Sebring Filly a Star Winner

Denise Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds have been enjoying a hot winning run and it continued at Canterbury on Saturday with another tenacious win for three year-old Sebring filly Pioneering.

Trained by Chris Waller, Pioneering made it back to back Saturday wins when lugging 61 kg to a courageous short half head win over 1250 metres on heavy ground.

The skill of champion jockey Hugh Bowman was apparent as he cuddled the mare and brought her into contention under hands and heels riding at just the right time to win.

“There are some very happy owners here, what a great ride from Hugh!” said Waller.

“With the 61 kg we had to make a calculated decision earlier this week to claim or go with one of the best riders in the world.”

That calculated decision proved the correct move.

With four wins and seven placings from 15 starts, Pioneering has won over $260,000 in prizemoney for her big team of Star owners.

A filly with a big international pedigree, Pioneering was a $90,000 Magic Millions purchase from the draft of Newgate Farm.

She is the second winner for Soothe (USA), a half-sister to US Group II winner Conserve and grand-daughter of celebrated matriarch Fanfreluche, the ancestress of champion sires Flying Spur and Encosta de Lago.

Her sire Sebring has had a great season producing the winners of over $8 million in prizemoney including seven stakes-winners headed by multiple Group I winner and $7 million earner Criterion.