Chris Waller and Star Thoroughbreds have had some outstanding mares over the years and Zoustar mare Olentia is on her way to adding to that list after taking out the $300,000 Group II ATC Emancipation Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Olentia won four of five starts as a three year-old filly and closed out her season with a win in the Group III ATC James Carr Stakes (1400m), but her spring efforts were somewhat below par.
Second and fourth at her first two runs back from a spell this time in Group company, Olentia was given a quick seven day back up into this assignment and rose to the challenge producing a brilliant finish for Tommy Berry to win by two and a half lengths.
Chris Waller felt the step up in trip from 1200 to 1500m was the key to her return to form.
“Today she stepped out to 1500-metres. She showed ability this time last year, she won a Group race as a three-year-old filly and then I think she had a little injury which held her back for the spring, but she's back on track,” he said.
"Today wasn't the plan. Today was an afterthought after she was disappointing last week. We could see from her form that she either needed wet tracks, or further. So we've put her up over 1500 metres today.
“We'll regroup now and perhaps look at the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (G1)."
A $310,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds/Randwick Bloodstock Agency P/L from the Tyreel Stud draft, Olentia has the overall record six five wins from 13 starts with prizemoney topping $550,000.
She is a half-sister to Group III winner Wandabaa and stakes-winner Malkovich, who was second in the following race, the Group III ATC Star Kingdom Stakes.
Olentia is the third stakes-winner among seven winners from seven to race from terrific producer Mabkhara, who comes from the Asawir branch of the Easy Date family featuring Group I winners Rewaaya and Sense of Occasion, so she is going to be a very valuable broodmare prospect for the future.
Mabkhara produced a filly by I Am Invincible last spring, but sadly died shortly after.
Olentia is the 13th stakes-winner this season for Zoustar.
