CAPTION: Christian Reith returns to scale aboard Port Macquarie galloper Pentasia after winning a Listed race at Doomben on Saturday. Picture: DAN COSTELLO, www.justracing.com.au
A CHANGE of plans due to the wet weather in Sydney paid off in a big way for Port Macquarie trainer Marc Quinn after stable star Pentasia won the $80,000 Listed Chief De Beers Handicap (1100m) at Doomben.
The five-year-old daughter of Pentire resumed in Brisbane after original plans to run first-up at Randwick were abandoned due to the rain.
It turned out to be the perfect plan B as she picked up right where she left off, having won back-to-back Rosehill races over the same 1100m distance during the summer before being turned out for a spell.
Pentasia enjoyed the perfect ride by jockey Christian Reith, who got her into a beautiful position and just bided time before bringing her home strongly on the outside to hold off Gundy Son.
The win never looked in doubt after she got a gun run in behind the early leaders.
“This is sensational,” Quinn said post-win.
“We waited a long time to get her into a Listed race, she had to go through her grades.
“A couple of weeks ago (we decided to target the Chief De Beers), were originally going to run at Randwick today but saw the weather forecast and changed plans.
“Christian rode her perfect, it’s unreal this. She began so well today … she’s a really good mare.
“When she drew well that gave me confidence.”
Despite her good Doomben 10,000 Day win, Pentasia won’t continue on towards bigger Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival races.
Quinn plans to aim her for a shot at the $150,000 Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton during the carnival in early July.
“She’s a really good mare,” he beamed.
“The Ramornie is now the target. She’ll run again in a fortnight in the (Listed) June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick then the Ramornie. After that we’ll just play it by ear.”
Quinn’s long term plan with the mare however could be the $400,000 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield in late February next year during the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.
“I’d love to have a crack at the Oakleigh Plate with her,” he said. “She’s just the perfect 1100m mare at Caulfield.”
