Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston had plenty to celebrate on Sunday after posting a winning treble and two placings at Ashburton.
The day got off to a perfect start with Degreeofinnocence winning the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1600m).
Degreeofinnocence gets the winning bob in on the rail.
The daughter of Reliable Man settled well for jockey Rohan Mudhoo who bided his time till they came around the home bend. On straightening they launched their attack down the inside and battled it out in a three-way photo finish, just getting the better of debutant Sassy Chouxs on the line.
“She’s another gavelhouse.com purchase and it was great to get the win with her and she picked up the Pearl Series Bonus too which is great for her owner Terry Lines who is a great supporter of the stable,” Carston said.
The next to salute was Russian Fable who picked up her third career win in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).
Striking grey Russian Fable in winning form at Ashburton.
Ridden by Jason Laking, the six-year-old mare was quick out of the gates and raced up on the pace before challenging initial leader Hello Mary Lou on the straight and racing past to win by a half-length.
“She’s in great form,” Carston said. “She’s owned by Nigel Babbage and it was nice to get a win for him too.”
Rounding out the treble was Namibia Miss who appreciated the drop back in trip to 1400m.
Namibia Miss winning at Ashburton.
The daughter of Shocking made her season debut on the Riccarton synthetic track, winning over 1400m before failing to fire last start over a mile.
On Sunday she was back at her best, with jockey Courtney Barnes leaving nothing to chance after jumping from the widest gate. She stuck to the outside and cruised round her closest rivals before asking for an effort when turning for home. Namibia Miss responded and went on to win by a long neck over Sharpie.
“She went really well and to be honest I was disappointed with her last run,” Carston said. “I hoped she would give us some confidence yesterday and she surpassed that with the win.”
Carston also had That's Charming finish third in the Thank You Barneswood Farm (1200m) and Taumalolo finish second in the Equine Products NZ (2200m).
"I was really happy with the whole team yesterday and it's given us some renewed confidence heading into next week."
All three winners will back up over New Zealand Cup Week at Riccarton which kicks off with Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ 2000 Guineas day this Saturday.
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