It was widely suspected that Recite would be a class above her rivals in Saturday's Group 1 Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni, so it was no surprise to see her cruise to an effortless win that extended her unbeaten career record to four.
But it still must rank as one of the memorable moments in Hastings trainer John Bary's spectacular career, as it completed a dream double in the feature races on Palmerston North's biggest raceday, after Survived won the Group 3 Manawatu Classic.
Recite has become one of the shining lights in what must rank among the strongest groups of 2-year-old fillies seen in New Zealand in a long time - with Ruud Awakening also set to fly our flag in the Golden Slipper next week.
Recite seems to be getting better and better. The Darci Brahma filly has oozed class from the beginning, but in her last couple of starts she's gone to another level. While she was able to easily dominate from on, or near, the pace in her first couple of starts, she hasn't had things all her way in the last two - but that's only brought out the best in her.
At Matamata she had that memorable, gut-busting battle with Bounding all the way down the home straight - a race Bounding still seemed to be feeling the effects of in her next start, when she failed to produce her usual sprint and fight and was a well-beaten second behind Ruud Awakening.
No such problem for Recite on Saturday.
But, stepping up over 1400m for the first time, she found herself further back in the field than she'd been before. But we can add versatility to the list of Recite's qualities. Sent to the outside and asked for her effort at the top of the straight, Recite devoured that deficit in no time and swept to the lead, crossing the line in 1:23.25 for an emphatic one-and-a-half-length victory.
Bary said after the race that Recite was off to the paddock for a break before returning in spring, with the logical target the Group 1 1000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.
Meanwhile, a Brisbane winter campaign is on the cards for rapid improver Survived after his spectacular late burst to clinch Group 3 glory in the Manawatu Classic. A crack at the New Zealand Derby was briefly considered but its early March date was a little too soon. His connections' patience has reaped rewards and Survived is now improving in leaps and bounds.
Saturday's effort was by far his best yet - especially if you consider the energy expended and stress when he tipped off Jonathan Riddell on the way to the start and galloped riderless for several hundred metres, having to be checked by the vet before being allowed to start. Just a few minutes later, though, you would never have guessed. Survived settled beautifully for much of the race and exploded down the straight, roaring past Usainity and Platinum Kingdom for a super-impressive win. If Survived takes the form he showed on Saturday to Brisbane, he's going to take some beating.
The Manawatu Classic was also a terrific result for the unheralded stallion Zed. The son of champion sire Zabeel and Group 1 winner Emerald Dream started his stud career at a service fee of $500. Having sired Survived and runner-up Usainity in the Manawatu Classic, his service fee might be a little higher next season.