Tiny Mare Rallies Late to Land Another Win for Purvis

A fitness edge helped lightly-raced mare Chirography to chalk up another win for young trainer Megan Purvis at Cluden Park on Thursday.

Purvis, who has enjoyed a terrific winning run over the summer with Strathcona, was beaming after Chirography fought back from the brink to beat Binghamton in the Ladbrokes Mdn Plate (1200m).

Chirography was having just her second Townsville start for her new trainer since being snapped up for $5000 in Victoria late last year.

And braving the rain and heavy conditions at the track during the recent deluge might have just given the diminutive mare the boost to outsee her rivals.

“It wasn’t a fun time during the wet. Considering the amount of rain we had at the track, it wasn’t slippery and not too bad,” Purvis said.

“I came over every second day, there weren’t many people here. I really think that bit extra helped today. 

“I thought at the 200m she might run second or third but she really dug in and fought for the win.

“She came back today and didn’t have much of a blow so she’s pretty fit.”

Success leads to success as they say and Purvis has been slowly building a small team on the back of the summer success of Strathcona, a winner of three of his past five starts.

First, she bought Chirography and then a class 1 mare Arguable online.

Purvis said Chirography, a four-year-old mare by Irish-bred stallion Wrote, will only get better over longer trips.

“I’ve developed a bit of knack with horses that get over a bit of distance so I went after her because of her form over 1400m and a mile,” Purvis said.

“After I picked her up in Victoria, she arrived a bit light on so I gave her a little let-up and she’s really settled in well and come on.

“I started her over 1000m first-up here and had no expectations, thinking she was a bit underdone and might finish mid-field.

“She flew home and ran second and was in front two strides past the post.

“I thought this race today would be a good start to get here up to 1400m to a mile which she needs. But she was able to get the win which was great.”

Richmond trainer Shryn Royes followed her boilover win with Ilzoomya last week with an all-the-way win with Mr Metrics in the Ladbrokes Cl6 Hcp (1200m).

Mr Metrics, backing up from last week, made all the running for apprentice Tyler Leslight to win in a breeze.

Meanwhile, visiting Rockhampton trainer John Wiggington claimed the Ladbrokes QTIS Jewel 3YO Qualifier with the barnstorming Better Than Words.

The Better Than Ready filly came from last at the 100m in the small field to win, drawing away by a length in a stunning effort.

Cairns filly Illtellyouso finished second a nose in front of Townsville-trained Kobayastar.

The race started in sensational fashion when Margot Barbie dropped her head when the gates opened and dislodged jockey Just Stanley.