13 Apr 2021Cambridge Stud homebred youngster Ziegfeld made the perfect start to her career when she produced a gallant performance to win at Ruakaka.
The daughter of Teofilo had showed a glimpse of her talent when successful at the Cambridge trials a month ago and had no trouble carrying that form over to race day in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race at the first time of asking.
Trained by Lance Noble, Ziegfeld was caught three deep early from a wide gate before rider Leith Innes was able to get her two off the fence on the pace.
They challenged early in the run home and the filly was a willing partner in the closing 150 metres to open her account.
Ziegfeld is a daughter of the imported Danehill Dancer mare Sussex Dancer and she has done a fine job at stud with all seven of her foals to race successful, including the Group performers Reeverdeci and Meghan.
Sussex Dancer, who produced an Almanzor filly last year, is a sister to the G3 Cork Noblesse Stakes winner and G1 Irish Oaks runner-up Ice Queen and from the family of the multiple Group 1 winner and champion sire Last Tycoon and immortal Verse, a dual top-flight winner.