Almanzor 3YO dazzles in Soliloquy

Exciting Almanzor filly Asturia has continued her fast-track bid for higher honours with a dominant performance to claim the G2 Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie.

The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained three-year-old was too good at the end of 1400 metres off the back of her runner-up finish in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas.

Bred by Monovale Holdings, Asturia’s latest performance has her a less than even money favourite for next month’s G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas at Riccarton where she is expected to the relish the step up to a mile.

“That was so good to see and a pretty impressive 1000 Guineas trial I would think,” Bergerson said.

“If we can get there in one piece and in similar form, then the Riccarton track and the 1600 metres will suit her right down to the ground, so we will have our fingers crossed.

“We were quietly confident as she went a super race at Hastings without a lot of luck so we all thought if she could stay out of trouble the 1400m on a decent track was what she would excel at.”

Asturia settled toward the back of the field before rider Michael McNab urged her forward before the turn and she produced a powerhouse finish for her second win from three appearances.

She was purchased by Te Akau’s David Ellis for $135,000 out of Landsdowne Park’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.

She is a daughter of the Zabeel mare Kay’s Legacy whose dam Kay’s Awake won the Listed Newmarket handicap and was a multiple Group 1 placegetter.

Kay’s Legacy is also a half-sister to Rise At Dawn, a dual stakes winner by Almanzor with Ben, Will and JD Hayes.

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