Jamie Richards dominated the two-year-old events at Te Aroha on Monday as Maven Belle joined stablemate Kabugee as an impressive juvenile winner on debut when she burst clear in the run home in a 1000m contest.
Maven Belle made full use of an inside barrier to settle in the trail for rider Joe Kamaruddin before dashing clear of another stablemate in Hanalei in the concluding stages for a smart win.
“She was quiet in the gates, travelled so well and once we got room she flew,” Kamaruddin said.
By the ill-fated former Cambridge Stud stallion Burgundy, from stakes placed Kilimanjaro mare Doyenne, Maven Belle is bred for further but appeared capable of a cheeky run first-up effort over the sprint trip.
“Doyenne is a half-sister to Ken Kelso’s mare Levante, and placed in the Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m),” said Te Akau principal David Ellis.
“We bought Doyenne as a weanling and she was a pretty good racehorse. This foal developed into a very nice weanling and we syndicated her among some really good clients of the stable.
“Interestingly, the first two, Maven Belle and Hanalei were in the same paddock from the day they were born here at Te Akau Stud.”
Ellis said that all going to plan, Maven Belle could have her next start in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on her home track on February 26.
“She looks an ideal filly for that race and I’m thrilled for the owners that she’s been able to win on debut,” he added. “I thought Joe (Kamaruddin) rode her really well, too.”
