Leading Sydney jockey Hugh Bowman maintained his perfect record aboard Norzita when the pair took out the Group 1 $400,000 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill today.
Norzita wins her second Group 1 taking out the Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Bowman made it two Group 1s from two rides on the Bart Cummings trained filly and was having his first ride back on her after winning the Group 1 $400,000 Coolmore Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in the Spring.
Norzita beat Longport in the Flight Stakes and again proved too strong for the Patinack Farm filly in the Vinery with the New Zealand Derby winner Habibi holding on to third spot.
James Cummings, representing his legendary grandfather Bart, said that Norzita would be brought back to 1600m even though she handled the 2000m in fine style at her first attempt.
Cummings will now aim the Thorn Park filly towards the Group 1 $2m BMW Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks in preference to a start against the fillies in the Group 1 $550,000 ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) on the same day.
“That was dominant enough for us and we’ll be switching back to the 16000m,” James Cummings said.
“We’ll be switching back, she will be extremely effective at the 1600m at Randwick.”
“She stood up, she got the job done as favourite today and she’s a class above and heads to the Doncaster.”
Bowman settled Norzita just behind the leading bunch and once heads were turned for home eased the filly into the clear and shot to the front at the 300m.
Runner-up Longport ($26) fought hard to the line but Norzita ($3 favourite) had a half length to spare with Habibi ($4.20) a further three and a quarter lengths away in third spot.
“She arrived there easy. I feel that she did idol a bit in front,” Bowman said.
“She towed me to the lead, I held on to her til passing the three hundred metre mark and when I said go I expected her Flight Stakes sort of domination.”
“She did idol in front, but I was worried momentarily when she didn’t put the other horse away but she was strong late. She’s a class above this lot.”
