Precia has given Vinery sire Testa Rossa a winning start to 2015 with a promising victory in the New Year From ATC Maiden (1200m) at Randwick.
Sporting the familiar silks of champion colt Pierro, she delivered a telling sprint in the straight and then turned back the challenges of Kind Heart (Shamardal) and Satya (Redoute’s Choice) to score in class-record time of 69.60s.
Precia (3f Testa Rossa – Involve by Encosta De Lago) was racing first-up since October 2013 and was unwanted at $31. “That’s a great way to start the New Year and what a glorious filly,” trainer Gai Waterhouse said. “(Owners) Greg and Donna Kolivos have been very patient with her.”
The winner was purchased by Sheamus Mills for $60,000 at the 2012 Magic Millions National Foal Sale and was pin-hooked for $185,000 out of the Rosemont Stud draft at the 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
Precia is a half-sister to recent Rosehill winner Black Revolver (Lonhro). Their dam Involve was a Sydney and Brisbane winner for Newhaven Park and trainer Alan Bailey.
Winning jockey Thomas Huet said Precia will stretch out for longer trips than 1200 metres. “She relaxed and I gave her a good chance at the top of the straight. She has a good turn of foot and will go further.”
Testa Rossa notched a New Year’s double later in the day with The Bowler at Flemington. The gelding jumped well in the Williamstown Hcp (1400m) and Mark Zahra had him closer than normal on the pace and travelling well.
“It should be back-to-back wins,” trainer Robert Smerdon claimed. “He was desperately unlucky here last time after getting a whack across the head close to the finish.”
The Bowler (4g Testa Rossa – Specie by Canny Lad) was a $67,500 buy at the 2012 Gold Coast Magic Millions and has since banked $180,600. He is a younger half-brother to Mossman’s Melbourne winner Mossmoney who is carrying her first foal by Stryker.
Testa Rossa has 16 yearlings entered for the Gold Coast Magic Millions starting on Wednesday. Vinery (as agent) sells a colt from Redoute’s Choice producer Starwish (Lot 646) – the mare is a half-sister to LR Gimcrack Stakes winner Brilliant Bisc.