24 Nov 2021The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained Apostrophe broke maiden ranks in style on Wednesday, coming from off the speed to triumph over 1400m.
The four-year-old daughter of Tavistock had been luckless at her previous start when stopped in her tracks at Te Aroha.
“It was a very nice win. She is a mare that has always shown a little bit of ability but had quite a bad injury at three,” Wellwood said.
“She had a long time off the scene and was very luckless at Te Aroha. She put it all together today and I think we will see more and more of her as the season goes by.
“I think a mile to 2000m will be her go. I don’t think she is a real dour stayer and the way she quickened today if she can put it all together there is probably a decent race in her.”
The stable also tasted success with four-year-old gelding Dionysus, who dug deep to win over 2100m and land his second win from seven starts.
“He’s a horse that has always been mentally and physically immature but piece by piece is putting it together. He is probably still eight or twelve months away from his best, but it was a good win today,” Wellwood said.
Both Apostrophe and Dionysus were purchased by their trainers from our 2019 yearling draft at Karaka – NZ Racing Desk