Promising harness racing mare Aquila (Always B Miki) is on a roll, extending her winning streak to four at Cambridge Raceway last night and continuing a memorable run for young Pukekohe trainer Zev Meredith.
Owned by Kenny Baynes, Aquila has become a standard bearer for Meredith’s small but growing team. She has now won six of 28.
Last night’s victory came at the World Drivers Champs. Thank you Breckon Farms Mob Pace, after Kate Coppins produced a great ride.
From a wide draw, Coppins launched the mare early to cross and take over the running before handing it over to Dixieland Delight for the final lap. When the passing lane opened, Aquila showed her trademark tenacity, diving late to take the victory by head.
Meredith admits he wasn’t expecting fireworks when Aquila first arrived at his Pukekohe shed, but her recent form has been a revelation.
“It’s pretty neat to train a horse and put up a fence. She may only have a rating of 55 and is winning amateur races, but it’s still no easy feat. I have to hand it to her. When she came to me I said she was nothing more than a galloping pacer, but she has really stepped up her game.”
According to him, this turnaround comes down to trust. Working alone at home has helped the mare build a sense of self-confidence that translates to race day.
“She shaped my beliefs about the key factor for trust in a horse,” Meredith said. “She works alone, so she’s never beaten at home, and winning every week has given her a huge amount of confidence.”
Her latest efforts have strengthened Meredith’s belief that she is capable of taking the next step.
“I thought last night might have been a step forward for her, but I was really impressed with the run,” he said. “She’s gone 2:42 with the quarter in 28, so I’m hopeful she can handle the next step up and still be competitive in that class.”
AQUILA REPEAT
The victory was also a special moment for Meredith personally, with Kate Coppins, a former colleague from his time working at Arna Donnelly’s, in the sulky.
“It was pretty cool to have Katie there,” he said. “She has been riding great lately and she was happy with the win.”
As for the future of Aquila?
While the team has already attracted interest from potential buyers, Meredith is not rushing any decisions.
“There’s been some interest in her, and after last night they might be a little more convinced,” he said. “Given the way she’s been racing, I’m in no rush to put her on a plane, but it wouldn’t be the worst move for her either.”
For full race results, click here
Through Jordyn Bublitz for Harness Racing New Zealand
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