War Princess was the hottest favourite on the card at Hawera on Saturday, and she lived up to the hype with an effortless and confidence-boosting victory in the NZB RTR 3YO (1400m).
The daughter of U S Navy Flag showed enormous promise as a two-year-old last season, winning her first two starts by a combined margin of four and a half lengths. She earned herself a shot at the big time, where she finished 11th in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in March and then seventh when she resumed in the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) at the end of August.
Trainers Peter and Trent Didham found an easier assignment on Saturday, where only three rivals stood between War Princess and the lion’s share of the $40,000 stake.
War Princess showed explosive speed out of the starting gates to immediately take up a clear lead, and that was where she stayed. Jockey Sam Collett gave her a breather with some easy sectionals through the middle stages, then asked her to quicken after rounding the home turn.
War Princess, priced at $1.40 with Australian betting sites, showed her class with a smart turn of foot in the straight. She pulled clear to win by three lengths from Belzoni, Star Onehundred and Tulsa King.
“I almost feel bad taking money for this ride,” Collett said. “Dids (Peter Didham) said she might have been a bit soft going into the Wanganui Guineas first-up. She had another trial under her belt this time and was much stronger today.
“It was a nice race for her, drawn one in only a four-horse field. I don’t think heavy is her favoured going, but she’s done it easily.
“She showed a fair bit of ability in her two-year-old season, and the signs have been encouraging in her work. Onwards and upwards from here.”
War Princess was bred by Don and Dame Wendy Pye, who are enjoying a highly successful spring as the breeders and part-owners of the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner and Group 3 Sunline Vase (1400m) runner-up Lollapalooza.
A half-sister to the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) placegetter Appellant, War Princess was bought by Exempt Bloodstock and Peter Didham Racing for $77,500 from Haunui Farm’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2024.
War Princess has now had five starts for three wins and $57,560 in stakes, with the promise of much more to come.
“She’s got such a beautiful action, and I think you’ll see an even better horse on a good track,” Peter Didham said.
“It’s just been a matter of finding the right races for her. The Wanganui Guineas might not have been my best work.
“It was a $40,000 race today, and clubs like Hawera are very supportive of racing, so it’s good to come here and race.
“I have to thank all the good owners and staff I’ve got. I’m the one who waves my arms around, but it’s them who make the music.
“It’s good to get the win today. We might give her a week in the paddock now to get over this run on a heavy track, then make a plan from there.”