Nice Win to Nossenko

Good things come to those who wait, and victory by the aptly named Nossenko (3 f Savabeel - Vera de Bosset, by Stravinsky) was reward for both horse and connections on 27 January at Hastings.

In training for owner/breeder Kevin Hickman ONZM (Valachi Downs), Nossenko was luckless on debut, ran the fastest last 600m (34.1) second-up for third, then was held up, and then missed the start at her two most recent outings. Any of those four races could have resulted in victory, but alas it was not to be.

She certainly appeared capable of bouncing back with a good performance and did just that in the $12,000 Maiden 1400 metres.

Named in honour of Chris ‘Krugly' King, Nossenko was pushed into a handy spot by jockey Craig Grylls, presented on straightening and wore down the pacemaker La Diva (Snitzel). It confirmed evidence of her ability finding the line and augurs well for the future in higher grades.

“She's been building towards it and deserved the win,” said trainer Jamie Richards, who presented two winners, and fourth, from three runners.

“She'd tested our patience, but it was good to see her deliver like that. We changed her environment, changed routine, trying to get her outside the comfort zone and get inside her head. She was much more on the job and raced really well.

“It's been a job well done by the team at the Main Stable and Middle Barn, where she is now. She's a tough filly to ride, typical of some Savabeel's with attitude, but hopefully she can gain confidence from the win and continue going the right way.

“(Assistant Trainer) Sam Bergerson was away with the horses today, he's done a great job and thank you to him as well.”

On footing upgraded to Dead4, Nossenko was a worthy favourite ($2.30 & $1.30) and ran 1400 metres in 1:23.9.

Valachi general manager Gareth Downey said: “She's been a work in progress for Jamie (Richards) and his team and we're absolutely delighted.

“I remember seeing her at Parkvale Farm when she was getting broken in and mentioned to Jamie that I thought he would be pretty happy with her when she gets to training stage. She's looked the part all the way through.

“Jamie has done numerous things to help getting her there mentally. She changed barns, has been on the walker in the morning and afternoons rather than going out in paddock, and has worked solo to keep her settled etc. He's changed things, rather than doing the same and hoping for a different outcome. He does a great job and Craig (Grylls) rode her well.

“There's not a lot of depth to her family as far as commercial appeal, but it's a handy running sort of family. Her half-brother, Zac De Boss (Zacinto), has won a couple in Melbourne, and there is enough to like about Nossenko with her Savabeel/Stravinsky cross that should be good.

“I would love to think that she goes on with the job and puts together a record worthy of joining the Valachi broodmare band. We'd love to develop a family from her.

“Savabeel is really starting to make his mark as a broodmare sire now, and obviously is still leading the way as a dominant sire in Australasia.”

Downey was also delighted following outcome of Karaka 2YO Million (Restricted, Listed 1200m) last Saturday at Ellerslie where Dynastic (2 c Almanzor - Meir, by Volksraad) became the sixth consecutive winner for Te Akau.

Valachi owns and breeds from The Tidy Express (Volksraad), sister to Dynastic's dam Meir, who has exciting filly Glory Bound (Tavistock) in commission.

“It's a nice pedigree update, so if Glory Bound can turn out to be as good we hope she is, and get some black type somewhere, it's a pretty nice looking family all of a sudden,” he said.

Nossenko was strapped by Sam Bergerson.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz