John
Bary was back in the Group I groove at Te Aroha on Saturday, successfully
executing a long-term plan when the well-related Stratum mare Miss Wilson
reigned supreme in the Group I Fiber Fresh New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders'
Stakes (1600m).
An emotional Bary savoured top-flight success with the half-sister to his
former star galloper Jimmy Choux, a multiple Group I winner and former New
Zealand Horse of the Year.
He was bred and raced by Richard and Liz Wood and their familiar colours were
donned by Vinnie Colgan aboard Miss Wilson.
"It's great for Richard and Liz. They have been big supporters of the stable,"
Bary said.
"This means a lot to me and my staff, they work long hours and this is as much
about them as me."
Miss Wilson finished fourth in the Breeders' Stakes 12 months ago after she had
won the Group III Cuddle Stakes (1600m) and this time around Bary elected to
bypass the Trentham event.
"I learned from last year and she is much better fresh," he said.
Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Miss Wilson jumped well to sit behind the tearaway
leaders Ruud Not Too and Nicoletta before reeling them in 250m from home.
"This is really special, it's been a long-time plan and full credit to John and
his team," Richard Wood said.
Miss Wilson won by half a length from Thee Auld Floozie, who also finished
runner-up in the 2017 edition of the event behind Charmont.
She is the sixth Group I winner for Widden Stud's much missed Golden Slipper
winning sire Stratum, who has six entries for the Inglis Australian Easter
Yearling Sale.
Stratum's place at Widden has been filled by his dual Group I winning son
Stratum Star, who was popular last spring covering 116 mares in his first
season at stud.