Shameless Tart winning the NZB Pearl Series Race (1150m), photo: Trackside
Riccarton-based trainer Andrew Carston celebrated a winning double at Kumara on Saturday.
Three-year-old filly Shameless Tart took out the opening event, the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1150m) and stable favourite Kristofferson picked up his second win in three starts in the Recreation Hotel (1810m).
Ridden by Kylie Williams, Shameless Tart was quick away from barrier nine and sat three-wide without cover until the 400m mark where she was able to be positioned outside the leader, favourite Hello Mary Lou. The pair had a strong battle to the line with Shameless Tart getting up to win by a head on the line.
“I was so proud of her, Carston said. “She’s not big but man does she try hard and she picked up a Pearl Series Bonus too so it was an outstanding result for her owners.
“I’m a big supporter of the Pearl Series races and it’s great to get another one.”
Carston has a black-type goal in mind for the daughter of Shamexpress with the Listed Liqourland Gore Guineas (1335m) on January 22.
“I’ll just see how she does but I think we probably have to take her to the Gore Guineas next, they’re only three once,” he said.
Kristofferson winning the Recreation Hotel (1810m), photo: Trackside
Ridden by Jacob Lowry, Kristofferson jumped well and settled handy with cover throughout before launching attack 350 metres out from home and dominating to the finish in front of the large crowd.
“It took him 22 starts to get his first win and now he’s won two and placed in one of his last three starts,” Carston said. “He looks like he’s finally worked it out and it was another exciting win.”
Both winners were purchased by Carston from Karaka. Shameless Tart was purchased from Ralph Thoroughbred’s 2020 Book 2 draft for $15,000 and Kristofferson was purchased out of Ainsley Downs Stud’s 2018 Book 2 draft.
Carston also prepared O’Jessica to finish second in the Go Racing Buying @Magic Millions This Month (15550m) off the back of her win at Greymouth last start.
“O’Jessica has hit form,” he said. “It was another good run it’s good to have her in form and mares in form usually hold it too.
O’Jessica will run at Riccarton in a couple of week’s time.