It was just like old times for Luke Currie went he piloted Divanation to an outstanding debut victory at Werribee on Friday.
The
blue-blooded 3yo daughter of Vinery sire All Too Hard and Melbourne Cup legend
Makybe Diva loomed up to the leaders at the top of the straight and put them to
the sword in a few strides to win pulling up by more than two lengths.
Bearing an uncanny resemblance to her dam with the same white blaze, she was simply a class above her rivals in the Tobin Brothers Plate (1625m).
"I rode Makybe Diva in her first prep when she won the 2002 Werribee Cup," Currie recalled. "I told the owners before the race it would be nice to win on her here.
"She was impressive winning a trial at Tatura last month although we couldn't be sure of the quality. But she didn't put a foot wrong today and got around them pretty easily. I only had to give her a tap to keep her mind on the job and there's more improvement to come."
Divanation was a $300,000 buy for clients of Tony McEvoy at the 2016 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. The syndicate is managed by Neil Werrett and includes Wayne Mitchell of Pipeliner Bloodstock.
"That went script and it's a great thrill for the owners. It's been a slow build-up and they have been very patient," stable spokesman Michael Shepherdson said. "She got into a rhythm and let down into the bridle to win with her ears pricked.
"I'm sure Tony's going to have some fun finding the next race for her. She's got a big future."
Divanation is the fourth winner for two time Australian Horse of the Year Makybe Diva , who has a yearling filly by Brazen Beau and is in foal to Written Tycoon.
Divanation sent All Too Hard into equal second spot on the Australian 3yo winners' premiership with I Am Invincible and Fastnet Rock. The trio are on 52 individual winners behind champion sire Snitzel (69).
All Too Hard holds a healthy lead on the Australian second-season tables by winners with 58 individual winners of 85 races. Vinery stands him for a $33,000 (inc gst) service fee.
