Alsa Mix seen here winning at Sandown under Wayne Hutchinson© Photo Healy Racing
The rise of the Alan King-trained Alsa Mix up the ranks has delighted the grey’s former handler Paul Pierce.
County Wexford-based Pierce had a high regard for the French-bred — and she justified his faith when landing a gamble on debut in an Aghabullogue point-to-point last January.
Sold after that to race in the colours of June Watts, current connections are undoubtedly pleased with their 65,000 pound purchase, who reached a high point with Grade Two success at Sandown on Friday.
“We’re thrilled to see her turn out so well and we always thought she had that kind of potential,” said Pierce on the daughter of Al Namix, now three from three on the racecourse proper.
“When horses come out of your place and go on like that, it’s great.
“Friday was brilliant, in against geldings, and she was impressive enough in winning by three and a half lengths. She jumped right well and they seem to think a lot of her, too.
“She’d won her maiden hurdle before that on a tighter track when she didn’t look as impressive. The ground was too quick, the track was too tight and she got in a bit of trouble.
“She won then when she shouldn’t have won, if you know what I mean. It was heavy at Sandown. That’s what she won her point-to-point on here, but I don’t think the ground would matter to her.”
Alsa Mix was continuing King’s impressive record in the Winter Hurdle. As was the case with his three previous victors of the two-and-a-half-miler in the past four years, the Challow Hurdle is now under consideration.
Pierce can see her going even further, explaining: “She’s 16-3 (hands) — a big mare, and she took all the time here, and I’m sure she’s going to improve there over time as well, as you can see by the way she’s progressed with every run.
“If she hadn’t got that time she wouldn’t be where she is now, I think.
“Unfortunately we haven’t got anything else from the family. There was a brother of hers sold at the sales this year, but he got too expensive for us.
“It was brought up after the race the other day that a six-year-old winning a mares’ maiden point-to-point wouldn’t be the breeding ground for a champion.
“Wayne Hutchinson, who rode her, made the point that she’s a big girl and that she wouldn’t be completely straightforward.
“When you get to know her she’s no bother and she’s obviously worth it.”
