Pencarrow Racing had a fruitful day of racing on Saturday with the blue and white silks taking both first and second place in the $20,000 Adams Trimmer Insurance 1400(m) at Ruakaka.

Makarska winning at Ruakaka. Photo courtesy of Trish Dunell.

It was the Ken and Bev Kelso trained Makarska (Keeper x Stanica) who took first prize, her fifth win from 22 starts. The Keeper mare has earned a check in all her races this campaign, last winning in April over 1400m at Matamata and finished fifth on a heavy 11 track at her last start.

“I thought it was a very good effort,” commented Kelso. “She travelled like a winner the whole way and got to the line quite easily.

“We thought she would run better than her last trip - the track at Rotorua was diabolical, it was very, very heavy but she still ran an honest race finishing fifth.

“She has shown plenty of ability and we will look at the options to get some black type races in her but, for now, she will head back to Ruakaka, the following Saturday, for the Rating 85 1400m.”

Michael Coleman continued his association with Makarska, going forward in the early stages, crossing over from a wide barrier. Settling among the field in fifth position, Pencarrow Racing’s second runner North of Sunset (NZ) (Red Ransom) trailed the field before looming around the outside on the turn for home.

Makarska drove out from behind Ruready (NZ) (Keeninsky) as they straightened for home, racing to the lead for a clear two-length victory over North of Sunset who ranged up to make the Pencarrow quinella and Biologist (Danehill Dancer) in third.

Owned by Sir Peter Vela, the four-year-old mare has increased her prizemoney to $56,845.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, the daughter of Keeper is out of Group 1 performed Zabeel mare Stanica, and is a half-sister to stakes-winner Rhythm To Spare (Pins), winner of the Group 3 RA Lee Stakes and fourth runner in the Group 1 Queensland Derby.

Makarska’s dam, Stanica, foaled a filly by All Too Hard in the 2014 breeding season.

Pencarrow Stud-bred Hasselhoof (Tavistock x Alpine) had earlier in the day made a winning debut for trainer Donna Logan, providing Pencarrow Stud with a double at Ruakaka.