14 Oct 2023Quintabelle has emerged as a G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas prospect after a dashing display to beat the older horses at Ashburton.
The daughter of our resident stallion Embellish had finished fourth in a competitive age group line-up over 1400 metres at Riccarton at her previous appearance and she relished the step up to a mile.
The Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained filly was tardily away and was buried back on the rail for rider Krishna Mudhoo.
As the field fanned out into the straight, Quintabelle lengthened stride near the fence and finished powerfully to overwhelm her rivals.
“She was really impressive and has been building to a performance like that,” Furlong said.
“We knew the mile would suit her and when Krishna asked her for an effort the response was very good.
“She is tracking nicely for the 1000 Guineas so we will just keep asking her to step up and if she copes with that she could be a nice prospect there and also later on when we think she will get even further.”
Her performance has seen her 1000 Guineas odds slashed from $151 to $41.
Out of the unraced Tavistock mare La Quinta, Quintabelle was bred by Primadonna Mares Limited and was purchased by Robert Dennis for $25,000 out of Epona Park’s yearling draft at Karaka.
Our young sire Embellish won the G1 2000 Guineas in 2017 and his son Talisker is currently a $10 chance to emulate his father in the Classic while his daughter Luberon, who we bred and race, is at $5 in the 1000 Guineas market.