Gritty mare Nicoletta is no longer a bridesmaid at the elite level after claiming her maiden Group 1 title in yesterday's Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha.
The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained five-year-old had been a group three winner earlier in her career buther best results at the highest level had been a third in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa and a similar placing in last year's edition of the Te Aroha feature.
Racing in the colours of owner Lib Petagna, Nicoletta had disappointed somewhat in her three runs in her current campaign. However, she hinted a return to form was imminent when battling on nicely when finishing close up in the Group 2 Japan NZ International Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga last month.
Some inspired pre-race instructions from co-trainer Andrew Forsman and an inch-perfect effort from rider Jake Bayliss saw the Savabeel mare dictate terms from the front throughout. Nicoletta established a break on her nearest pursuers turning for home before staving off the fast-closing Supera and Australian visitor Luvaluva in a desperate finish to the contest.
"He [Bayliss] rode her a treat," Forsman said. "She's twice Group1-placed and is deserving of a Group1 win so I'm glad she's got it.
"He timed it to perfection as I said 'just out-stay them as she won't beat them in a sprint home'. He took it to them and she was just the toughest, fittest horse. They were coming at her late, but he got it right."
Forsman was pleased the mare had finally enjoyed some luck after things had not gone to plan recently.
"She just hasn't had anything go right," he said. "She hasn't been going poorly and looked outstanding [yesterday]. I said to Jake that she was hard-fit and ready to go so put her in the race and give her her chance. She is good enough to beat these types of horses and she showed that [yesterday]."
For Bayliss, the victory was his third at Group 1 level and a nice farewell present as he prepares to head home to Queensland for a three-month stint before returning to New Zealand.
