3 minute read

Perfect Moments and Niccobelle both won their first starts but their stories are vastly different as they attempt to stay undefeated at Wyong Race Club on Thursday.

Local trainer Kristen Buchanan has been patient with Perfect Moments after she sustained a tendon injury following a barrier trail win over Sultry Feeling in February, 2015.

Before that she had won her first start at Wyong and looked set for a promising autumn campaign, but the injury ruled her out for more than a year before she returned with a blistering 6.8-length trial win on September 6.

She ran 845 metres in 50.84 seconds that day, much to Buchanan’s delight.

“Her trial was brilliant and she’s a lovely filly with a lot of ability,” she said.

“I wasn’t interested in the margin but the time. When they run time while having a rider cling to them, it’s a good indication they’re on the right track.”

She takes on fellow unbeaten runner Blowing Kisses, but her trainer is confident she can stay undefeated.

“She’ll go into this race at about 90 per cent and she’s good fresh,” Buchanan said.

“All I’ve got to do is look after her and keep her fit. I don’t need to teach her to gallop because she does everything right.”

Niccobelle came from back in the field to win on debut at Wyong a few weeks ago after a shaky start to his campaign at home.

“At the start of this preparation I wasn’t that excited about him to be honest because he wasn’t showing us an awful lot,” Buchanan said.

“He’s just continued to improve and do everything right during a race. He’s very strong for a three-year-old.

“I just want him to be where he’s comfortable so he can do the job at the right end of the race. He’ll relax with cover and that’s great for a young horse and it will give him more opportunities in racing.”

The first of eight races at Wyong on Thursday jumps at 1.10pm.