My Pendant headed for Stakes test
My Pendant is likely to feature in Stakes company in the second half of this season after winning her second-consecutive metropolitan race at The Valley on Saturday.
Trained by Danny O'Brien and ridden by Craig Williams, My Pendant ($4.80) settled second-last before looping the field to win the $120,000 Keller Handicap (1200m) for three-year-old fillies by 1.3 lengths.
Al Naifa ($7.50) and Notation ($3.70 favourite) filled the minor placings while fourth placegetter Our Long Sali ($6.50) didn't have much luck in finishing fourth.
"It was only her fourth time at the races and she took off from where she left off at Sandown (Lakeside), it was a really paralysing last furlong," O'Brien said.
"She still did a bit wrong late, running in a little bit but she's got that ability to quicken.
"She's a very straightforward filly, she rests really well in the run and that gives her ability to let go late."
Williams believes My Pendant will improve later into this season and appreciate further than 1200 metres.
"The experience will only help her going forward," Williams said.
My Pendant has raced four times for two wins and two seconds.
The daughter of Pins was co-bred by Waikato Stud before being purchased by Phil Cataldo Bloodstock for NZ$100,000 from the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier yearling sale, with Waikato Stud's proprietor Mark Chittick retaining a managing stake.
O'Brien hinted at giving My Pendant a break before returning in the autumn where she'll be given the opportunity to earn black type.
My Pendant is the only progeny of maiden Any Suggestion mare My Locket to race.
My Locket is a half-sister to Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) winner Miss Keepsake.
Story by Carl Di Iorio
Pic by Racing Photos
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