Group One performer Hi Yo Sass Bomb (NZ) (Complacent) showcased that she’s on target for an exciting spring campaign when winning her 1000m heat at the Foxton trials on Tuesday.
The seven-year-old daughter of Complacent was having her second trial this preparation, having run third over the same track and distance a fortnight ago, and trainer Kim Reid has been pleased with her progression.
“We were looking for a nice forward run to see where she is at and we are really happy with her,” Reid said. “It was a nice run. She was doing it on her own and Kelly (Myers, jockey) was really happy with the trial.
“She is a competitive mare and her attitude is what makes her what she is.”
Hi Yo Sass Bomb hasn’t raced since her unplaced run in January’s Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham, and she has enjoyed a lengthy spell ahead of her spring preparation.
“She just had a few little niggles that I didn’t want to push through, so I chose to put her out because I believed she would come back bigger and better this season,” Reid said.
“She has had a good spell, and the will is still there by the looks, so we are looking forward to a nice season.”
Hi Yo Sass Bomb came close to snaring Group One glory last spring when runner-up in the Livamol Classic (2040m) at Matamata, and she is set to follow a similar preparation this spring.
“That’s our plan and hopefully we luck in with the draws. With a bit of luck, she will be a lot better,” Reid said.
The New Plymouth horsewoman had initially eyed the Gr.1 Prosir Plate (1400m) as Hi Yo Sass Bomb’s first major target but has elected to bypass the feature after its transfer to Ellerslie.
She has had two starts at the Auckland venue, beating just one runner home in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
“Initially, we were going for the 1400 Group One (Proisir Plate), but then it changed to Ellerslie, so we have opted out of that one,” Reid said.
Reid has shifted her attention to the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa next month and will give her charge a chance to go one better in the Livamol Classic despite it being run at Ellerslie.
“On paper, it doesn’t look like she does (run well at Ellerslie), but I don’t think the track tripped her up,” Reid said.
Reid bred and races Hi Yo Sass Bomb in partnership with her parents, Josephine and Graeme, and the trio have enjoyed the ride of a lifetime with their mare, who has won five of her 23 starts to date, including the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m), and has accrued more than $330,000 in prizemoney.
