New recruit Caitlyn Jay made the perfect start to her career on Thursday winning the Sim’s Bakery Maiden (1200m) at Ashburton.
The three-year-old filly was previously with Neill Ridley who, after deciding to cut back his stable numbers, suggested breeder-owner Robin Laidlaw send her to Andrew Carston to be trained.
The daughter of Niagara made an immediate impact. She jumped well under in form jockey Kozzi Asano and travelled midfield before spotting a gap coming out of the turn.
Once in the clear Caitlyn Jay let down nicely, going on to score a narrow victory from Ripa Ruby and stablemate Grand Express who had led for most of the race.
“I’ve only had her this preparation,” Carston said. “She trialled pretty well last week and we were expecting a good run and we got it.
“She is very professional and did everything right.”
Caitlyn Jay won a trial for Ridley in June last year as a juvenile. She was again successful in her heat at Riccarton on March 2, not long after been transferred to Carston’s care.
“I won’t be surprised if she trains on from here,” Carston said. “I don’t think it will be her last win.”
“I think she will have learned a lot. She has had a pretty busy time of it having trialled last week and then racing this week so we will let her get over that and go from there.
“She is a really progressive filly.”
Carston was also impressed with his two mares Ticket To Ride and Monrecour who placed second and third respectively in the Ecolab Handicap (1400m).
“I was really happy with both Ticket to Ride and Monrecour,” he said. “They both went super and as long as they pull up well they will both run in the Group Three race next Saturday.”
Carston is referring to the Gr.3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) to be run at Riccarton on March 21.
Looking ahead to the weekend Hee’s Our Secret will run at Trentham in the TAB Bonus Back Premier (1600m). The Sakhee’s Secret gelding had been enjoying a successful northern campaign before meeting rain affected going last start at Matamata.
“Hee’s our Secret has trained on well,” Carston said. “The wet track tripped him up at Matamata and he is a good each way chance on Saturday.”