TSR Weekly Wrap | 1 Feb 2024

A week of mixed emotions for us with our grand little mare Encipher suffering a serious injury while winning a major feature race.

It was a brave effort by her after racing three wide and in the breeze in the $75,000 Ladyship Cup.

She was even more resilient than first thought when it was discovered she had fractured a pastern.

What a performer she’s been for the stable and breeder-owner Tyson Linke.

She became our first million-dollar earner with victory in the inaugural $2m slot race, The Eureka, at Menangle.

What a race record she has put together - 18 wins, 7 seconds and 1 third from 30 starts for $1,635,479.

This makes her the richest-earning Australian pacing mare of all time.

Only the NZ-bred trio of Shartin, Amazing Dream and Adore Me are above on the Australasian richest mares list.

Now, can we make it back-to-back AG Hunter Cups at Melton on Saturday night?

We have Mach Dan and Beyond Delight engaged in an effort to replicate the win of Honolua Bay last year.

This will be Mach Dan’s third start in the $500,000 group 1, having finished fourth in 2022 and 2023.

Each has drawn the second row - Beyond Delight in 11 and Mach Dan 12.

We also have Hesallmuscle (winner of his past two starts) in the first heat of the Great Southern Star for trotter; Shezamajorstar, Freeasabyrd and Uniquely Ideal in the Gold Chalice for 3yo fillies; Perfect Class in the 4yo Bonanza; and Major Moth in The Pure Steel.

WINNER IN PAST WEEK

ENCIPHER (Kate Gath) 5yo mare: Ladyship Cup, 1720m, at Melton on Saturday, January 27. MR1:53.6 LH 55 LQ 27.2.