Former New Zealand-trained mare Clementina (NZ) (Savabeel) continued her good run of form on Monday, winning at Sandown for trainer Danny O’Brien.
The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel had finished third at both of her previous starts before powering home from the rear of the field to win the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap (2100m) under a well-timed ride from Damien Oliver.
O’Brien’s foreman Ben Gleeson said there were several factors playing in Clementina’s favour as she registered her first victory across the Tasman from four starts for her new stable.
“The drop back in trip and the wet track were always going to suit Clementina and it paid dividends,” he said.
“It was the right trip and the right race for her, she was certainly due (a win).”
Gleeson indicated there were no plans set in stone for Clementina, who is raced by a partnership that includes high profile New Zealand owner Lib Petagna, but she would likely continue to race over the coming months.
“She is racing consistently and putting in great performances so it is going to be the right time of year with the wet tracks to keep her going,” he said. “I’m sure there are a few more fillies and mares 2400m races around the track.”
Clementina was originally trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman in New Zealand, for whom she was a maiden winner but multiple stakes placed.
Runner-up in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m), Clementina also finished fourth in last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), which was won by Sentimental Miss (Reliable Man).
