Margherita heads south following Cambridge win

By Jordyn Bublitz 

Margherita lines up today at Palmerston North in the Doug Bradley Painters Palmerstonian Mobile Pace with trainer Danielle Green hoping the honest mare can continue her upward trajectory after what has been a long, patience-testing road.

Based in Morrinsville, Green has worked with Margherita her entire career, and while the mare has always shown ability, her biggest battles have taken place away from the track. 

Persistent issues with tying up have stalled her progress more than once, forcing Green into a constant cycle of trial and error as she searched for answers.

“Getting a win with this mare is massive because she’s just had so many issues. We’ve been struggling with her tying up, I was at my wits end, it’s been a nightmare,” Green says. 

“We seem to have it figured out now, and it’s been a long time coming to get a win with her.”

That win, her third in 20 starts, but her first since November 2023, finally arrived last week at Cambridge Raceway, where Margherita produced a strong performance that not only rewarded Green’s perseverance but also signalled that the mare might finally be ready to string consistent form together. 

The effort left the trainer both relieved and encouraged.

“She didn’t blow much after her run last week and she’s pulled up from it really well,” Green says. 

“She’s been working well and seems to be getting fitter with every run.”

Today, Margherita steps out over 2000m and has drawn barrier 1, a perfect setup for her preferred racing style. 

“The aim will be to come out and see who comes looking, I’ll really just leave it up to Brooke (Wilkins), she’s the driver,” she explains. 

Still, with the pole draw, Green expects Margherita to either hold the lead or take a cosy trail — both scenarios giving the mare every chance to be competitive.

"It would be awesome to get two in a row with her, she’s my pride and joy, I’ve worked with her her whole life,” she says. “In saying that it’s not always about winning, so long as she tries her best and pulls up sound I’m always happy.”

To see the field for Race 6 click here