Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
In a race that panned out perfectly, Clear Conscience (4 m Alabama Express – Inner Peace, by Zabeel) delivered in the $18,500 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1400 metres on 27 December at Rotorua.
In addition, having been purchased as a yearling at Karaka, Clear Conscience was eligible for $28,000 Pearl Series bonuses, allocated to the owners, trainer, and nominator.
Displaying ability from the outset and winning twice at the trials before racing, Clear Conscience had resumed with a strong run for fourth in the Maiden 1200 metres on 12 December at Tauranga, and rated a top three chance stepping in distance to 1400 metres.
Ridden by apprentice jockey Hayley Hassman (a3), Clear Conscience tracked an early speed dual in fifth, travelled kindly, was on the move inside the 500m, swept up to lead at the 300m and raced clear to win comfortably by two and a quarter-lengths.
It was another well-judged ride by Hassman, who made it five wins from 14 rides for Ballymore Racing trainer Pam Gerard.
“Pam and the team at home have done an amazing job with this one,” Hassman said. “We wanted to get off the rail and things worked out perfectly. We got into the running at the right time.
“I still had a handful and thought I could catch the leader easily. We went straight past and it will be exciting to see where she goes from here.
“Pam has got some amazing owners, so it’s great to do it for them.”
On Soft5 footing, Clear Conscience ran 1400 metres in 1:24.3, last 600m 36.3, and continued garnering support in betting to pay $3.80 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.
“We aimed her at the Pearl Series race and it’s good when a plan goes the right way,” Gerard said.
“She’s been a bit of slow maturer and we’ve had to be patient, but I think they’re going to get plenty of rewards from her.
“She got a nice spot in midfield, came into it at the right time, and Hayley (Hassman) is riding super.”
Selected by Ballymore Stables / Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman and purchased for $80,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Hallmark Stud, Clear Conscience is owned by A Begg, Ms S E Bourke, M Brudenell, W N Campbell, Mrs D R Felton, P R Frazer, Gee Gee Equine Ltd (Mgr: Gerard Peterson), P Gleeson, Hallmark Stud Ltd, W H Parkinson, RSA Morrinsville Racing Syndicate, D J & T J Ryan, Savvy Racing Turbo Syndicate (Mgr: Keith McDonald) & B Tudor.
Sharing in the ownership are notable racing statesman: journalist Dennis Ryan and his cousin the ‘Oakura pirate’ Tim Ryan, along with a great group of racing enthusiasts.
Clear Conscience is by Alabama Express (Redoute’s Choice), purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock at the 2018 Australian Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, and trained by Mike Moroney to win the C. F. Orr Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).
Standing at Yulong Stud in Victoria, Alabama Express made a terrific start to his stallion career with progeny recording over 100 wins, headlined by four-time Group One winner Treasure The Moment: VRC Oaks (Gr. 1, 2500m), Vinery Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m), Australian Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), and sensational fresh-up winner this season in the Memsie Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).
Dam Inner Peace, by legendary Australasian Champion Sire & Broodmare Sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), has now left two winners, while second dam Franny (Selkirk) is a sister to Forte Dei Marmi, Champion Turf Male in Canada.
In turn the dam line includes mares by breed shaping stallion Sadler’s Wells (Northern Dancer) and notable classics sire Shirley Heights (Mill Reef).
Clear Conscience was strapped by Samur Singh.
Photo: Kenton Wright