CROFT KEEPS IT IN THE FAMILY

THURSDAY: October 10, 2024: TERRY Croft knows all about keeping it in the family!

The long-serving Hawkesbury trainer was his home track’s sole winner today with another member of the Mam’selle Harada brood.

Four-year-old mare Suay Mam’selle ($4.80) at her eighth start broke through in the Racing Mates Maiden Plate (1800m).

Mam’selle Harada’s first two foals, full brothers Just A Horse and Just A Brother (by Albrecht), both progressed under Croft’s guidance – and tally nine wins between them.

The now retired Just A Horse won three of his 11 starts, and his year younger brother Just A Brother has won six, including the Forbes and Parkes Cups last season, and is still going strong.

Just A Brother was given a short break after finishing seventh (beaten only three lengths) in a strong Dubbo Cup (1600m) on September 29.

Partnered by emerging mid-North Coast apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald, riding at Hawkesbury for the first time, Suay Mam’selle began well and took up the running early before settling outsider Triple Triple ($7.50).

She took over on straightening and gamely held out $2.60 favorite Placid Pearl, with Newcastle mare Dance Dance Dance ($10) third.

A daughter of Stratum Star, Suay Mam’selle had been placed twice (at Hawkesbury and Port Macquarie).

Fitzgerald rode the mare when third over 1500m at Port Macquarie on September 29, and Croft’s decision to bring her to Hawkesbury for the mount proved decisive in view of her 3kg claim.

“Suay Mam’selle had a few issues early and raced only once as a two-year-old and twice as a three-year-old,” Croft said.

“She was immature, and I’m sure she will be even better at her next preparation.

“I’ll see how she does after this win, but she may go for a break or perhaps have one more run.”

Croft hasn’t finished with the Mam’selle Harada brood either.

He has another filly, who has just turned two years of age and is by the Not A Single Doubt stallion Anders, who won the Group 3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens in 2020.

No prizes for guessing her name either. It’s Just A Sister.

. HOOFNOTE: RacingNSW has arranged additional sets of trials at Hawkesbury and Newcastle.

Restricted to provincial-trained horses, the Hawkesbury trials will be held on Monday (October 14) and the Newcastle set on Tuesday, October 22.