 | RACING HISTORY |
YEAR: 2011
FEATURE RACE COMMENT
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Carabella's winning crusade continued at Addington last Friday. She came from a tricky marble for an easy win in the Group 1 Nevele R - Wayne Francis Memorial New Zealand Oaks. The best of the opposition were Donegal Delight and Miss Moonlite, but they were unable to make a competition of it.
Carabella won by more than two lengths, with driver Ricky May declaring to Dexter Dunn on pulling up she was the best horse he'd driven. If he's firm on that point, it puts such remarkable horses as Mainland Banner, Iraklis, Monkey King, Inky Lord and Christian Cullen in the shade.
After the race, there were some memorable claims made, besides the one of May's. Robert Famularo, the principal of Cavalla Bloodstock, said: "She's our own Black Caviar and we love her. She is a champion and she brings a tear to my eye." Her trainer Benny Hill said: "I thought it would be tough for her, from that draw, but Ricky's got another eleven out of ten for the drive."
May took her back off the gate and improved before the last lap. He took cover briefly and then was out and in the clear from the 800m. He sent Carabella ahead and past the tiring Miss Elsie before the turn, and left the others to fight for the minors.
As expected, Carabella was tighter this week than she was when winning the week before. "She had the night in the paddock last Saturday, Sunday off and ran a quiet mile and a half on the Wednesday," Hill said. "It's an exciting occasion and she gives us a lot of pride. She is something special and there is a lot of attachment from all of us." May said he knew she would be better for the Oaks. "She'll go whenever you want."
Famularo says Hill is the kingpin behind the success and general contentment among the staff and horses. "Everyone feeds off Benny," he says. He is a good leader and involves everyone. We have some great people with us, and it wouldn't be the same fun without them. And we really want to keep the story going. Her buddy is Monkey King. He's her best mate...and she's a Diva, and she knows it."
While the short-term target is the Harness Jewels, there are greater challenges on the horizon. "I don't think we will go to Australia for the Winter, but I know the boys have talked about the New Zealand Cup when she's five."
Andress Blue Chip, the dam of Carabella, was served by Christian Cullen this season.
Credit: Mike Grainger writing in HRWeekly 25May2011