While she has been a work in progress in many respects, it was great to see Cullens First Meddle finally rewarded for consistency at Addington Raceway on Friday night.
A 4yr old Christian Cullen mare, Cullens First Meddle is the 5th foal out of the good racemare Make A Meddle (64 starts, 7 wins, 14 placings, $50,259) that was also trained by the stable.
While she has been up for almost five months in her current campaign, Cullens First Meddle seems to be getting better, the longer that campaign goes.
It was a last start 6th in the Futurity final on Show Day that gave driver Gavin Smith a lot of confidence heading into the race.
"That was a pretty sharp field and they broke 3.11," said Gavin. "This was a big dropback to be honest and I thought that if we ran them along again she would have most struggling."
After running even sectionals throughout, Cullens First Meddle had most off the bit a long way out.
Running home in 800m 58.0 and 400m 28.6, she was a convincing winner at the line in 3.11.7 for the 2600m trip.
"It didn't feel like we were running that quick," said Gavin, "but that track is so fast now they are running these times a fair bit."
The win was a fitting reward for her breeders Warwick and Una Sparks, who have had a long association with the Robert Dunn stable over many years.
The Sparks' have successfully bred and raced a number of "Meddle" horses including: Lionel's Meddle – 14 wins, Mahjac Meddle – 7 wins and Mr Meddle – 4 wins.
There must have been times with this mare that they were despairing of ever getting a win, but with the convincing nature of her maiden win, she may have really turned a corner.
"She lacks that real kick that you need," said Gavin, "but she can follow speed all day."
"If they only walk there's no point sitting back on her, she's got to be up there dictating the pace, or outside the leader keeping that pressure on."
While she will need a break at some point, she is clearly thriving and doing all the right things at present.
Mike Drury
Robert Dunn Racing Stables – Check site here