Following two disappointing runs in Adelaide after defeating the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes heroine Lyre by three-quarters of a length in the Listed Manahi Classic at Morphettville in March, the 4yo Headwater mare Mileva bounced back for an authoritative win in the Listed Alinghi stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Ridden by Ben Allen, Mileva made her first start for Phillip Stokes, having previously been trained by Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray.
The daughter of Headwater held the challenge of the Street Boss (USA) mare Bless Her by three-quarters of a length with the No Nay Never (USA) mare Never Talk a further one and three-quarter lengths back in third.
“She was super. She trialled quite well at Pakenham, and I was quietly confident, but she had to bring her A-game today,” Allen said.
“It was a step up in class, and she did it well.
“I was a little bit worried (about the wide gate), but with the main speed scratched, it wasn’t too much of a concern.
“Although we were wide she was in a beautiful rhythm and that’s the main key. Just keeping her happy and she showed a good turn-of-foot and put them away.”
Stable representative Justine Hales said they did not know what to expect.
“Phillip wasn’t sure what she would do (fresh) as we’ve only had her for a short time,” Hales said.
“She did the first part of her prep in Adelaide, then came over here.
“She only had the one jump out on the polytrack - she was supposed to go to Traralgon trials, but that was called off.
“Ben said he was a bit worried about holding her up as she can pull a bit hard in her gallops and in her trials.
“Hopefully, there’ll be some races down the straight at Flemington.”
A $42,000 purchase by Oopy MacGillivray out of the Little Hills Pastoral draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Mileva is apparently quite a character. She was reluctant to leave her box at the sales and needed a lead pony to enter the sales ring.
Mileva is the first foal of the Magic Albert mare Lady Einstein who Little Hills had purchased off Vinery for $30,000 at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale when carrying the future Manihi Stakes winner.
A winner at Geelong and Cranbourne in a light career of five starts, Lady Einstein is a half-sister to the Group II MRC PB Lawrence Stakes winner Second Effort (Mossman) and the Group III MRC Heath Stakes winner Diamond Effort (Mossman).
Lady Einstein has a 2yo colt by Nicconi that Wilde Racing purchased for $130,000 at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
After foaling a Showtime colt last spring, Lady Einstein was again covered by Headwater.
