Hastings visitor Riva Capri indicated she will be a filly to watch at a higher level over the next few months after she broke her maiden status in stakes company when taking out the Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui.
Raced in the colours of well-known owner Lib Petagna under his JML Bloodstock banner, the Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen-trained three-year-old had looked a likely type when flashing home late for second on debut at her Hastings home track back in July.
Unsighted since that performance, Riva Capri was overlooked by most punters who sent out the well-performed pair of Flaunting and She’s A Lady as favourites for the contest along with the unbeaten Trifolium.
After enjoying a comfortable run behind the pace for rider Craig Grylls, Riva Capri moved into contention on the point of the home turn as Trifolium took over from pace-making stablemate, Miss Sweet Pee.
Trifolium and Riva Capri set down to a dour battle in the home straight with Riva Capri getting her nose down at the right time to claim victory. The JML Bloodstock-owned Sorrentina ran on nicely to grab third from She’s A Lady who battled on strongly after being wide throughout.
Co-trainer Guy Lowry indicated another black type assignment was on the cards for his charge after claiming the victory despite a belated start to her campaign after she missed a run at Taupo when the races were abandoned midway through the programme.
“We were a little bit worried after missing a run at Taupo,” he said.
“I think her condition probably told in the last 50m but she was gutsy enough to hang on.
“We will back up in the Group Three at Hastings in a couple of weeks and then we will go from there.”
Lowry was speaking about the Gr.3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) that will be run at Hastings on September 21. Bred by Petagna, Riva Capri is the first stakes winner for the ill-fated Mapperley Stud stallion Atlante, who passed away in 2016 after completing his second season at stud.
