Seven-year-old mare Namibia Miss is in the twilight of her racing career but proved she still had plenty in the tank when winning on the Riccarton Synthetic on Thursday.
The daughter of Shocking was a last-start third at Wingatui over a mile and sticking with the same distance, trainer Andrew Carston set her for a quick turnaround to race on the poly just four days after that placing.
It was the right call with Namibia Miss settling at the back of the field in the Vale DJ O'Sullivan R75 before growing wings and storming home for jockey Joe Doyle to win by a length.
"I'm relieved to have her back in the winner's circle," Carston said. "She has been so honest without a lot of luck.
"It was a nice ride from Joe who got her in a good spot and she was strong late.
"I don't have plans for her yet, she is coming to the end of her career but has had five wins and $100,000 in stakes so has been a handy mare for her syndicate."
Carston has been a supporter of the synthetic track since it was established and said he is looking forward to racing on there over the winter months.
"It's good to be back on the poly track. Nine of my 11 runners ran in the top five on Thursday so fingers crossed they progress through the poly meetings."
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