After 21 starts and a few years of exploration, trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy might have pinpointed Malt Time’s newfound specialty distance.
The seven-year-old mare, accustomed to sprint distances, clinched victory in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) last November.
However, her latest challenge was a mile in the Group 1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings, where she secured the runner-up position behind Mustang Valley.
Shaun Clotworthy admitted, “We were going into a bit of the unknown with the mile. We weren’t sure whether she would get a mile because she does tend to travel a little bit keenly.”
Encouraged by Malt Time’s performance in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and her previous placing in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), the decision to test her over longer distances proved rewarding.
Clotworthy expressed satisfaction, saying, “We were rapt.”
Content with Malt Time’s post-race condition, Clotworthy disclosed plans for a well-deserved rest before pursuing more stakes victories.
“She travelled back yesterday and ate up last night, so I was happy with her. She is going to have a freshen-up and then head to the Auckland Breeders’ race on the 25th (of November) at Pukekohe.
“Long-term, we may look at the Rich Hill Mile (Group 2, 1600m) and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Group 1, 1600m) at Te Aroha in the autumn.”
While relishing the weekend’s success, Clotworthy swiftly shifted focus to upcoming races at Tauranga on Wednesday, where the stable will be represented by four runners, including the promising Lashana in the Cheers Tavern (1200m).
Clotworthy expressed optimism, stating, “Lashana raced well last time, and I think she will handle the conditions, presuming the track will still be in that heavy range. She should be a good chance.”
Looking ahead, the stable’s presence extends to Woodville’s postponed Thursday meeting with Peanutbutterfalcon and Empire State, the latter partnered with stable rider Lucas Olsen.
Speaking of Olsen, Clotworthy commended, “Lucas is a pretty good amateur; he has had a couple of rides for a win and a second.”
“Peanutbutterfalcon needs to improve a little bit. He schools well but then gets to the races and doesn’t jump that great.”