Brown, finished second in the 2-year-old sprint. The Savabeel gelding was convincingly beaten by Silk Belt, who won the race by an impressive two-and-a-quarter lengths.

Cajun gave Bary another placing, running third to Marton mare Rohaise in the rating 75 mile.