Patience has paid off for renowned Japanese breeder Katsumi Yoshida, who has a promising filly on his hands through the Chris Waller-trained Ms Rodarte.
The I Am Invincible two-year-old made an accomplished debut at Canterbury, resisting a late challenge from stablemate Press Box to claim the TAB.com.au Handicap (1200m) by a short head.
Although delighted with the manner of Ms Rodarte’s win, Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth doubted she would be fast-tracked to Brisbane’s winter carnival.
It took four trials for the $14 chance to be race ready and Duckworth advocated a continuation of a circumspect approach.
“We need to continue to do the right thing by the horse rather than try and force the issue when we’ve already got four or five good colts up there (in Queensland),” he said.
“There’s no guarantee of black-type, we might have it all sewn up already.
“We’ll see how we get out of today and plan from there.”
Ms Rodarte ($14) set the tempo with Kathy O’Hara from barrier two and built a sizeable enough buffer in the straight to prevent fellow filly Press Box ($3.70) from making a winning debut.
Bondi Boy ($5) was 3-3/4 lengths back in third.
Duckworth said Ms Rodarte benefited from her last trial taking place at Canterbury, and a favourable barrier draw.
“Experience round the track paid off and having the fence was a massive plus for a two-year-old. It’s like having another horse to run against,” he said.
Yoshida is based at Northern Farm on the Japanese island of Hokkaido and is one of the most influential breeders in world thoroughbred racing.
