3 minute read

There's no doubt that Kelly O'Reilly was the benefactor from another's misfortune in last year's Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Avondale.

She looked certain to run a meritorious second with 100m to run before Moochi Me dramatically knocked up late, the victim of a bleed, to let Kelly O'Reilly sneak through for a narrow win.

But no matter how fortuitous the circumstances, that win ensured the Wayne and Vicki Pike-bred and raced O'Reilly mare would retire to the broodmare's paddock as a Group Two winner.

With retirement drawing ever closer - Kelly O'Reilly is safely in foal to Cambridge Stud sire Tavistock - Cambridge trainer Tony Pike is anxious to make the most of the time he has left with her - and he'd love nothing more than to repeat the dose with success in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) on Saturday.

"It was a little bit fortunate for us last year, but that's racing," Pike said.

"On her day, she can win a race like that again - she's got the ability. She ran well fresh-up. Lisa [Allpress, rider] said she went enormous, but she just hit the wall 100m out.

"She's worked really well since and she's drawn well in barrier one, so she should get a nice run just behind what looks like a good pace. I'm really happy with her.

"A lot of mares seem to improve when they get in foal and that's definitely the case with her. She's probably only got a few runs left so we'd like to make the most of them."

Leith Innes regains the ride this weekend.

Pike ruled out dropping Kelly O'Reilly back in distance for a tilt at the Gr.1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, favouring stepping her up in distance for 1600m races like next month's Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes at Te Rapa and the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile on January 1.