Soo Dusty crosses the line ahead of Roc Music, photo: Trackside.
The Andrew Carston-trained Sooo Dusty picked up the second Pearl Series Bonus of her career at Ashburton on Sunday.
Ridden by Carston’s apprentice Kozzi Asano, Sooo Dusty settled just worse than mid-field from barrier three and was near last on the bend before making full use of the fast lane down the inside to win by half-a-length on the line, bravely fighting of second placed Roc Music.
“It was a really good result and great to pick up another Pearl Series Bonus,” Carston said.
“I love the pearl series races, you’re a fool if you don’t put your horses in the Pearl Series, it’s just a no brainer.
“I thought she’d been building to a win and I expected her to run a good race and when she drew a good gate I was pretty confident that she’d go close to winning.
“The race didn’t pan out as I expected though, I didn’t anticipate her being so far back. I thought she’d be somewhere close to the speed but Kozzi rode her perfectly.”
Bred by Dave Green and Mark Brown, who race her with Kelvin Hore, Sooo Dusty is by Power out of the multiple race winning Towkay mare Lady Cavalier.
All going to plan Sooo Dusty will have her next start on New Zealand Cup Day.
Carston was also impressed with the effort of Demand Respect and Kristofferson who finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Thank You Kevin Hickman (1600m).
“Demand Respect went super he drew a bad gate and was always going to need a bit of luck,” he said.
“At this stage he will run in the maiden mile at Riccarton on Saturday with about five others from my stable.”
Carston has a solid team heading into Cup week at Riccarton including Art De Triumph in the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas, Hasabro in the Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile and Severine, Tamahine and Pullyoursocksup in the Gr.3 Valachi Downs Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
“There’s a bit going on but I’m really happy with my group horses they’re going the right way for Cup Week,” he said.
Art De Triumph will trial at Ashburton on Thursday in preparation for the Guineas.
View the replay here.