Beauty wasn’t in the eye of any beholder when Recite (NZ) was offered for sale by The Oaks Stud and her lack of early popularity has proved to be a Group 1 blessing in disguise for the Cambridge farm.

The homebred daughter of the stud’s star stallion Darci Brahma and NZ’s 2006 Champion 2YO Filly Chant failed to excite buyers at Karaka last year and was passed in short of her $80,000 reserve.

The unwanted youngster has since morphed into Recite and yesterday at Awapuni she ended a perfect two-year-old season when a class above her rivals in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Settled fifth and one off the fence by regular rider Mark Du Plessis, the response was immediate when Recite was asked to lengthen stride on straightening.  “We ended up in a good spot and she relaxed beautifully,” Du Plessis said.  “She was travelling extra on the turn and then let down like a very, very good filly.”

Minor placegetters Al Strada (Perfectly Ready) and Constellation (Fully Fledged) tried gamely but were no match for the winner.

It was a victory all about prestige, although it didn’t hurt that the race was also sponsored by The Oaks which is owned by Dick Karreman and managed by Rick Williams.

For trainer John Bary, who had earlier claimed the Manawatu Classic with Survived, it was the dream ending to Recite’s first preparation.  She will now be spelled with the One Thousand Guineas a primary target and the mouth-watering possibility when she returns of a clash at Riccarton with Karaka Million winner Ruud Awakening.

“She’s won two Group 2 races, a Group 1 and is undefeated,” Bary said.  “I’m thrilled for The Oaks Stud and for Dick.  They are a great stud and Darci Brahma is a great sire.”