Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh jokingly remarked that he was still waiting for his Christmas presents as the races began at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
However, his wait was short-lived, as Provence delivered a stellar performance to claim victory in the Westbury Stud Royal Descent Stakes (1400m).
Marsh had the option to run the 5-year-old Savabeel mare in the Stella Artois Championship Final (1500m) later in the day, where she would carry 60kg, but he chose the Royal Descent Stakes instead.
This decision, which allowed her to compete against higher-rated mares with only 55kg and the in-form Sam Spratt aboard, proved to be a winning strategy.
Spratt utilized a favorable barrier draw to position Provence just behind the leaders, while main rivals, including race favorite Malt Time ($3.40), were slow out of the gates and left with significant ground to make up.
Entering the home straight, Spratt made her move, guiding Provence past pacemaker Acquarello to take the lead.
Provence held strong to win by a length, with Acquarello finishing second and Malt Time closing in late for third.
After the race, Marsh explained his reasoning for targeting the Royal Descent Stakes instead of the Stella Artois Final.
“On paper, the last race looked easier, but she had 60kg, an outside gate, and we want to back her up six days later in the Rich Hill Mile [Group 2, 1600m],” Marsh said.
“That’s why we went for this race instead—she carried 55kg and had an inside draw. While she wasn’t well-placed at set weights and penalties, it’s great to see her win.”
Marsh is eager to test Provence in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, confident in her potential.
“She’s a really good mare who has had very little luck in her career,” he said. “She’s often been hampered by poor barrier draws, but I’m certain she’s capable of winning a major race.”
Bred by Tony Rider, who co-owns Provence alongside members of the Social Racing Ellerslie Winners Circle Syndicate, the mare is out of Flying Spur mare Sombrueil.
She is also the older sister of the promising 3-year-old filly Damask Rose. Provence’s record now stands at four wins from 12 starts, with over $169,000 in prize money.
