Top jockey Larry Cassidy applauded the training ability of Brian Smith after quality mare Jasminka made a blistering return to racing at Doomben on Saturday.
Jasminka was having her first race start since April last year but Cassidy rode with supreme confidence and the five-year-old responded brilliantly to win the Subiaco Hair Plate (1200m).
“The plan was to ride her like the best horse in the race and that’s what I did,” Cassidy said.
“It’s a phenomenal performance on Brian’s part to prepare her to win at her first start after so long off.
“She’s my favourite horse. If she was a sheila I’d marry her without a doubt.”
While Cassidy was declaring his love at Doomben, Smith was across the Tasman witnessing a similar declaration of affection as a guest at the wedding of his good friend, leading Kiwi trainer John Wheeler.
Part-owned by former champion jockey Mick Dittman, Jasminka ($5.50) settled on the back of a hot speed before Cassidy released the brakes in the straight and she bounded clear and then held off the fast-finishing Geblitzt ($7) for a short neck win.
Patinack Farm mare Just Been Lucky ($7.50) settled fourth for Chris Munce and battled on gamely to hold down third, 1-1/4 lengths astern.
Geblitzt’s stablemate Bianca Jewel met with solid support in betting to firm from $5.50 into $3.80 favouritism but failed to flatter in the straight and finished sixth.
Jasminka has been plagued with injury throughout her career and her race record now stands at five wins and five placings from just 12 starts.
Smith has always held her in the highest regard and Cassidy said the daughter of Sakura Seeking might finally reach her full potential during the winter carnival.
“We’ve always thought of her as a Group-class mare and she showed today how good she really is,” Cassidy said.
“She grows another leg on a wet track and a race like the Winter Stakes at the end of the carnival could be well within her reach.”
AAP TURF
