Awapuni-based mare Karla Bruni (NZ) took advantage of a rails run to land the G3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

Karla Bruni (6m Pins – Cantante by Centaine) looked to be labouring on the home turn before Danielle Johnson elected to navigate a passage closer to the fence as her rivals scouted wide.  It was a decisive factor in the two-length victory over Taurus (No Excuse Needed) and Thrive (Colombia).

“At the 600 I thought I was flat for all money and going to run last, but to her credit she’s picked herself up and won really well,” said Johnson.  “She loves the wet tracks, so it panned out quite well.  I hit a bit of a flat spot and the inside has turned out to be the best way home.”

Trainer Roydon Bergerson rated the victory as one of the highlights of his career.  he also shares in the ownership along with good mate and champion jockey Opie Bosson, who also happens to be Johnson’s boyfriend.

“It’s probably my biggest thrill in racing to own a horse like her and win a race like this,” Bergerson said.  “It is just amazing and we probably should have won the Whyte Handicap last start.  She’s got a great record at a mile so we pushed on and paid the late entry fee for today’s race.”

Karla Bruni failed to reach a $40,000 reserve when offered by Little Avondale Stud at the 2009 NZB Karaka Select yearling sale.  She hails from the extended family of G2 Flemington winner Chagemar (Zamazaan).