Marton galloper Italian Lover continued her consistent run of form at Te Rapa on Saturday when winning the Become A Waikato Racing Club Member 2200.

It was the fourth win for the daughter of Zed and trainer Fraser Auret has been pleased with her development this season. 

“She has really progressed well this season,” he said. “She won her maiden race towards the start of the season and although she has had a couple of mini breaks, to be winning a rating 82 race the same season as you started is a great testament to her attitude.

“She has come a long way, it is very exciting.”

The four-year-old mare has now been sent for a break with Auret believing she has a bright future in the staying ranks.

“I think these deep winter tracks would get the better of her, so with that in-mind she went out to the spelling paddock this morning to have a month’s reprieve,” he said.

“I’d love to try her at two miles at a nice weight. She will have her winter reprieve now and we will assess how she comes up in the spring.”