Unbeaten filly Recite kept her record perfect with a clear win in the $225,000 The Oaks Stud Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (NZ-I), New Zealand's richest race for 2-year-olds, March 30 at Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North.
Ridden by Mark Du Plessis for trainer John Bary, the Darci Brahma filly settled off a moderate pace set by runner-up Al Strada and angled wide to made her run entering the straight. Uncoiling a burst of speed when called upon, she dispatched Al Strada with 200 meters remaining and kept on to win by 1 1/2 lengths.
The 8-5 favorite, Recite scored her fourth victory from as many career starts in the1,400-meter (about seven-furlong) test that was sponsored by her owner-breeder Dick Karreman's Cambridge operation. She debuted with a three-length romp Dec. 8 and immediately stepped up to group competition, impressively winning the Little Avondale Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes (NZ-II) Jan. 19 and J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders' Stakes (NZ-II) Feb. 23, both at 1,200 meters (about six furlongs).
Easily stretching out in the Sires' Produce Stakes, Recite covered the trip in 1:23.25.
Al Strada outfinished Constellation by 1 1/2 lengths for second in the nine-horse field.
Bringing her juvenile campaign to a close, Recite cemented her status as a leading contender for next season's New Zealand One Thousand Guineas (NZ-I).
"She's definitely going to the paddock now," Bary to The Informant. "It's very satisfying to end the season undefeated and to do it for The Oaks Stud; so many of us appreciate the support they give racing."
By three-time New Zealand champion and Australian group I winner Darci Brahma, who currently ranks third on New Zealand's general sire list, Recite is out of 2006 New Zealand 2-year-old champion filly Chant.
Bary enjoyed a group stakes double on the card after sending out Survived to win Higgins Manawatu Classic (NZ-III).
