Punters were on good terms with themselves as they saw promising mare Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) make it consecutive victories to open her summer campaign with a determined effort to take out the Noel Eales Memorial Cup (1600m) at Trentham.
The lightly raced five-year-old had saluted in fine fashion first up on her home track a month ago and despite the four week break stripped a picture of fitness for trainer Allan Sharrock.
Backed in to start a $2.70 favourite the daughter of Proisir enjoyed a lovely trip in transit courtesy of rider Micheal McNab, who made his move on the mare rounding the home bend.
The pair set out after pacemaker Wolfgang and his stablemate Bad ‘n’ Bouj, who looked likely to fight out the finish until Islington Lass dug deep in the final 100m to thrust her head in front and record career win number four at just her seventh start.
Sharrock was pleased to see the progress the mare has made during this campaign and expects her to be just as competitive at a higher level.
“She beat the second-up bogey today which was my main concern,” Sharrock said.
“She had a soft jumpout after her first up win and has come on well.
“Black type is the goal for her and I wouldn’t be afraid to have a go at a race like the Trentham Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) as we tried her over 2100m last season but the track was too hard that day.
“She loves a bit of dig in the ground so we will be looking for a little bit of rain when we do have a go.”
Islington Lass is a daughter of Montjeu mare Miss Relentless, a half sister to Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Limitless and four-time Group One winner Veyron
