Sweet success for Hello Youmzain 3YO

Sweetest Thing’s bid to credit our shuttle stallion Hello Youmzain with his first Group 1 winner gained serious momentum at Riccarton where she made a triumphant return.

Te Akau Racing’s filly claimed top honours in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes when she resumed to earn a $10 quote for the New Zealand 1000 Guineas and $14 for the 2000 Guineas.

Sweetest Thing settled behind the leading pack before rider Wiremu Pinn angled her into the clear at the top of the straight.

She hit the front before and rallied strongly after being headed to take the thick end of the stake with stablemate Sword Of Stars, a daughter of stud resident Sword Of State, a close third.

“That was a hard watch, she had them on both sides of her so she was very brave,” co-trainer Sam Bergerson said.

Sweetest Thing also had to cope with a heavy track in her first appearance since finishing runner-up in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.

“She’s a big-striding filly and she will be better on the better ground,” Bergerson said. “There’s plenty of improvement to come from her.”

Bred by Wentwood Grange, Sweetest Thing was prepared by Bergerson’s father Roydon for her two-year-old season and changed stables after she was purchased by Victorian-based operation Glentree Racing.

She is a daughter of the Irish-bred Sea The Stars mare Ocean Drive who is a half-sister to international stakes winners Indian Days, Biniou and Reply.

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