Up-and-comer Niance (NZ) (Swiss Ace) put a last-start disappointment behind her with an emphatic win in Saturday’s A$80,000 Inside Headquarters (1200m) at Flemington.
A winner and placegetter from four starts in New Zealand, the daughter of Swiss Ace made a dream start to her Australian career with wins at Pakenham and Sandown in her first two appearances.
Niance finished only fifth at Flemington as a $1.50 favourite on April 25, but bounced back in style on Saturday with her third win from four Victorian starts.
The four-year-old broke alertly from the outside gate for jockey Jordan Childs and was prominently placed throughout the race.
Childs released the brakes at the 300m mark and Niance quickly dashed to a clear lead. Moor Mumm (Astern) produced a strong finish to provide a late challenge, but Niance had enough left up her sleeve to hold on by half a length.
“I think she was a different horse today pre-race, the way she went down to the start,” trainer Grahame Begg said. “Going in to the gate last and not being in there for too long, it helped her break cleanly today. She got into a good rhythm from there.
“I’m very pleased that we were able to turn things around with her today. She’ll go for a break now, and then we’ll bring her back in the spring. It’ll be about getting her rating up initially, and then we can possibly look for a black-type race somewhere. I’m sure she’s got the ability to do that.
“She’s got some very good ability and there’s plenty of upside.”
Niance has had eight starts for four wins, a second and A$117,417. She now races in the colours of Australian syndicators Ace Bloodstock.
Niance was bred by Gerry Harvey and is out of the Red Giant mare Cosmetic. Second dam Renovated (King’s Best) is a half-sister to the Australian Group winners Alma’s Fury (Refuse To Bend) and Enforced (Snippets).
