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| Staff Writer |
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On Saturday, Jonathan Riddell piloted the high-quality mare Darci La Bella to victory in the Gr.2 Dunstan Feeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes. As a result of 48 hours of steady rain, the race day's track rating was heavy for the daughter of Darci Brahma trained by Allan Sharrock, who had previously won four of her eight races on that particular course.
Riddell did a great job of keeping her in the middle of the field, where she remained until the 600-meter mark, when he made his break. Soon after, Darci La Bella came into the picture and went on to win by three lengths, beating out Express Princess and the late-charging Malt Time.
Sharrock did not waste any time applauding Riddell's contribution to the win, saying that he had forgotten about the mishap that had occurred during his previous ride. She had a rating of 99, which means that she would have been required to carry 62 kilogrammes in a handicap setting, therefore the weight-for-age scale (where she carried 57 kilogrammes) was ideal for her. A extremely irritated jockey rode brilliantly, considering his mood just before the race. However, he is a competent rider who approaches his work with professionalism.
What he actually stated was For the mare's next race, trainer Ken Sharrock was considering the Manawatu Challenge Stakes, a stakes race closer to home. Darci La Bella, half-sister to Sharrock's beloved stakes performer Tavi Mac, was raced by Sharrock and long-time stable patrons Ann and Hec McCallum, as well as Ron and Noel Stanley. Darci La Bella now has just under $300,000 in prize money, after winning for the tenth time in 15 career appearances.