Juvenile filly Pacific Dragon broke through for her maiden win in the Dunstan Recovery Mash 1000 at Pukekohe on Monday, cementing her path towards the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie next month.
The daughter of Charm Spirit jumped well for jockey Michael McNab but was pressured throughout by -500 favourite Time Flies.
The two continued their dogfight down the home straight, opening several lengths on the rest of the field, but Pacific Dragon showed her tenacity when holding on for a short-margin victory.
Pacific Dragon had finished runner-up in her two previous starts and trainer Tony Pike was delighted to see her score on Monday carrying the silks of owners Swettenham Stud.
“She has improved after a short break. She has come back a stronger filly,” Pike said.
“Barrier one was an advantage and she has done the job well against a highly rated two-year-old (Time Flies).”
Stakes targets now beckon the exciting filly, with the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, and the Karaka Million 2YO her next two assignments.
“She is entered for the Karaka Million,” Pike said.
“Swettenham Stud would like to get some black-type if possible, so we will just see how she pulls up.
“If she comes through the run really well there is a chance she could run in the Eclipse Stakes.
“She was pretty professional going right-handed today. It is only 11 days so she won’t do a lot between now and New Year’s Day.”
Pacific Dragon was purchased by Ballarat trainer Henry Dwyer out of Windsor Park Stud‘s 2021 Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for NZD$70,000.
Later on the card, Pike secured a stable double when Precious Colours took out the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).
“She was a bit weak last prep. She was knocking on the door but wasn’t finishing her races off,” Pike said.
“She has taken a long time to mature but it was a dominant win today.
“She will get some confidence out of that and hopefully continues to improve.”