Just five horses went to post for Saturday’s $1,000,000 Group 1 Neds Might And Power Stakes (2000m), but what a brilliant tactical race it turned out.
The 5-race winning streak of Zaaki (GB) came to an end as Probabeel and Nonconformist set down to a titanic struggle of the final 200 metres.
When it comes down to a battle you would love to have the little streetfighter Probabeel in your corner.
With Brett Prebble in the saddle the Jamie Richards-trained 5yo daughter of Savabeel worried the equally determined Rebel Raider gelding out of the major prize by a nose. Off the bridle before the turn, Zaaki (Leroidesanimaux) stuck on well to be a further one and a quarter lengths back in third.
With her fourth Group 1 triumph, Probabeel advances her record to 12 wins and eight seconds from 27 starts with earnings of $4,035,728.
“We went at a nice enough clip and then Homesman put the pressure on from the 650m and I was left a little flat-footed,” Prebble said.
“I didn’t really like the position I was in, but that’s what we were dealt, and I had to deal with it.
“I was mindful that I was on the fav’s back. I was really concerned about Jordie’s horse (Nonconformist) today. I liked the way it won, and on the firm track, which was a big negative against the favourite.
“She was all guts. I was out in the last 100 metres. She had nothing left but every time I kept lifting, she kept trying her heart out.
“It was all guts and determination.”
Probabeel was purchased by David Ellis for $380,000 out of the Waikato Stud draft at the 2018 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.
She is the only foal of the stakes-placed Pins mare Far Fetched who died at the age of seven in 2017.
Far Fetched was a three-quarter sister to Group II MRC Thousand Guineas Prelude and Group III Manfred Stakes winner Legless Veuve and the Group III MRC Mannerism Stakes winner and Group 1 WRC Telegraph Hcp runner-up Tootsie.
