Italy Shows Her Style in Canberra
Talented filly Italy raced up to the promise shown early in her career with a brave win in the Listed Canberra Guineas at Canberra on Sunday, March 6.
Talented filly Italy raced up to the promise shown early in her career and capped a G1 weekend for Godolphin in Australia with a brave win in the Listed Canberra Guineas at Canberra on Sunday, March 6.
The victory was only the second for Italy (John O'Shea/Christian Reith) in 12 starts with the first coming in her second race, but in between she had consistently displayed above average ability.
"She went through a flat spot in her career," said assistant trainer Darren Beadman.
"We had her in Melbourne last Spring and again for her first couple this time in, and even though she hadn't won, she became more focused.
"She's a very nice filly and thoroughly deserved her win."
Italy travelled three-wide in midfield until the 800m when jockey Christian Reith started making gradual headway, calling on the daughter of Domesday for her effort with 300m to run.
In a tight finish Italy prevailed by a nose over Just For Tilda.
Winning rider Christian Reith said Italy's turn of foot at a vital stage had made the difference.
"She let down explosively when I went for her," Reith said.
"In the end she only just ran it out, but I rode her softly and she liked it."
Italy's graded success followed the G1 win of Holler in Saturday's Canterbury Stakes at Randwick and a week after the stable produced four winners the previous Saturday, three of them in Stakes races.
