A perfect ride by Nash Rawiller has aided Harlow Mist to record her fourth career victory for trainer John Sargent when successful in the Bella Group Midway Handicap (1600m) at Newcastle on Saturday.
The four-year-old mare by Contributer was back in the winner’s circle for the first time in just over 12 months, having campaigned in elite company as a three-year-old.
Group Two placed in the Wakeful Stakes (2000m) last spring, Harlow Mist had been building towards a win with a good fifth in the A$500,000 Four Pillars (1500m) at her previous outing.
Under a ground-saving Nash Rawiller ride, Harlow Mist travelled midfield on the fence throughout and only went around the leader and eventual third Magnatear before withstanding the late challenge of runner-up Piraeus.
“She is very honest and very tough,” Rawiller said.
“I felt very vulnerable over the last 80m but her will to win got her there. It was a good effort.
“I thought the second horse had me and my horse wanted it more.
“She has always shown good ability and it is great to see her back in form.
Bred by the Hawkins family’s Llanhennock Trust, Harlow Mist was sold as a yearling at Karaka through their Wentwood Grange draft, fetching $85,000 to the bid of James Moss’ Tricolours Racing & Syndications.
Out of the stakes-placed mare Sila Jasak, Harlow Mist’s granddam is the champion galloper Grand Archway, who won both the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) and the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) among her four elite-level victories.
