The Joe Pride-trained OBSIDIAN DREAM is a maiden no more following a commanding performance at Hawkesbury on Thursday.
Partnered by Sam Clipperton, the 3yo filly led throughout the 1400m Maiden Plate for Fillies & Mares, relishing the heavy (8) conditions.
The outside barrier in a field of 7 looked tricky on paper, but a fast getaway allowed Clipperton to cross and seize control of the race inside the first furlong.
At the top of the straight, OBSIDIAN DREAM kicked strongly to post a three-quarter length margin on the line.
“She executed beautifully and was well primed being fourth-up over seven furlongs,” Clipperton said post-race.
“She’s ticked a few boxes today and I think she will get a mile.”
The most positive sign about OBSIDIAN DREAM is that she has improved her finishing position with each race start. Prior to Thursday’s breakthrough victory, she had run 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th. When horses are on this trajectory, you don’t know where their ceiling is (hopefully high!).
The daughter of VADAMOS is the third foal and second winner out of HIGH CHAPARRAL mare HIGH TRANQUILITY. The full-sister BE QUIET was a three-time winner for the Pride stable.
Proven Thoroughbreds went to NZ$220,000 to secure OBSIDIAN DREAM from Landsdowne Park’s draft at the 2024 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale and she becomes our 33rd winner for season 2025-26.
