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One to Watch – Benalla

Tara Madgwick - Thursday January 5

A winning debut for the three year-old half-sister to Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare was a highlight at Benalla on Thursday.

Aperol Blitz wins on debut at Benalla - image Brett Holburt / Racing Photos

Trained by Nick Ryan, Aperol Blitz was well supported and went to the post as favourite for the 1100m maiden and justified the faith of punters when surging clear to win by nearly two lengths.

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"She overcame a wide gate and got into a nice position,” said winning rider Harry Coffey.

“I just wanted her to settle, relax and finish it off and that is what she did. She’s a real professional and a pleasure to deal with and that helps a horse especially having their first start.”

The daughter of Shalaa (IRE) was bought back by her breeder for $170,000 when consigned to Inglis Easter by Widden Stud, who will offer her yearling half-sister by Dundeel at Inglis Premier as Lot 440.

Aperol Blitz is the fourth winner from five foals to race from terrific producer Geblitzt, who is the dam of $6.6million earning Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare as well as stakes-winning stayer Lycurgus.

Geblitzt produced a filly last spring by Too Darn Hot (GB) and was then covered again by the champion son of Dubawi.

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Race Result - Mulwala Water Ski Club Mdn 1106m

Benalla Track: Good(4) Time: 1:05.49
1
Aperol Blitz
- 4f Shalaa (IRE) x Geblitzt (AUS) (Testa Rossa (AUS))
Tnr: Nick Ryan Rdr: H Coffey 57
2
1.8
Rubikai
- 4f Rubick (AUS) x Lanikai (AUS) (I Am Invincible (AUS))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: Tahlia Hope 57
3
2.6
Stateswoman
- 4f Churchill (IRE) x National Anthem (AUS) (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE))
Tnr: Mark & Levi Kavanagh Rdr: Zac Spain 57
4
4.7
St Malo
- 4f Frosted (USA) x Brittany (AUS) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Liam Riordan 57
5
4.8
Flip The Switch
- 4f Thronum (AUS) x Role Reversal (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: Michael Huglin Rdr: Beau Mertens 57
6
5.8
Motitsi
- 4f Street Boss (USA) x Graskop (AUS) (Manton (AUS))
Tnr: Joshua Julius Rdr: D Moor 57
7
6.1
Liqueur Gold
- 4f Bon Aurum (AUS) x Elite Vision (AUS) (Our Maizcay (AUS))
Tnr: K L Corstens Rdr: Teodore Nugent 57
8
7.1
Lovin' Bev
- 4f Needs Further (AUS) x Roundhouse Miss (AUS) (Casino Prince (AUS))
Tnr: P W Burgun Rdr: Ms S Hunter 57
9
7.2
Quick Fingers
- 4f Caravaggio (USA) x Typing (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: Henry Dwyer Rdr: M Aitken 57
10
22.2
Silver Dancer
- 4f Redente (AUS) x Silver Pathfinder (AUS) (Dash For Cash (AUS))
Tnr: Erin Maher Rdr: Madison Lloyd 57
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