Faulks warms up for Cup week with Oamaru win

By Jonny Turner

Miss Gracie again showed the progeny of Uramao just love racing in November.

The half sister of outstanding New Zealand Cup week performer Missalyssa strode to a nice victory at Oamaru yesterday for trainer Andrew Faulks and driver Sam Thornley.

Faulks admitted he isn't exactly sure why Uramao's foals are such good performers in November for Oamaru owner-breeder Bill Pitches.

But he is glad they are.

"I don't know, to be honest, but I hope they can keep it going next week," Faulks quipped.

Missalyssa heads into New Zealand Cup Week of 2023 after winning at the carnival in both 2020 and 2021.

Miss Gracie is set to join her half-sister at Addington next, following her Addington win.

"I nominated her for Show Day in case she won today because she wouldn't be eligible for the trot at Ashburton,” Faulks said.

"With a $30,000 stake, we will probably have to have a go."

With two wins now from 15 starts, Miss Gracie hasn't been the most reliable performer during her short career, but she has shown her share of talent.

And yesterday she was able to show her true worth with a faultless display.

"Pretty much every time she has trotted, she has been in the first four, it is just a matter of her doing it all the time," Faulks said.

Miss Gracie (Royal Aspirations) is the second foal and second winner from Uramao, following Missalyssa (Monarchy).

In winning, the mare's two foals are doing what she promised to do during her career.

"She had a lot of speed but she couldn't put it all together."

"Phil Williamson had her after I did, and he said the same thing."

Missalyssa will start in the first event on New Zealand Cup Day at Addington.

The mare missed out at last year’s carnival, though she ran respectably, producing fifth and sixth placings.

Missalyssa was down the track in her latest outing at the same track last week, but Faulks isn't concerned about that performance.

"She seems pretty good, her work has been good."

"I wasn't too worried about her last run, she has never liked slushy tracks."

Faulks will also start Winnyzback in the final event on New Zealand Cup Day.

“It is good to be going there with two horses that might be able to get a bit of money.”