G1 NZB 1000 Guineas Targeted for Strada Cavallo
18 October 2015
Promising three-year-old Strada Cavallo (NZ) (Alamosa) shredded her maiden status yesterday with a black-type triumph at Ashburton in the $50,000 Listed John Grigg Stakes (1400m).
 |
| Strada Cavallo triumphant in the Listed John Grigg Stakes. |
The lightly raced Strada Cavallo has had just four starts including her debut as a juvenile, where she finished third at Ruakaka. Her last start saw her travel to the South Island, placing third at Riccarton Park for Matamata trainer Graham Richardson.
“I thought it was a very good run,” commented Richardson. “She has a fair amount of ability and it didn’t surprise me.
“It was a great win for all her owners and the race was named after co-owner Jason Grigg’s grandfather.”
Beginning from barrier 5 for leading South Island jockey Chris Johnson, Strada Cavallo settled behind the speed before pushing off the fence for a run on the home turn.
Inside 200m, Strada Cavallo broke away with the leading pack and swept down the outside to win by half-a-head over runner-up Princess Davone (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Brighton (NZ) (Buffalo Man) finishing in third.
“At this stage the 1000 Guineas is looking like a possibility, she also holds a nomination for the 2000 Guineas. She may get up over more ground later,” adds Richardson.
The Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas takes place at Riccarton Park on 14 November over 1600m and the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas is on 7 November also at Riccarton Park over 1600m.
The three-year-old filly has now collected $35,350 in prizemoney for her large group of connections including Jason Grigg, Nearco Stud, Pat Baker, Martina Delany, Tammy Chee, Wayne & Jenny Oliver, Tony Basile, Richard Anaru, Eric Carter, Colin Gilson, Howard Fransz, Francis Fox, Ernie & Marlene Thornton and Raewyn Armstrong.
Strada Cavallo was purchased by Richardson Racing Stables at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2014 Select Sale for $60,000 from Bradbury Park.
Bred by part-owner Nearco Stud, the daughter of Alamosa is out of an unraced Danroad mare, Abenroad, a half-sister to stakes-winner Pennacchio (Align), a dual Listed winner in Australia. She is from the same family as three-time Group 1 winner in America Antespend (Spend a Buck).
Richardson had further success yesterday with Karaka graduate Sultry Assassin (NZ) (Keeper) winning her sixth race, one of two winners for the team at Arawa Park.
Other Karaka graduates to win at Ashburton yesterday include Pepper Mill (NZ) (Patapan), Southern Sav (NZ) (Savabeel), Bishop Rock (Fastnet Rock), Cantilena (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Super Trouper (Darci Brahma).