Promising filly Strada Cavallo became the fourth stakes winner for her G1 winning sire Alamosa when she took out the Listed John Grigg Stakes at Ashburton on Saturday.
The 3YO Strada Cavallo (Alamosa x Abenroad by Danroad) is emerging as a leading chance for next month’s G1 NZ 1000 Guineas at Riuccarton for trainer Graham Richardson
“At this stage the 1000 Guineas is looking a possibility and she also holds a nomination for the 2000 Guineas. She may get up over more ground later,” Richardson said.
The G1 NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas is run on November 14 over 1600m a week after the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas, also at Riccarton over 1600m.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 G1 winner Antespend (Spend a Buck).
Richardson had further success yesterday with Karaka graduate Sultry Assassin (Keeper) also winning at Rotorua’s Arawa Park.Other Karaka graduates to win at Ashburton included Pepper Mill (Patapan), Southern Sav (Savabeel), Bishop Rock (Fastnet Rock), Cantilena (Per Incanto) and Super Trouper (Darci Brahma).
• CELEBRITY MISS became the second individual stakes winner for her Danehill sire Civics when landing the Listed Rotorua Plate at Arawa Park.Melbourne Cup entry Pondarosa Miss was second with Smartly third.
A late maturing 5YO mare Celebrity Miss (Civics x Classic Dame by Classic Fame) now looks set for a step up in distance with trainer Lee Somervell nominating the New Zealand Cup next month as a target.“She’s a lovely mare and is coping with the rise in class. Her main mission is the New Zealand Cup.
“She’s still on the way up - this is a nice stepping stone to Riccarton,” said Somervell.