The Leon and Troy Corstens -trained Dolphin Skin has boosted her value as a potential broodmare with a narrow victory in a Stakes race at Flemington.
A $13,000 purchase at the New Zealand Ready To Run Sale last year, Dolphin Skin has recouped that outlay while adding Black Type to her pedigree with victory in the Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) on Saturday.
The task was made easier for the filly following the scratchings of pre-race favourite Steparty and African Pioneer, but Dolphin Skin was forced to dig deep to get past the leader Line ‘Em Up Louie.
Ridden by apprentice Wiremu Pinn, Dolphin Skin ($8) scored a half-head win over Line ‘Em Up Louie ($3.10) with the $3 favourite Sunsource a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
Troy Corstens only arrived back in Melbourne following a trip to England for the Royal Ascot meeting in the early hours of Saturday.
“I was on a plane and landed in Hong Kong when I got a message that the favourite (Steparty) was out,” Corstens said.
“I said ‘beautiful, we might be able to pick up some Black Type’ and then when I saw the other horse (African Pioneer) out as well, I was rapt.
“I’ve been really pleased with her and her first run down the straight was terrific.
“Danny O’Brien commented that (VRC Oaks winner) Miami Bound ran well in the same race first-up and I’m hoping that we can get her out over a trip.”
Corstens said providing Dolphin Skin recovers well, the Byerly Handicap (1800m) at Flemington on July 15 was likely to be the next assignment for the filly.
Success in that race gives the winner a ballot exemption into either the Victoria Derby or the VRC Oaks at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week.
“She’s up and going really well, so we’ll be keeping her going for the moment,” Corstens said.
“There’s no pressure from the owners as it’s mostly me as well.”
For Pinn, it was his first win at Stakes level since moving across from New Zealand in May.
“It’s pretty special,” Pinn said.
“There are no claiming races today, so I’m grateful they kept me on. They could have had a good jockey on like Shinny (Blake Shinn), or someone else, but they’ve kept me on.
“I thought we had no hope with Steparty in there, but when he came out, I was really confident.”