News

Ortensia casts aside Messara's nerves at Flemington

3rd Nov 2011

Racenet - Brad Waters - Thursday, 3 November 2011

Scone trainer Paul Messara arrived at Flemington with his share of nerves but recent stable acquisition Ortensia proved his fears unfounded with a decisive success in Thursday's Listed G H Munn Stakes (1100m) at Flemington.

Ortensia accumulated more than $1.1 million in prizemoney from eight wins, including the Group II QTC Cup and Winterbottom Stakes, while part of the Tony Noonan stable in Victoria but was having her first start in Messara's name in the Flemington sprint.

Messara said the mare's owners gave him Ortensia to train after delaying a breeding career for 12 months in a bid to claim an elusive Group I win.

Ortensia was first past the post at Group I level in The Galaxy (1100m) in 2010 before a swab irregularity forced Racing NSW stewards to strip the mare of that victory.

"The owners are based at Scone and they basically had it mind to retire her to stud,” Messara said.

"I'm just down the road and I think she was galloping around the paddock and they thought they might bring her back into work and see how she goes.”

Messara admitted the daughter of Testa Rossa's outstanding record gave him cause to be anxious before the six-year-old's first start for him but Ortensia raced just off the pace before jockey Darren Beadman asked the mare for her trademark acceleration at the 300 metres.

Ortensia sprinted quickly to end the race as a contest with 100 metres to run. The Guy Walter-trained Balmont finished her race off well to grab second ahead of Miss Octopussy.

"I think today is the most nervous I have been at the races for a long time,” Messara said.

"When you have got a horse for the first time, you are always unsure before its first start, whether you have done enough or too much. It's a fine line, particularly with these older mares and trying to keep them happy.

"She was all class today. She hit the front a long way from home. We couldn't be happier with today.”

Messara said he would consider sending Ortensia to New Zealand for Group I races over the region's summer carnival with events such as the Railway Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day a prime target for the mare.

ORTENSIA ($50,000 2007 Premier, 6m Testa Rosaa-Aerate’s Pick)