New Plymouth trainer Kim Reid is filled with satisfaction after Hi Yo Sass Bomb's impressive victory at Hawera on Saturday.
Reid had contemplated nominating the mare for more ambitious races this spring but was swayed by external opinions.
Her decision to trust in the mare's abilities paid off as Hi Yo Sass Bomb stormed to victory in a hotly contested Rating 75 event.
Apprentice Ciel Butler, with a three-kilogram claim, expertly guided Hi Yo Sass Bomb from second-last position, and the mare made a decisive move on the Soft 7 track around the home turn.
With a burst of speed at the 300m mark, she crossed the finish line two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Chikira Lass and the race-favorite Cognito.
Reid expressed her delight, saying, “She ran super against a few little odds, I was really thrilled. She's improving every time and becoming very professional. She knows what she's there for and relaxing really nicely in her races now, she used to over-race a bit but she's just getting better and better.”
Despite handling the soft track conditions with ease, Reid sees the prospect of improved tracks as a positive for Hi Yo Sass Bomb as the warmer months approach.
“It's always an unknown until you try them, but I think she will run on anything, and the better tracks won't stop her. She's just a tough horse and she'll do it no matter what,” she commented.
Hi Yo Sass Bomb, a daughter of Complacent, returned to winning form after a short spell.
She had claimed two wins and two minor placings in her last preparation before an unusual eighth-placed finish at Te Rapa in July.
Reid attributed her improved performance to the break, saying, “In hindsight, there were a couple of little things heading into her last start that I wasn't quite happy with, but I think the break has helped her mentally and physically.”
Despite her success, Reid admitted to some regret for not nominating Hi Yo Sass Bomb for the Group 3 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week.
She had always believed in the mare's potential and now regrets letting external opinions affect her decision.
“Watching the way she ran, I have a little bit of regret not entering her into a bigger race down at Riccarton, I should've backed myself because I did have a think about nominating her earlier on, but I probably let other people's thoughts and opinions get in the way,” she confessed.
Reid believes that Hi Yo Sass Bomb has the class to compete with top horses in bigger races, and she may have the opportunity to prove it in the North Island.
Reid plans to nominate her for the Group 3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at Trentham in a fortnight, emphasising that the distance and the long Trentham straight could suit her racing style.