Super-consistent mare Chica Mojito broke through for her first Australian victory with an outstanding performance in the A$500,000 Limitless Lodge The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong on Saturday.
The daughter of Zacinto was born and raised in New Zealand, and she began her career on that side of the Tasman with a maiden victory at Cambridge in September of 2023 and a Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) placing at Trentham three months later.
A 50 percent share was subsequently sold across the Tasman and Chica Mojito was transferred into the stable of Chris Waller. Until Saturday, her 16 starts in Australia had produced six seconds, four thirds, three fourths and a fifth. She had run third in the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) and Listed Tattersalls Mile (1600m), along with fourths in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m), Gr.3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) and another edition of the Belle of the Turf.
On Saturday the five-year-old finally got that richly deserved first Australian success, and she did it with a record-breaking performance.
Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Chica Mojito settled in seventh place before hooking around the outside approaching the home turn and challenging for the lead at the top of the straight.
Adkins pushed the button and Chica Mojito drew away, going on to win by two lengths and stopping the clock at 1:34.55 – a new 1600m track record at Wyong.
“She's been crying out to break through for a win like that and she really deserved that today,” Chris Waller's stable representative Darren Beadman said.
“Andrew used the good gate and got her into a really nice spot, and off a good fast speed, she was able to present well wide and finish off like she did.
“It's great for Brad Spicer and the owners and for all the team at Chris Waller Racing. It's a team effort and a great result.”
Chica Mojito has now had 24 starts for two wins, 12 placings and A$604,829 in prize-money.
“She'd probably been classified as a bit of a non-winner going into today, and it's a bit funny that she's won probably the hardest race she's contested for a while,” part-owner Brad Spicer said. “But in saying that she hasn't had a lot of luck a lot of the time either.
“Last start in the Belle of the Turf at Gosford, Zac (Lloyd) got caught in behind them and nothing went right.
“The way Wyong was playing today, with everyone wanting to get up on the speed, it played into her hands. She does try and it's a great result.
“Chris Waller has done a top job with her and today's win is a great reward for everyone involved with her both here and in New Zealand.”
Chica Mojito was bred by Melway Farm’s Gareth Downey and Mel Gamble, who still share in the ownership.
She is by former Inglewood Stud and Valachi Downs stallion Zacinto out of the Cecconi mare Cantina, who herself won three races up to 2000m. – NZ Racing Desk.
