Well-bred mare Vamos Bebe brought up consecutive wins on Saturday when successful in the Remember 'Jooky' 1200 at Hastings.
Following a clear-cut Maiden victory over 1200m on earlier this month at Avondale, Vamos Bebe extended her record to two wins and two seconds from four starts for owners Brent & Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud and Faith Taylor.
Ridden again by leading jockey Danielle Johnson, Vamos Bebe drew awkwardly in barrier 10 but after securing a decent trip in eighth she was on the move four wide into the home straight and accelerated to score comfortably by one and a half lengths.
“She was a little bit green today but she’s got a lot of class,” Johnson said. “She’s done a few things wrong in her recent races, but up in class today and better speed in the race she settled lovely and won easily.
“She quickened up beautifully, still pretty raw and will improve again. It was lucky that when they slackened the pace I was able to get around and get rolling like I did.”
Trainer Jamie Richards said they have had to take the patient approach with Vamos Bebe but that tactic was paying off.
“She’s a lovely mare that we’ve had to take along quietly because she’s had a few little issues,” Richards said. “But, thank you to Brent, Cherry and Faith for entrusting her with us and giving her the time that she’s needed. She’s got a lovely pedigree and hopefully it’s all in front of her.
“She was four back, one off, made her move at the right time and quickened in well. Like good horses can. She was a bit green and lay-in a little bit, so can improve further and still a bit backward in the coat.”
Vamos Bebe is by the leading sire in Australia, I Am Invincible Group One winner from Hurtle Myrtle.
“On natural condition, coat, and physical development she’s only half-made, so what she has done today is very heartening,” Brent Taylor said.
“As I mentioned, after her Maiden win, we thought she could be our best three-year-old at this time last year, and luckily we had a couple of others step up, but she’s always had ability, just not quite there physically and mentally.
“Hurtle Myrtle won her Group One race as a five-year-old, so if she stays sound and remains keen to race then we’ve got plenty of time and she can stay in work for as long as it takes.
“Although the gate (10) wasn’t ideal, the footing was perfect and the extra speed of the race probably played into her hands that she could jump out and settle behind the pace. It enabled her to relax in the run. Danielle (Johnson) brought her into the race at the right time and she ran super.
“Jamie, Danielle, and team at the stable, have yet again done a wonderful job.” -Te Akau Racing