Memories of the former champion stayer Ethereal were rekindled at Awapuni by her dashing daughter Seraphim.
Sixteen years ago the mighty mare was the toast of Australasia after she triumphed in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) off the back of her Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) success.
While Seraphim won’t reach such exalted heights, the Rip Van Winkle five-year-old showed a taste of the family talent with a powerful performance to run away with Saturday’s Rural Fuel Handicap (1550m).She is trained by Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie for Sir Peter Vela and took her record to two wins and six placings from 11 appearances.
“It’s pretty special to win today and she’ll go over a bit more ground as well,” Ramsay said. “We’ll be looking to get some black type with her for Sir Peter.”Seraphim was tucked in behind the leading division by rider Danielle Johnson, who was then able to angle into the clear at the top of the straight.
When she asked for a serious effort, it was immediately forthcoming and Seraphim strode to the front 200 metres from home and powered away to win by three and a half lengths.“Danielle gave her a gun rider and when she relaxes and gets into her rhythm she can really ping off good sectionals,” Ramsay said.
The three-year-old Dance For Money turned in an encouraging performance to finish runner-up ahead of The Cossack, who pressed on to lead after initially sitting three wide and his effort was also commendable.
