Well-bred mare Simply Thinkin’ had been in good form without winning this year and she finally broke through on Saturday with the help of a ground-saving ride by Clint Johnston-Porter at Belmont.
The Adam Durrant-trained daughter of So You Think (NZ) had finished in the first four in all bar one of her eight starts since January and she appreciated stretching out past a mile for the first time in the Phil Davey Hcp (1650m).
Simply Thinkin’ settled well back behind pacesetter Little Silver (Exosphere) before receiving an inside run tracking Antique Queen (Pierro) into the straight. She maintained a margin from the furlong to hold out Sixinch Heels (Nicconi) and Hey Pino (Maschino).
“I got on the back on Chris (Parnham) and, if anything, the run came a bit early,” Johnston-Porter reported. “She’s better held up but was just too good for them today.”
Simply Thinkin’ was bred and sold for $70,000 by Lynward Park at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions Sale and the latest of 7 wins in 30 starts sent her earnings through $250,000. Her residual value is also increasing as one of six winners from Simplyirresistible (Royal Academy).
Lynward Park bought into the family when John Chalmers (as agent) purchased her second-dam Windana (Danehill) from Collingrove Stud for $72,500 at the 2005 Magic Millions National Sale. She was carrying Simplyirresistible who won at Ascot and Belmont before earning black-type when placed in Listed company behind Rosie Rocket (Blackfriars) in the 2011 La Trice Classic (1800m).
Her older half-sister Angel Girl (Rory’s Jester) foaled NZ Group 1 Levin Classic winner Southern Lord (Stratum).
Simplyirresistible has been a revelation at stud with every one of her first six foals to race being winners. Young Thor (Frost Giant) arrived first-up and he was followed by New Amsterdam (Trade Fair), All Day Session (Sessions), Manhattan Strip (Manhattan Rain), Simply Thinkin (So You Think) and Simply Royalty (Bondi).
Her 2yo Irresistible Man (Gingerbread Man) wasn’t sighted after an awkward start on debut in March for trainer Ash Maley and her final foal is a yearling colt by Gingerbread Man with Ryan Hill.