29 May 2022Well-related mare Our Modena looks set for another successful campaign after a smart first-up victory at Mildura.
Trainer Patrick Payne had the winning polish on the Tavistock mare, who was resuming over 1400 metres in her first appearance since February.
Rider Billy Egan settled Our Modena back on the fence before picking up ground along the fence to be fifth on the turn and drove between runners in the straight to collect the fourth win of her career.
She was purchased out of Cambridge Stud’s 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale draft for $420,000 by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry and races in the colours of Milan Park’s Tony Rider.
Our Modena’s dam Zenella, who foaled a filly last season by Almanzor before a return visit, is by Zabeel and was a two-time winner and runner-up in the G1 Queensland Oaks.
All four of Zenella’s foals to race have been successful and includes the Listed Oaks Prelude winner Miss Ella.
Meanwhile at Ballarat, farm graduate and stakes placegetter Saint Eustace made a winning reappearance over 2000 metres for new trainer Stephen Pateman.
A $160,000 Karaka purchase, the Tavistock five-year-old is also a son of a Zabeel mare with his dam Zsa Zsa Gabeel from the immediate family of the Group 1 winners Golden Sword and Royal Descent.