PUNTERS were off to a great start at Tapeta Park Spreyton today (Sunday) where first starter Black ‘N’ Tough drew clear if his rivals over the concluding stages to emerge triumphant in the Lee’s Jewellers 3YO Maiden Plate over 900 metres.
The Leon Wells-trained filly settled handy to the leaders and when she began to race fiercely, rider Yassy Nishitani let her roll and he shared the lead at the home turn.
When Nishitani called on the daughter of Tough Speed-Black Cent she dug deep and went on to win by 1-1/2 lengths from Coastal Rose with La Dea four lengths away third.
Black ‘N’ Tough was bred by Tony Shadforth who leased the filly to Chris Wickham and he races her in partnership with his wife Sharon.
Wickham has enjoyed enormous success this season with his star four-year-old mare Rebel Bride that capped her season with victory in the Group 3 weight-for-age Bow Mistress before ending her campaign with a minor placing in the Listed weight-for-age Vamos Stakes.
Wells is confident Black ‘N’ Tough has a bright future.
“This filly showed above average ability from day one and there’s no doubt she has a very bright future,” Wells said.
“She would have began racing earlier but we opted to give her time while we were relocated south for six months while the Devonport track was being upgraded,” he said.
Black ‘N’ Tough was not offered at the 2010 Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
She is a full sister to the well-performed Speed Control that has won three and been placed seven times from 16 starts in the care of Longford trainer Bill Ryan.
Of the dam’s 10 foals all but two have won and most have notched multiple wins.