Exciting filly Diablo Blanco made the perfect start to her new campaign with a comfortable victory in the Bevan Crombie Memorial (1200m) at Oamaru on Sunday.
The daughter of Super Seth made her presence felt early in the juvenile season defeating subsequent stakes performer Dream Of The Moon, and rounded out a four-start campaign with a solid performance into fourth in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham, won by high-class filly Captured By Love.
Returning to trainer Richard Didham’s Aylesbury base, Diablo Blanco was given a well-earned spell through the autumn before making her race-day return in the latter part of the season. With her previous credentials, Diablo Blanco closed a $2.10 favourite ahead of Mamaea, with debutants Matakana Perkynana, Pretending and Mr Pacquiao completing the small field.
In the hands of Ashvin Goindasamy, the filly was swiftly into stride near the speed outside of Pretending, who set a steady tempo and was joined by Diablo Blanco who loomed strongly on the home turn.
Matakana Perkynana was eye-catching late chasing the favourite gamely, but Diablo Blanco was too classy cruising to the line under hands and heels to score by three-quarters of a length.
“I thought she was super, with just five runners it felt like a trial really so it was a good hit out for her,” Didham said.
“Ashvin said she was cruising all the way, so I’m very pleased with how she’s hit the line and pulled up.
“For a two-year-old, she acts like she’s four or five. She’s great to handle and has no bad traits at all.”
Heading into the new season, Didham has high hopes for the filly, with the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) on September 14 a hopeful stepping stone towards the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week in November.
Diablo Blanco races in the distinctive Milan Park silks, representing Tony Rider who bred the filly alongside Little River Thoroughbreds. She is the fourth foal out of No Excuse Needed mare Phoebe Snow, who has produced another three-race winner in Miss Dixie.
She has now recorded two wins and a minor placing from five starts, collecting $64,525 in stakes. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
