Another Star Proisir Filly Aiming Up at Australia

Media Release - Monday March 6

Leading filly Prowess will book her passage to Australia with a performance to match expectations against older opposition at Pukekohe on Saturday.

Prowess will contest the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Kirstin Ledington

The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-prepared representative has the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m) on an alternative program following her trainers’ late move to sidestep the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).

This weekend’s weight-for-age feature became the three-year-old’s target after they decided starting Prowess over the Classic distance at Te Rapa wasn’t in the filly’s best interests.

“As long as I’m happy with her work in the morning (Tuesday), she will run on Saturday,” James said.

Advertisement

“Since we changed tack I couldn’t be happier with her, she’s done very well.”

Prowess will be chasing her fourth win on the bounce after reeling off victories in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m), Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) and the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m).

Should she again satisfy connections on Saturday, the daughter of Proisir will head to Sydney for the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on March 25.

She is currently the $5 second favourite for the Rosehill contest behind another daughter of the Rich Hill Stud stallion in Legarto at $4.50.

However, trainers Ken and Bev Kelso have indicated their Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) heroine will be returning home following her spectacular Flemington victory.

Australia is also very much in the mix for Prowess’ promising stablemate Mark Twain, who finished in behind the major players in Saturday’s Derby.

The OTI Racing-owned son of Shocking ran fourth at just his fifth appearance and left James rueing the run the gelding received from gate six.

“When the draws came out I wished he had drawn 10, 11 or 12 or something like that and able to be one off,” he said.

“He got locked away on the fence and that was his undoing really.”

James has yet to decide which path will be taken with Mark Twain, who had won at New Plymouth and Hastings prior to last Saturday.

“I will have a talk with the owners and hatch a plan from there, I don’t know if he would even get in the ATC Derby (Gr.1, 2400m),” he said.

“There are a few options for him and he appears to have come through the race very well.”

Meanwhile, the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced Pinarello will kick off his autumn campaign at Pukekohe on Saturday.

“He will run in the 1400m sprint and he is in grand order. We will make a plan for him after that,” James said.

The Tavistock four-year-old won last season’s Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) before a three-start spring campaign in Sydney where his best effort was a fifth placing in the Gr.3 Craven Plate (1800m) at Randwick. – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Star Kiwi Mare Prowess on Target for G1 Champions Stakes
Roger James believes he has ticked all the boxes with his multiple Group One winner Prowess ahead of the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
Proisir Mare Wins G2 Crystal Mile
High-class New Zealand mare Prowess put a frustrating early spring behind her in style with a bold Melbourne debut in Saturday’s Gr.2 McCafe Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Proisir Mare Prowess Ready for G2 Crystal Mile
Pre-race indicators all point to another high-class performance from Prowess in her delayed introduction to the Melbourne spring carnival.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.