From unwanted yearling to Group Two winner

OWNERS Stan and Susan Townsend continue to thank the day no one wanted a filly they bred.

Offered at the Sydney Australian Pacing Gold Sale as a yearling, the youngster failed to attract a bid.

Resolved to the fact they were taking her home, the Townsends elected to keep the well-bred daughter of Sportswriter.

Known as Our Antonio Rose, the three-year-old boasts seven wins and two placings from 14 starts, with her latest victory coming at Club Menangle just moments ago.

“I took her to the APG Sale but she failed to attract a bid so I kept her,” Stan said. “I really liked her and thought she had a lot going for her, but nobody wanted her.

“It did take us a long time to get her going properly, and she would gallop in all her trials, but then she came out and won her first four starts.

“She also won the Bathurst Gold Bracelet Consolation before we sent to Jason (Grimson) to race her in the Golden Easter Egg which she also won.”

Returning to Townsend soon after, Our Antonio Rose was sent for a well-earned spell before she resumed racing last month.

Following three starts – for a second – in Townsend’s care, Our Antonio Rose was again back in Grimson’s stable to prepare for tonight’s New South Wales Breeders’ Challenge True Blue.

With Jack Trainor in the cart, Our Antonio Rose was pushed forward from barrier three to find the lead as Misdemeanor was eased to take a trail.

Forced to dig deep during the latter stages, Our Antonio Rose staved off the fast-finishing Keep Rockin to score by a half-head.

In a ‘blanket’ finish, Misdemeanor was a half-head away third in 1:54.2.

“I gave her a real solid chance from the draw,” Grimson said. “She had to work a bit to find the lead and still had enough at the finish which was great to see.

“I’m not sure where she will head now, but she will have a couple of easy days before a decision is made.”