Ashkalini led throughout to win the $30,000 Maintenance Systems Solutions Granny Smith Final at Devonport last night.
Trained at Longford by Barrie Rattray, and driven by his son Todd, the four year old Art Major mare withstood a strong challenge from arch rival Maggie Kennedy with Barrie Rattray’s other two starter’s, Levina Leis and Safina Leis third and fourth.
Two factors that contributed to the victory were barrier one and the even pace maintained by Todd Rattray. Ashkalini led comfortably after wide front line or second row draws in recent weeks. Maggie Kennedy was drawn behind Ashkalini but driver Ricky Duggan went back at the start to navigate his way into the running line. Rattray rated Ashkalini through the first half of the last mile in 62.3 and reacted with a 28.8 third quarter after Duggan commenced his three wide move at the 900 metre mark. Maggie Kennedy held on for a gallant second in a smart mile rate of 2:02.9 for the 2665 metre event.
Ashkalini and Maggie Kennedy have been the stand out performers in the two, three and four year finals of the sire’s stakes for Tasbred fillies born in 2006/2007. Ashkalini won the two year old and four year old finals and Maggie Kennedy won the three year old leg and was second to Ashkalini in the other two. Ashkalini now has career record of 27 starts for nine wins, seven placings and $83,480 in stake money.
For trainer Barrie Rattray, it was his fifth Granny Smith win and his fourteenth Tasmanian sires stakes final. His previous Granny Smith winners were Milady (1991), Barrington Belle (1999), Queen Carey (2004) and Death and Taxes (2007). Rattray was happy with Ashkalini leading up to and during the race. “Her recent form was not too bad and her prelude run (1 May) was good. Todd rated her very well and with 1600 to go it appeared she would be the one to beat,” said Rattray.
Rattray has the future planned for Ashkalini. “She may have a few more race starts but the broodmare paddock is where she is likely to be by August. She will not go to Victoria for the Breeders Crown.”
Rattray recently lost two of his best broodmares, Barrington Lass and Draw Card, and he is hoping Ashkalini can fill some of the void created by their passing.