Zacinto Filly Wins G3 Desert Gold

Media Release - Saturday January 19

The Lisa Latta-trained Secret Allure secured her biggest career success when she stormed to victory in Saturday's Group III Williment Travel Group Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.

Secret Allure - Race Images Peter RuberyThe Zacinto three-year-old filly made it back-to-back victories in the race for the Latta stable and rider Leith Innes after Dijon Blue was successful in 2018 on her way to capturing the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year title.

A last-start runner-up finish in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie saw Secret Allure as one of the main fancies for the contest however it was Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) runner-up Valalie, from the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable, who was installed a warm favourite.

Valalie enjoyed a sweet trip in transit behind the early speed with Secret Allure settling well beyond midfield, but against the rail, in a strung-out field for the majority of the race.

Asked to quicken by Innes approaching the home turn Secret Allure was still spotting the leaders some distance, but quickly loomed into contention as Valalie hit the front at the 200m mark.

Secret Allure stormed past her to take control over the final stages before holding out a late charge from Jakkalbomb with Valalie clinging on for third.

"Leith came out and said he had watched a few of her replays and she reminded him a bit of Dijon Bleu," Latta said.

"She hasn't quite got the height of her, but she is a tough little filly.

"I said to Leith that she could pull and I didn't care where he was, just get her one off the fence and just give her a cosy run.

"He said I might look for a run up the inside, so I said just do whatever you want and everything just opened up for her."

Advertisement

Innes was feeling satisfied with the victory, especially for the owners of Secret Allure who had also raced Dijon Bleu.

"It's pretty special as they are a neat bunch of people," he said.

"She (Secret Allure) is not very big but she's pretty gutsy.

"I think Dijon Bleu was a little bit better, but this filly is on the way up."

The victory secured Secret Allure a further six points to add to her existing four in the race for the NZB Filly of the Year title. She now sits in second place on ten points behind current series leader, Media Sensation (12).

A Shooting To Win half-brother to Secret Allure will feature as Lot 391 from the Inglewood Stud draft during Book 1 at the National Yearling Sale at Karaka that commences on January 27. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Zed 9YO Wins G3 Winter Cup
Saturday’s $110,000 Group Three Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton continued an incredible ride for the connections of Chase (NZ) (Zed), who bought him for only $9,000 from Book 3 of Karaka 2018. Originally a $6,000 purchase by JD Corcoran when offered as a weanling from Valachi Downs in the 2017 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale.
More Stakes Success for Zacinto Filly
Consistent filly Secret Allure made a successful return to Riccarton on Saturday when she stormed home to capture the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m).
Guineas Goal for Vassilator
Juvenile stakes winner Vassilator will kick-off his three-year-old season at Caulfield on Saturday when he tackles the Group III McNeil Stakes (1200m).
Blue Gum Farm Welcome First Foal of the Season
Victorian nursery Blue Gum Farm announced on Monday the arrival of their first foal of the season and there is no mistaking the sire of this gorgeous filly.
G1 Guineas Goal for Unbeaten Snitzel Filly
A quartet of well-performed fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable took their first steps toward upcoming age group features when they stepped out at the Taupo trials on Monday.
Nominees Announced for Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards
The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.
ZAcinto Filly Wins G3 Taranaki Breeders
A heady ride by in-form jockey Rosie Myers paved the way for Awapuni galloper Secret Allure to add further black type to a burgeoning pedigree page when she stormed home from near last to capture the Group III Rich Hill Stud Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera.
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
One to Watch – Ballarat
Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.