In an electrifying performance, the promising filly Quintessa, donning the Te Akau Racing's iconic blue and tangerine silks, secured her second stakes victory and marked her third consecutive win at Hastings on Saturday.
Quintessa exhibited her prowess in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, a 1200-metre contest.
The young sensation, sired by the former Group 1 Cox Plate champion Shamus Award, showcased her talent on debut, triumphing over 1200 meters at Pukekohe on a rain-soaked track back in March.
She then made her presence felt at Taupo last month, clinching victory in her fresh-up performance over 1100 metres.
Despite being allocated the outside post in a competitive 13-horse field, jockey Opie Bosson displayed composure.
He allowed Quintessa to find her rhythm amidst the initial scramble for position, gradually positioning her behind the recent Listed Wanganui Guineas victor, Chantilly Lace, as they approached the final bend.
With a calculated approach, Bosson urged Quintessa to unleash her potential, resulting in a remarkable surge that carried her past Chantilly Lace and Oneira.
This triumph marked her third consecutive win, unequivocally signifying her as a formidable contender for upcoming spring classic races.
2023 Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes Replay – Quintessa
Bosson praised Quintessa, acknowledging her as a remarkably talented filly with room for growth, hinting that she might shine even more when stretched out to a mile.
He commented, “She is a very classy filly who is still learning, so when she gets out to a mile look out. Everything ended up going nicely as we got a good track into the race, and she did the rest. It was very impressive.”
Co-trainer Mark Walker, who shares responsibility for Quintessa's training with Sam Bergerson, expressed excitement about her potential.
He mentioned her surprising performance given her pedigree, being out of a High Chaparral mare with a background in longer distances.
Walker hinted at the possibility of Quintessa competing in the $1.5 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in late January, emphasizing her untapped potential.
Walker further elaborated, “She is a pretty exciting filly as on her pedigree you wouldn't think she would be doing this as she is out of a High Chaparral mare that won over 2600m. There is a lot of upside to her.
“Opie summed it up nicely and got her in from the wide draw as he is riding in great form so early in the season.
“We will get her home now and see how she pulls up, as, although she is nominated for the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m), there is also the carrot of the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m), and on her pedigree, she is bred to get a lot more distance, so we will just take it one race at a time.”