Murray Baker deflected much of the credit for New York Minute’s outstanding performance in her first appearance from her new quarters.
The Cambridge horseman and training partner Andrew Forsman produced the imposing daughter of Iffraaj, who was previously trained by Ilone Kelly, to distance her rivals in the Randwick Meats Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on Saturday.
“Ilone has really looked after this mare, she took her along patiently and did a fantastic job,” Baker said.
New York Minute won five races for Kelly, whose family own the five-year-old, and was a multiple Group and Listed placegetter.
She last raced in September, but Baker was expecting a bold showing.
“She was pretty forward and she had trialled up well at Cambridge,” he said. “She’s a big, strong mare now.”
Rider Lisa Allpress headed straight to the front on New York Minute, who travelled easily to the turn before lengthening stride and they had 11 and a-half lengths on runner-up Salamanca at the post.
She has won all six of her races on rain-affected going and she will now be part of a strong attack by the stable on the Listed Woburn Farm Classic (1400m) at Tauranga on June 23.
“We’re likely to have three in that with Deals In Heels and Tomelilla,” Baker said.
New York Minute’s success continued a red letter day for her trainers, who also won races at Te Rapa with Peaceful, Rippin and Zanyetta. –
