Manhattan Rain mare New York Scandal overcame some major setbacks to win her maiden at Cranbourne on Thursday.
Going out a long odds-on $1.30 favourite, the Aaron Laing-trained 4yo won with something in hand at her home track under Jamie Mott. She followed Rouge Moulin (I Am Invincible) into the straight and kept up a strong gallop for an overdue breakthrough in the De Bortoli Plate (1400m).
New York Scandal (pictured) had shown ability from the outset before injuries took a toll. She finish fifth on debut to subsequent Group 1 winner Jacquinot (Rubick) at Caulfield as a Boxing Day 2yo and was placed back there the following month behind Pinecliff Racing’s flying filly No Diggity (Sebring).
“She was sidelined for twelve months with chipped knees after those two runs and then she suffered a stress fracture of the tibia,” Laing revealed.
“She can be a funny horse to deal with and should have won during her first prep back earlier this year.
“I have Jade Derose to thank for all her work at home because she’s a mare that likes to argue. That’s what made me worried when Jamie tried to angle her out before the turn. But it all worked out in the end.”
New York Scandal is by Geisel Park stallion Manhattan Rain out of Moonee Valley 55 Challenge winner Scandimania (Magnus). It’s the immediate family of three-time Australian Horse of the Year Black Caviar and Group 1 racehorse and sire All Too Hard.
“I didn’t get to the bottom of her today,” Mott said. “We got a nice drag into the race and she deserved that win. Aaron’s doing a fantastic job and she will come back a more confident after today.”
The Victorian mare is the third maiden winner for Manhattan Rain this week following Hallside Martini (Sunshine Coast) and Champagne In Lace (Canberra). He stands for an $8,250 service fee at Geisel Park alongside All American ($4,400) and newcomer Aysar ($8,800). All fees (inc GST).
