Progressive mare Gatwick has positioned herself for Stakes race consideration after a determined front-running effort to win Saturday’s Ranvet Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill.
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained mare has now won two of her last three starts, leading all the way under Zac Lloyd and finding the resolve to hold off her rivals.
Sent off as the $2.70 favourite, Gatwick edged out Ernaux ($9) by a short neck, with Kwirky Smile ($5.50) a further 5¾ lengths back in third.
Stable representative Ben Elam praised the mare’s toughness and Lloyd’s ride, suggesting the race was effectively won early on.
“She was dynamic out of the gates, and it was probably won in the first part of the race,” Elam said.
“She is by Ole Kirk, so I always thought she’d run it out strongly. Even though she did a little bit in the early stages, he got a breather midrace, and she toughed it out well.
“Back on better footing for her, she showed that dynamic little turn of foot she’s got, and then she sustains that speed, which is crucial.”
Gatwick’s campaign has been managed with care, her runs spaced since her April return. Elam mentioned the stable is contemplating whether to continue racing her while she holds a fitness advantage over many competitors.
This could lead to the mare targeting an early-season black-type event if the right opportunity arises.
“She’s a horse we’ve always had a good opinion of, and it’s an interesting time of year,” Elam said.
“She’s rock-hard fit and there are probably some lower grade stakes races that might pop up where she’s the rock-hard fit horse, and there are some more proven horses returning from a break.
“There is a little bit to ponder there… it’s a good problem to have when you’ve got a progressive horse like this.”
It’s set to be another significant week for the Price and Kent stable, with Golden Rose hopeful Guest House due to reappear in a Warwick Farm barrier trial on Tuesday.
The Golden Slipper Stakes winner completed his final piece of work at Rosehill on Saturday morning ahead of his trial as preparations intensify for his spring campaign.
“He had his final gallop here (at Rosehill) this morning on the course proper and went through his gears really nicely,” Elam said.
“I’m looking forward to getting him back to the trials where we can let him do a little bit more.”
Early spring feature race markets are available through Australia’s leading Top 10 Betting Apps.
Following her strong win, Gatwick is now being considered for bigger races; check out the available racing betting markets.
