Coming off a last start second in the Group 3 Magic Millions Fillies & Mares Mile (1600m), the Improving 4yo The Mission mare Adiella recorded her sixth carer victory, adding the $500,000 Magic Millions National Classic to her record.
Going forward from a wide barrier, jockey Nikita Beriman eventually settled the John Dann-trained mare in third position with Rachel King taking up the running aboard Exquisite Miss (Under The Louvre) who looked keen to lead.
Not much changed until the home turn was reached where Exquisite Miss kicked strongly, still looking a winning chance as the field reached the 200m mark before Adiella knuckled down to reel in the leader.
Just as Adiella reached the lead, Ciaron Maher’s Vivy Air (Hellbent) looked as if she would spoil the party, challenging strongly in the run to the line.
As the line was reached Beriman’s mount held the winning advantage, narrowly ahead of Vivy Air with the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Osmose (Fr) (Zoffany) working home for third.
A clearly emotional John Dann was thrilled with the win.
“We sort of thought it would pan out that way if we could get one back, one off,” said Dann.
“She (Nikita) just rode her real well because there wasn't a lot of speed in the race so we just thought we'd go forward and see how we end up.”
“They're hard to find these horses. They're one in a million.”
Beriman felt that her ability to jump away cleanly has seen an improved showing lately for the mare.
“I think she put the writing on the wall probably four starts back when I rode her and she was ultra impressive last start,” stated Beriman.
“She did get into a bit of a habit of not jumping that well so the last couple of times she has and that's been a massive benefactor to her to be able to put her into the race early, and she's as tough as nails. She's in for the fight and I'm glad she stuck her head out and kept it out there.”
One of two winners for the Captain Sonador mare Rosador, Adiella was catalogued as part of the Kenmore Lodge draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, but was withdrawn, being retained by her breeder and trainer John Dann.
One of three stakes performers for the former Aquis stallion The Mission (Choisir) who now stands at stud in China, Adiella could now head towards the Group 1 Tattersalls Tiara (1600m), the final elite level race of the season, held on June 28.
