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'She’s got a fair bit of improvement in her': Marsh plots next steps for Well Written
Jaxin Daniels • September 7th, 2026 9:51 am
Stephen Marsh (centre) was all smiles seeing his unbeaten Mare Well Written pick up another Group One win | Photo: Race Images NZ
Stephen Marsh believes Well Written is only getting started after the New Zealand Horse of the Year made a winning return to the races on Saturday.
The four-year-old showed plenty of determination to get past Alabama Lass down the home straight and win by nearly two lengths, despite racing fresh after only two trials.
“It was pretty awesome," Marsh said told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
"It was a great feeling to have her back at the races and obviously a better feeling seeing her salute and stay on beat, and it was a real thrill for the whole team.”
Well Written winning the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) | Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Well Written’s class was on show late in the race, with Marsh admitting there was a moment when he feared Alabama Lass had done enough.
“I thought, geez, we might struggle to sort of peg her back,” he said.
“But, you know, I love the way she went from looking like she's either gonna be beaten by a neck or get up by a neck, to winning by nearly two lengths.”
The win came against horses with more race fitness, giving Marsh plenty of encouragement about what Well Written can produce as her preparation progresses.
“The second, third and fourth horses have all had runs this time in,” he said.
“We're a four-year-old, we're not the fully furnished product, we're fresh up after two trials, so just natural fitness, match fitness, all of the above.
“I think she's got certainly a fair bit of improvement in her.”
Will Well Written do any damage in Australia?
Well Written’s next targets are the Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle, with Marsh planning to keep her in New Zealand until Epsom week before travelling to Australia.
“This week's all about sort of just getting her over the run, which she seems to have done brilliantly anyway,” he said.
“She won't do much this week, just keeping her happy and make sure everything's perfect.”
Marsh said Well Written would then be given time to settle in Australia before tackling the Golden Eagle three weeks later.
The trainer was also delighted with the wider performance of his stable at Ellerslie, with his runners impressing in the Group One event.
“I was very proud of our runners having three in the Group One running first, third and fourth,” Marsh said.
For now, the focus is on Well Written, whose latest victory has only heightened expectations for the next stage of her campaign.
Listen to the full interview below:
