The clock might be ticking against Lady Kipling (NZ) but she will be given an opportunity to win a deserved Group 1 before finally retiring to stud.

Lady Kipling (6m Savabeel – Akela by Al Akbar) was covered by Rip Van Winkle last month and returned to action with a stunning victory in the Tauranga Centennial Hcp.  She rounded up a strong field to defeat G1 Railway Stakes winner Fleur de Lune (Stravinsky) by three-quarters of a length.

“That was a super performance with 60kg and she is a really good mare,” co-trainer Murray Baker said.  “I didn’t expect her to be back last but Opie (Bosson) rides her just beautifully.”

Lady Kipling was making her first appearance since February.  “She will improve a lot with that run,” Baker said.  “I’m not sure if she is in foal but she’s just a lovely mare and she’s got a beautiful temperament.”

The Savabeel mare has won 10 races from 31 starts topped by Group 2 hits in the Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes and the Cal Isuzu Stakes to her credit.  She has also finished second at Group 1 level in the Thorndon Mile, Captain Cook Stakes and Haunui Farm Classic.

Bred by Windsor Park Stud and the Alchemy Family Trust, she was a $62,5000 buy for Baker at the 2009 NZB National Select yearling sale.

Lady Kipling is expected to defend her Auckland Breeders’ Stakes title at Pukekohe later this month with another tilt at the Captain Cook Stakes to follow in December.