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The impressive progress made by Sureasyouwereborn last preparation had benefits on two fronts for Barrie and Nikki Blatch.

The Tapanui owner-trainers guided the mare through to a stakes victory and a Group placing to boost both her future breeding value and also that of an inspired purchase.

“Sureasyouwereborn started last season as a Rating 65 horse and she ended up on 98,” Nikki Blatch said.

“Prior to her kicking off we took a punt and also bought her half-sister by Iffraaj, who is away being broken in at the moment.”

Sureasyouwereborn will open a campaign focussed on November’s Gr.3 New Zealand Cup in the Abernethy Contracting Handicap at Gore on Thursday.

“It’s only half an hour down the road and it will be a good opportunity for her to stretch her legs and have a good hit out,” Blatch said.

“The distance is well short of her best so we have no expectations of her doing anything spectacular.”

The winner of the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup during her last campaign, Sureasyouwereborn was spelled after she finished runner-up to Scapolo in the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup.

“She’s been back about 10 weeks and she wintered beautifully, probably the best she ever has,” Blatch said.

“She’s bigger and stronger this season and she’s such an easy horse to deal with.

“We’ve tentatively mapped out a plan toward the New Zealand Cup. She will have her next start over a mile and then go on to the Winton Cup and through to Christchurch for the Spring Classic and the Metropolitan before the cup.”