Ricky May, who has driven a host of top horses, was staggered by the ease of the win of Carabella in a fast-run New Zealand Oaks at Addington last night.
Carabella won easily by two and a-half lengths in 3.11.7 for the 2600m (mobile), the second fastest time for the race.
She was within 0.8sec of the New Zealand record for a 3yr-old filly of 3.10.9 set by De Lovely in the race last year.
"She could be the best horse I have driven," May told Trackside television presenter, Greg O'Connor.
"I couldn't believe how easily she was travelling on the turn after the work she had done."
May has also the New Zealand Oaks with Mainland Banner (2005), Shania Patron (2001), Classy Filly (1999) and Robyn's Treasure (1994).
Carabella, trained by Brendon Hill for breeder Cavalla Bloodstock, has recorded 12 wins and a second in 13 starts for $550,440 in stakes.
• Paramount Geegee lifted his stake earnings over $400,000 with success in the New Zealand Trotting Derby at Addington last night.
Trained at Cambridge by John Dickie, Paramount Geegee has now won 13 of his 17 starts and $407,388 in stakes.
He has won his last four from six starts as a 3yr-old and the $44,405 winning stake took his earnings to $191,901 this season.
He has also won the Northern Derby, Sires' Stakes Championship and the New Zealand Yearling Sales Final.
He set a leisurely pace last night and won comfortably by two lengths.
Paramount Geegee and his 2yr-old stablemate, Flying Isa, winner of six of his nine starts give Dickie and reinsman Robbie Holmes a powerful hand in the Harness Jewels races at Ashburton on June 4.
• Steven Evans, of Leeston, trained Goldstar Invasion to win a $15,000 trot at Addington last night and Cool's The Tune to win a c1 greyhound race at Addington yesterday.
