8 Mar 2024Honest filly Vallarta has been knocking on the door this preparation and our daughter of Per Incanto deservedly pushed through to post her maiden victory at Taupo.
The three-year-old had posted runner-up finishes for trainer Lance Noble at Ruakaka, Te Aroha and Matamata from her previous four outings so it was no surprise to see her sent out favourite in the Entain-NZ Insurance Pearl Series Race.
Vallarta broke well from the 1200 metre start to settle in behind the pace on the rail and rider Warren Kennedy angled her off the fence before the turn.
“The barrier draw (three) was a big plus and Warren’s timing and balance is always spot on,” Noble said.
Vallarta strode to the front halfway down the straight and had enough in reserve to see off her opposition.
“She has been very consistent and it’s just taken a bit of practice, she still doesn’t quite know how to win,” Noble said.
“She has got a lot of ability and will keep improving. It was nice to get that race with the Pearl bonus ($20,000) attached to it.
“She has beaten herself a couple times and has had a couple of little hiccups along the way, so this will build her confidence and hopefully it’s the first of many.”
Vallarta was bred by the Balia Family Trust and we purchased her out of Little Avondale Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft at Karaka for $260,000.
She is a daughter of the O’Reilly mare Irish Cream, who was successful as a two-year-old, and she is a granddaughter of the G1 Oakleigh Plate winner and multiple top-flight placegetter Dantelagh.