Suavetta (NZ) Strikes NZB Mega Maiden Bonus

Talented mare Suavetta (NZ) (Almanzor) became the second winner of an NZB Mega Maiden bonus when she scored a dominant victory in Wednesday’s $25,000 NZB Mega Maiden Series (1600m) at Pukekohe Park.

Suavetta followed in the footsteps of the three-year-old filly Tristar (NZ) (Exceedance), who won the very first race in the Mega Maiden Series at Taupo on September 20.

The Mega Maiden Series is an exciting new initiative created by NZB in partnership with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Entain. It comprises 40 non-Saturday maiden races around New Zealand throughout the season, and any Karaka Millions-eligible winner of one of those races will earn a $20,000 bonus for their owner and $5,000 for their trainer.

Suavetta was a $43,000 purchase from Haunui Farm’s Book 2 draft at Karaka 2022. She has now had nine starts for a win, two placings and $23,745 in stakes for owners Terry, Jane and Connor Lines and Emma Clotworthy. Wednesday’s Mega Maiden Bonus increases her owners’ total earnings to $43,745.

Suavetta settled in a handy position in fifth in Wednesday’s race, then pounced and took command at the top of the straight. Driven clear by jockey Vinnie Colgan, the four-year-old powered away in the final 200 metres. She crossed the finish line two and three-quarter lengths in front of the strong-finishing Steely Man (NZ) (Embellish), who incidentally was the only other Karaka Millions-eligible runner in the field.

“This is a great result for Terry Lines,” said Shaun Clotworthy, who trains in partnership with his wife Emma. “He puts a lot into the industry and he’s always had a lot of time for this horse. He’s overseas at the moment but will be watching.

“Vinnie rode her very positively from the draw and she’s won the race very nicely in the end. We should have a bit more to look forward to with her, possibly including getting her up over a bit more ground at Ellerslie around Christmas.”

The next race in the NZB Mega Maiden Series is at Gore next Wednesday.