The 6yr-old defied a slow start and her 32-1 tote odds to score stylishly and clear maiden ranks in race 6.
The win and the eye-catching sprint the mare produced was not such a surprise to her Gore trainer.
"I’ve always rated her," Winsloe said.
Behavioural and barrier issues were the main reasons the mare had not been sighted in eight previous race-day outings.
Her trackwork and performances in unofficial trials coming into yesterday’s race had been pleasing, Winsloe said.
Although the 6yr-old’s behaviour had improved, she was still a work in progress.
"She’s still got a few issues, don’t worry about that."
A bit of wisdom from a local great helped Flicka Of Gold win yesterday.
The 7yr-old was just as eye-catching as That’s Not The Go in scoring by more than five lengths in race 8.
Flicka Of Gold dropped back in class, having competed in $20,000 races in his past three starts.
The drop back coincided with some advice Wingatui trainer Steve Tyler had recently received from veteran horseman Hec Anderton.
"Hec Anderton always tells me something when he sees me ... he told me ‘keep your horse in the worst company and yourself in the best’, and that’s what I did today," Tyler said.
Also part of the winning formula was a decision to lighten the Bachelor Duke gelding’s training workload.
"I haven’t done much with him since his last start to freshen him right up. He hasn’t had a gallop since his last start."
Canterbury jockey Chris Johnson bagged three winners on yesterday’s programme. He produced a ride typical of his "Magic Man" nickname to get Hot Date home in race 3.
Hot Date was last when the field turned for home, with the jockey electing to look for inside runs. Once clear, the Coats Choice mare let down strongly to score for Riccarton trainers Kevin and Pam Hughes.
Johnson also scored on Fairlight for another Riccarton trainer in Les Didham.
Fairlight was under siege all of the way up the straight, but held off her maiden rivals under typical Johnson urging.
The jockey’s other win came when Precious Percy capped a consistent form to claim the opening event for Orari trainer Lionel Dobbs.
The Wingatui racecourse will also be in use again today, with three jumpouts scheduled from 10am.
- Jonny Turner
