Listed Win For Aspen Lass (NZ)

In stark contrast to the 2000 Guineas victory by a $775,000 yearling purchase, Saturday’s $75,000 Listed Redwood Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton was won by a horse whose two trips through the Karaka sale ring amassed a total of just $30,000.

Aspen Lass (NZ) (Alamosa) cost $5000 as a Select Sale yearling and $25,000 at the Ready to Run Sale. After a come-from-behind win in Saturday’s staying feature, she is now the winner of five races and more than $112,000 in prize-money.

“This is our first horse,” said Graeme Causer, who owns the mare in partnership with his wife Leah. “She didn’t cost a lot, but it goes to show you can have some big thrills with the cheaper horses.”

Ridden by Alysha Collett for trainer Terri Rae, Aspen Lass dropped to the back of the small field and bided her time until the home turn. Then Collett brought her to the outside of the track and she showed a stylish turn of foot, reeling in the leaders and charging to victory by a length and three-quarters.

Fellow Karaka graduates Imperium (NZ) (Encosta de Lago) and Grazia (NZ) (Savabeel), both trained by Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards, were second and third.