21 Oct 2007
Regally-bred three-year-old Lovetrista showed she is right on target for next month's Group 1 $325,000 New Zealand Bloodstock One Thousand Guineas with an impressive win in the $65,000 James and Annie Sarten Memorial 1400 at Te Rapa on Monday.
Lovetrista settled third last in the early stages and in order to win she had to race against the pattern of racing on the day which saw few backrunners get home to win.
Lovetrista's breeder and part-owner Sir Patrick Hogan returns home this week from London where he has been following the Rugby World Cup.
He managed to hear a commentary of the race while in London via a cellphone from the Te Rapa course. Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan race Lovetrista in partnership with New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs, Graeme Jackson and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chairman Guy Sargent.
Given the All Blacks disappointing performances in the World Cup it was good for Hobbs to finally have something to smile about.
Lovetrista started a hot favourite for Monday's race after her impressive last-start win in the Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie. Earlier she had finished third on debut.
She is beautifully bred being by Rock Of Gibraltar from Tristalove - from the Eight Carat family.
Second in the event was Keepa Cruisin who is by Cambridge Stud sire Keeper.