Talented filly Wild Rain has been sent for a well-deserved stint in the spelling paddock after she claimed maiden black-type win in the 2015 Lightning Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.
Wild Rain claimed the biggest win of her racing career to date in the 2015 edition of the Lightning Stakes. Photo by: Jenny Barnes
Wild Rain went into the Lightning Stakes as a dominant favourite after she finished second behind Miss Promiscuity in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on July 4 and she was settled in a lovely position by jockey Matthew Nielson in the early stages of the race.
The daughter of Manhattan Rain tracked into the race nicely and responded well when she was asked for an extra effort before she held-off a fast-finishing Cashed to record the biggest win of her racing career to date.
Stable representative Levi Kavanagh was quick to pay credit to the ride of Neilson and he confirmed that Wild Rain would be given a break from racing before likely returning for a tilt at the 2015 Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast in January next year.
“We’d decided before the race we’d be happiest if she could get a sit,” Kavanagh said.
“She’s quite often found herself in front because she begins so well but I think she actually races better when she settles off the leader.
“She’s had a terrific campaign when you looked back at her record.
“She’s done a great job.”
Wild Rain started her autumn campaign with a fifth place finish behind Duke Of Brunswick in the Dominant Cafetto Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley on June 6, but she returned to winning form with a strong effort in the Pantry Packer Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on June 20 before she finished second behind Miss Promiscuity in the Sir John Monash Stakes.
Ryan Balfour-trained Cashed hit the line strongly in the most impressive performance of his racing career to date, but he was just unable to run down Wild Rain, while Balfour completed the trifecta with Trupt.
Promising gelding Counter Pulse was the first two-year-old across the line in fourth and Blue Diamond Stakes runner Stoker as well as the talented Caro Kann both missed the placings, but are sure to take plenty of benefit away from the run.
Wild Rain was purchased for $150,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, but she has now accumulated $227,750 in prizemoney for connections across her 12 race starts.
