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Viddora Eyes More Success After Winterbottom Win

When Viddora burst away from the field at the 200m mark at Ascot on Saturday there was no doubt that she would finally claim her maiden Group 1 victory.

After twice being the bridesmaid, the Group 1 victory was a dream come true for young trainer Lloyd Kennewell who always knew that his mare had what it took to be a Group 1 winner.

“Absolutely, it’s a dream come true. The build-up for the race was great as we knew she was a real live chance heading into the race.”

After two huge runs in Melbourne over spring, a trip west was always penciled in for the speedy mare.

“The Winterbottom had always been in the plans and I know it’s a bit cliché but I always wanted to get through each race, one at a time from the Moir, to the Manikato. The Winterbottom sat in nicely between those races and the Gold Coast in January.”

Kennewell’s team and jockey Joe Bowditch headed across to Perth early last week to make sure that the preparation was perfect for the five-year-old mare.

“We got over there early in the week to make sure everything was running smoothly and that her good form kept on rolling.”

By her side for 17 of her 23 career starts has been jockey Joe Bowditch. Saturday’s victory was his second Group 1 win after claiming the 2004 South Australian Derby aboard Hard To Get. Bowditch has been in magnificent form this season, notching up 36 winners around the country and his affiliation with the horse has been a key factor in the success of the mare.

“Joe is just a good jockey full stop. He’s been great for our stable and most importantly he knows her the best and has that close affiliation with her.

Timing has also been a big key to Viddora’s success and the mare has really relished the longer breaks in between runs.

“She seems to like that month off between runs. It keeps her nice and fresh and it’s working really well for us at the moment.”

Viddora will fly back to South Australia tomorrow for a few days’ rest and relaxation before another interstate trip in a few weeks.

“She flies back from Western Australia tomorrow and will have four days off in the paddock to relax and hopefully she’s looking prime for a trip up to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions.”

While she has been tremendous across the border this preparation, Kennewell has his sights set on claiming a Group 1 in his home state.

“The Sangster and Goodwood are definitely part of the long term plan. All going well, they’re $1 million races in your own backyard and her run in this year’s Sangster really set up her path to the Melbourne spring.”

 

Image: Magic Millions

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