The Diamond One was the star attraction at the Wingatui jumpouts yesterday and she did not disappoint.
The reigning Otago horse of the year has been in work for about five months, but finally made a public appearance yesterday against three rivals over 1000m.
She galloped boldly to the line to beat Gallant Ruby by three lengths, pleasing her trainer, Claire Anderton, who was aboard yesterday.
"She felt really good,'' Anderton said.
"She's been in [work] a wee while now, but we had a couple of little niggles with her, but I've taken my time and been patient.''
The Hazlett Stakes over 1200m - a race The Diamond One won in 2013 - is next on the mare's agenda.
"All coming through this good, we'll go to Boxing Day in the open sprint.
"We'll just do it a race at a time at the moment.''
The King, a richly-bred 4yr-old out of The Grin, unwound well to win the 1000m maiden heat, with a wind operation earlier this year appearing to be a success.
"He's breathing clear and it doesn't seem to be affecting him,'' co-trainer Brian Anderton said.
The son of O'Reilly will be nominated for Tapanui, although Anderton will see how The King came through yesterday's run before confirming a start.
"We might even wait for Waikouaiti or somewhere,'' he said.
Yes You Did was having his first look at a raceday-type scenario, but impressed for Wingatui trainer Graeme Mee, who is happy to take his time with the son of Shinko King.
A 4yr-old gelding by King Of Roses is a possibility to start at Waikouaiti or Omakau over a sprint distance after coming from the rear of the six-horse field to win the third 800m maiden, his trainer, Steven Tyler, said.
Natuzzi's co-owner, Bill Duell, was on hand to see another Coats Choice product win the second of the 800m maiden jumpouts.
Duell and his wife, Sandra, have enjoyed success with progeny of the Berkley Stud stallion with Natuzzi (10 wins, $442,792) and his full sister, Alessio (one win).
The Steven Prince-trained Passito, a 3yr-old filly out of the O'Reilly mare O'Ruby, is leased by the Duells from Eric Parr.
Results.-Weather, cloudy; track, good; course proper.800m maiden: Yes You Did G Mee 1, 5g Danger Looms-Frisky Dansker 2, 4m Raise The Flag-Lady Vital 3. Six started. Time: 48.20. 3L, 3L. Trainer: G Mee.800m maiden: Passito S Muniandy 1, Too Curious 2, Willow 3. Six started. Time: 47.85. L, ns. Trainer: S Prince.800m maiden: 4g King Of Roses-Santalia R Roy 1, Our Star Anise 2, 4m Gallant Guru-Swapping 3. Six started. Time: 48.43. L, hd. Trainer: S Tyler.1000m maiden: The King S Muniandy 1, Serve De Aunt 2, Annaghagh 3. Four started. Time: 1.02.90. hd, L. Trainers, B & S Anderton.1000m open: The Diamond One C Anderton 1, Gallant Ruby 2, Fascinate 3. Four started. Time: 1.00.78. 3L, 3L. Trainer: C Anderton.
