Nolen Wins His Own Race
- Saturday, 31 July 2010 03:48
Luke Nolen won the race named in honour of his first premiership victory at Caulfield this afternoon as filly Curtana showcased her credentials as a genuine Thousand Guineas contender later this year.
Settling in sixth position, Curtana gave the leaders at least five lengths on the home bend before swamping her rivals to win with ease.
“It’s good that the others slowed down and let me win this one,” Nolen quipped post-race.
Curtana ($2-$2.60 fav) won the $70,000 Congratulations Luke Nolen Handicap (1000m) for two-year-olds by a length with Marmaa ($6-$7.50) and Mr Cool Cat ($8-$7) filling the minor placings.
Fourth placegetter Umgeton ($10-$12) was the luckless runner of the race with jockey Glen Boss unable to find clear galloping room several times in the straight.
Tearaway leader Tricky Tricky ($3.20-$4.60-$4.40) weakened profoundly over the final furlong to finish fifth, beaten over 5-1/2 lengths from the winner.
“She’s a very good filly,” Moody said of the winner.
“As you saw today, she’ll get up to 1400 metres to a mile.
“You probably thought she was in a bit of trouble (on the home turn) if the leaders kicked but she has got a nice turn of foot.
“She always showed nice ability and I think we see her improve more so again next time around,” he added.
Nolen suggested “there was plenty of merit” in the win of Curtana.
“I thought I had to come off the bridle before straightening to chase them a bit,” Nolen said.
“I was worried, I thought they were going to stick on better then they did.
“I think she’ll stretch hopefully to a Thousand Guineas trip later on in the spring.”
Moody said that Curtana was the first horse he’s trained for owner David Moodie who owns a host of other Thousand Guineas candidates.
“The Thousand Guineas is probably not an unrealistic goal but he’s got a couple of stablemates in the same ownership in Crystal Lily and Willow Creek to contend with.”
“She has a very nice pedigree and her pedigree suggests she’ll get better with age too,” Moody added.
By Exceed And Excel out of Blazing Sword mare Razor Blade, Curtana is a half-sister to ill-fated sprinter Sunburnt Land who was struck by lighting while grazing in a paddock.
Boasting a record of two wins and a second to Master Harry from three starts, Curtana has accumulated over $147,000 in prizemoney.
Curtana will next run in the $100,000 Listed Quezette Stakes (1100m) for three-year-old fillies at Caulfield on August 14.
Pictures: Fiona Tomlin
