Handy mare back to her best

HANDY mare Semiramide has returned to her best.

A recent purchase for the Robbie Caton stable, Semiramide scored first-up at Globe Derby on August 31 for her new connections before racing well below expectations at her subsequent start.

Taken back to the troubled venue yesterday the daughter of Mach Three proved too slick for her opposition over 1800 metres.

“It’s been quite a journey with this mare,” Caton said. “We got her from Western Australia in June and nearly lost her not long after she arrived.

“She got a severe case of travel sickness and nearly died…it was touch and go there for a while.

“Thankfully she pulled through and has been coming along nicely.

“We’re still learning about her and as we found out during her second run she can’t do a lot of work and is better suited to being held up for a sprint.”

Driven by Caton partner Tiana McMahon, Semiramide was settled in the perfect one-one position from barrier three as Thebattlesjusbegun led from the pole.

Angled three-wide along the back straight, Semiramide quickly dashed to the front on her way to a three-metre win from Everything, with Motu Rampage a neck away third.

“That’s the kind of run which suits her,” Caton said. “Once she was able to be driven for one run I expected her to finish strongly.

“I was pleased with the way she got to the line and hopefully she can go on with the job from here.”