In a surprising turn of events at the Group 3 Taranaki Breeder's Stakes (1400m), Town Cryer managed to stave off the late charge of multiple Group One winner Prowess, claiming victory.
Trainer Royden Bergerson, however, had a hunch that his six-year-old daughter of Tavistock might have a chance, especially when he learned that the track would be in the Soft range on race day.
Rider Johnathan Parkes took the initiative right from the start, establishing a steady pace for Town Cryer, who seemed to be travelling comfortably as they approached the home bend.
Town Cryer held off challenges from Darci La Bella and Mazzolino, and just when it seemed Prowess was making a powerful move from the outside, Town Cryer surged at the 100mmark, maintaining a one-length advantage at the finish line. Mazzolino secured a respectable third place.
Bergerson, clearly delighted with the victory, commented, “It was great to come back to my old hometown and pick up the big one today.
“We knew she was flying, so we waited and waited, and I said to the manager of her syndicate of owners that we would chuck her in the deep end and have a crack at a big one.
“I didn't think we would be racing against Prowess and beat her, maybe the track tripped her up, but you take the wins where you can, and I'm proud of her.”
Reflecting on Town Cryer's journey, Bergerson added, “As soon as she came into the stable as a two-year-old, I said to my old mate GV (Gary Vile) she was a Group horse, and he laughed at me.
“She has just matured, and it was a great ride by Parkesy, who rode her at the trials the other day and was confident as well.”
Bergerson had initially contemplated sending Town Cryer south to the Group 3 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on November 15, but after this win, he hinted at a change of plans.
“I had been thinking I would send her to the Coupland's Mile, but I might keep her back and aim her at something a little bigger in the North Island now,” said Bergerson.
Rider Johnathan Parkes, acknowledging the competition from Prowess, praised Bergerson's preparation of Town Cryer.
“Full credit to Royden as he had this mare spot on for today,” said Parkes.
“She looked amazing and trialled up really well. She got a nice lead, put pressure on when I wanted to, and stuck on really well.
“She pinned her ears back and fought hard, Prowess is a superstar, but I was on the better horse on the day, and that is a nice win to get.”
With this victory, Town Cryer has notched up six wins out of 25 starts under Bergerson's guidance, earning just under $200,000 in prizemoney.
Co-trainer Roger James, responsible for Prowess in partnership with Robert Wellwood, expressed satisfaction with his mare's performance, despite the challenging Soft7 surface.
“She dipped quite badly in the ground, and he (rider Michael McNab) said he had to pick her up and get her traveling again,” noted James.
“She has got such a big action, so it just wasn't ideal for her, and she was beaten by a better horse on the day.
“It's six months since she has a run and two and a half months since she had a trial, so like the All Blacks having their first game of the season, she will improve with it.”