28 Mar 2024Alma Rise romped into possible Group 1 contention with her runaway maiden victory on her home track at Pakenham.
The highly regarded daughter of Almanzor had finished runner-up on debut over 1500 metres and relished the second-up rise to 2000 metres to spreadeagle her rivals.
“She had progressed well from Sandown and she’ll improve again with the experience,” co-trainer Peter Moody said.
“I’m not sure about the quality of the opposition, but she was professional and it was very pleasing. She might be a South Australian Oaks (G1, 2000m) filly.”
Alma Rise was quickly into stride to settle third on the fence and was into the clear to take control 400 metres from home and coasted clear by a widening five lengths.
“I’ve always liked this filly, she crossed well and then came back to me and she’s classy,” successful rider Jamie Kah said.
Alma Rise is raced by her breeder Ed Calvert and is a daughter of the Bertolini mare Fashion Black, who was successful on six occasions. Fashion Black is a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner and sire Xtravagant whose brother He’s Remarkable was a Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter.