Madrid shaping to capture another feature

She has been one of the star fillies in harness racing since she burst onto the scene as a two-year-old.

And now, as an older mare, Madrid (Bling It On) is shaping to capture yet another feature after qualifying for Saturday night’s $100,000 mares Riverina Championship final at Wagga.

The four-year-old. trained by Jarrod Alchin at Menangle. has contested most of the classic juvenile races during the past two seasons, winning 14 of her 24 starts and claiming Group 1 victories along the way.

Madrid treated her rivals with utter contempt in her heat win on Friday afternoon at the Riverina Paceway.

Jack Callaghan made the trip down from Sydney to partner the mare and was able to control proceedings for the majority of the 2270m trip.

Madrid appearing to be in second gear in the run to the line with Callaghan barely raising his hands to hold off placegetters Patsy Valentine and Elektra, rating 1:57.1.

“She was there on Friday to do what she had to do to qualify for the final,” said Alchin.

“After drawing wide, I just asked Jack to roll forward and have a look at what unfolded.

“And when she was able to find the lead softly, I knew she would be hard to run down.

“I cannot explain what she means to us and her owners.

“She is the ultimate professional and it would be great to see her win another feature.”

MADRID REPLAY

It was a memorable afternoon for Alchin, who grew up in Temora, just north of Wagga Wagga as he also qualified My Ultimate Ronnie for the entires and geldings Riverina Championship final.

Like Madrid, My Ultimate Ronnie has contested the best races of his age group, winning 13 races and almost $160,000 in stakes.

The entire clocked 1:55.2 after engaging in a dour struggle with fellow Sydneysider Tasty Delight to score by the barest of margins, showing that he is back to his best as he heads into Saturday’s Group 1.

“Ronnie was tough but that is how he likes to race,” said Alchin.

“He enjoys nothing more than engaging in a scrap with his opposition and it was pleasing that he was able to stick his head out on the line to score.”

It was a similar finish in the first entires and geldings’ heat when Bettor Isolate got the nod for Victoria’s Matthew Craven.

For complete race results, click here.

by Michael Dumesny, for HRNSW