No Stopping Lucia Valentina (NZ) in Gr.1 Turnbull

Kiwi mare Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel) announced herself as an early spring star when she overcame an interrupted preparation to triumph in the Group 1 A$500,000 Sunday News Home of Sport Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.

Lucia Valentina (NZ) triumphs in the Group 1 Sunday News Home of Sport Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

The win by Lucia Valentina headlined a red-letter day for Karaka graduates who claimed four Group 1 victories and three Group 2 successes across Australia, Singapore and New Zealand. Adding to the Group 1 glory were First Seal (Fastnet Rock), Costume (NZ) (Savabeel) & War Affair (NZ) O’Reilly) with Famous Seamus (NZ) (Elusive City), Forever Loved (NZ) (High Chaparral) & Turn Me Loose (NZ) (Iffraaj) all claiming Group 2 successes.

Despite not being able to participate in trackwork since Tuesday due to a hoof issue, Lucia Valentina produced an effort that has seen her become the firm favourite for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup. It was the daughter of Savabeel’s second victory from three starts this campaign following a brilliant win in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes in Sydney first up for trainer Kris Lees.

“She had a bit of bruising in the sole of foot,” commented Lees. “We didn’t need that, it put her in a bit of doubt on Wednesday night but she responded well to the treatment and by Friday she was back to normal.”

Leading jockey Kerrin McEvoy gave Lucia Valentina an economical ride, settling her mid-field on the rail. McEvoy couldn’t get the four-year-old mare to the outside so pushed her into a gap halfway down the straight.

Lucia Valentina showed her characteristic strong sprint as she mowed down the leaders to claim victory by half-a-length over Lidari (Acclamation) with fellow Kiwi and progeny of Savabeel Brambles (NZ) gallantly holding onto third a further head away.

“Three-year-old fillies can go either way, good or bad, but she has taken that next step and that was a proper race on Saturday,” said Lees.

“She is on track for the Caulfield Cup now. She gets in so well on 51kgs and I would think the 2400m wouldn’t be a problem as she was strong at the end of 2000m after missing a bit of work. She has had one go at 2400m and she should have won the AJC Oaks.”

Saturday’s win was Lucia Valentina’s fifth win from 12 starts and second Group 1 victory after winning the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes earlier this year. She started her career in New Zealand with Stephen Marsh before being transferred to Lees for her autumn campaign. She has earned A$826,595 in prizemoney for her owner Lib Petagna of JML Bloodstock.

Bred by Graham & Helen-Gaye Bax of Blandford Lodge, Lucia Valentina is out of Staryn Glenn (Montjeu) who is also the dam of Group 3 winner Malandrino (Darci Brahma). Staryn Glenn is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Silky Red Boxer (Casual Lies) and Group 1 placegetter Gretchen (Bahhare).

Bruce Perry purchased Lucia Valentina for NZ$60,000 on behalf of Petagna at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale from Blandford Lodge.