Stolen Dance (Sam Spratt) finally notching Group One success in today’s Harcourts Thorndon Mile.
Racing dreams for Stolen Dance were fulfilled at Trentham today when she earned Group One success in possibly her final appearance.
The Alamosa mare had been a multiple placegetter at the highest level before she overcame a testing run for a clear-cut victory in the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m), in which she finished runner-up to Kawi in 2016.
Stolen Dance was originally trained by David Greene, but transferred to the Cambridge stable of Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman after she was purchased outright by Gerald Shand.
“She really deserved this and it’s great for Gerald,” said Forsman. “We got her after a lot of hard work by David Greene. We’re lucky to have her for her last preparation.”
Stolen Dance, who is in foal to Tavistock, may now be retired at the top of her game.
“She could run in the Herbie Dyke Stakes, but maybe this is her last run,” said Forsman.
Stolen Dance was sent out at odds of 22-1 with her stablemate Love Affair installed favourite, but the latter was never a factor under jockey Matt Cameron.
“It was an indifferent run and Matt said she just never travelled,” said Forsman of Love Afffair.
Little went right in the running for Stolen Dance’s rider Sam Spratt either, but the mare was good enough to overcome a tough run.
“We were three wide and got pushed out four and five wide so it was a gutsy effort,” she said.
“It was great. She’s been knocking on the door for some time and at least being out wide let her get into her own rhythm.”
Stolen Dance improved around runners 1000 metres from home to hit the front half-way down the straight and she had kicked strongly to comfortably hold Watch This Space and Hiflyer.
– NZ Racing Desk.
