Equiano (Fr) sired his 7th winner for the season when Jason Warren sent his promising filly Orvassa to Echuca on Monday.

Racing first-up since a fading sixth in the LR Dequettville Stakes at Morphettville in April, she was given no favours three-wide without cover before running home for a resounding victory in the Book Melbourne Cup Day Maiden (1100m).

“I was keen to keep her balanced with momentum,” jockey Jye Mc Neil explained.  “There was only one corner and she won with her ears pricked.  She’s still green and had a look around when she got to the front.

“It was a tactical race today and she will be much better with a sit.  She’s a genuine filly and will keep improving over more ground with that run under her belt.”

Orvassa (3f Equiano – Plus Jamais by Redoute’s Choice) powered to the line a half-length to the good of Mystic Reward (Reward For Effort) with another two lengths to Jack’s Choice (Reset).

A pin-hooking success for NZ based Ascot Farm, she made $28,000 at the 2013 Inglis Great Southern Foal Sale and then cashed in for $160,000 at the 2014 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

Orvassa’s dam Plus Jamais was the first mare covered by Equiano in his first southern book.  She is a daughter of Saratoga Group 1 mare Nevermore (Unbridled) and has a 2yo colt and a yearling filly by Equiano.

Victorian sires are prominent for the national second-season premiership two months into the season.  Reward For Effort (9 winners & $470,215) heads the Australian & Victorian prizemoney and winner ladders while Equiano is 4th in Australia and 2nd in Victoria for winners.

The Peter Moody trained Port Triano was Equiano’s 6th winner at the public-holiday meeting in Benalla last Friday.  Moody is getting mobile with four of those winners coming from his Caulfield stables.

Equiano (Fr) is open for bookings at Swettenham Stud for a $13,750 (inc gst) service fee.

ORVASSA
Equiano filly works out at Jason Warren’s Denistoun Park