Trainer John Thompson is optimistic that Vingt Neuf Noir, a three-year-old filly, can extend her winning streak to three at Hawkesbury on Thursday. The daughter of Zousain (noted in one source as Zouska) has demonstrated considerable improvement this preparation, with Thompson attributing her recent success to increased maturity and better racecraft.

Vingt Neuf Noir began her current campaign with a narrow second-place finish, half a length behind Zouska at Kembla, and has since secured consecutive wins at Newcastle and Gosford. Thompson explained that previously the filly had difficulty settling during races, often running aggressively and failing to finish strongly. After a spell, the horse returned more settled, allowing her to conserve energy and finish powerfully.

“She was just a little bit immature so we gave her a good spell and she has just come around,” Thompson said. The trainer added that they focused on encouraging the filly to relax during races, a tactic that has paid off in her recent performances. At Gosford, despite the track’s tight configuration and the filly starting from near the back, Vingt Neuf Noir overcame those challenges to secure victory.

Vingt Neuf Noir will compete in the Clarendon Tavern Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap over 1100 meters with jockey Dylan Gibbons aboard. Thompson expressed confidence in the filly’s chances, stating he could see no reason why she would not win again.

In addition to Vingt Neuf Noir, Thompson has another three-year-old, Melanite, resuming in the Noelene Turner Memorial Class 1 Handicap over 1000 meters, with Alysha Collett set to ride. Melanite began the last campaign with a commanding win in the Magic Millions Maiden at the Gold Coast and recently impressed in a Randwick trial, closing strongly to beat Extraglow on June 12.

Thompson said Melanite tends to perform well when fresh and is adept at handling soft track conditions. “He’s always shown good ability,” the trainer noted, recalling a previous run where Melanite finished fifth behind Grand Prairie at Randwick.

Both horses appear poised for promising performances as the new race season progresses, reflecting Thompson’s focus on strategic preparation and development.