Neita quickly into stride in Randwick win

Class sprinter Nieta has returned to racing in style, maintaining a perfect record over her pet distance.

The four-year-old mare was straight back into stride in the Ranvet Handicap (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday, where she resisted the challenge of I Am Zelady to score by a long neck.

Randwick trainer John Thompson was unsurprised at the outcome but the margin was narrower than he expected.

“I thought this morning I’d be very surprised if she got beat. She actually raced a little bit fresh. It was a lot closer than what we expected.”

The $2.30 favourite, who has now won all four starts over 1000m, impressed Thompson with her determination when under duress.

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“It was good to see her lift. If they’re going to be a good horse and make that higher level they’ve got to do that. She dug deep.”

Jockey Blake Shinn agreed.

“I loved her tenacity. She’s certainly developed into a nice mare now physically and mentally.

“She’s got some bigger races in store and I certainly think that she can measure up to some nice black-type races.”

Thompson said Nieta would target the Listed Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone on May 13l.

“I don’t think we’ll go to Brisbane. She may come back here for the June Stakes (1100m) but if she won up there (Scone) and won very well I’d think about putting her away for the good races in the spring.”