A Royal Performance

Princess Davone (3 f Iffraaj - Nikey Davone, by Bertolini) became the first winner for the southern based Te Akau team when taking out the $10,000 Flair Maiden 1200 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

Assistant trainer Pam Gerard headed south earlier in the week with four horses, and after Vive La Difference (Choisir) produced a solid effort for third in race two the tangerine colours saluted courtesy of a well-judged ride by Matt Cameron.

While Cameron sought cover after being quickly away from barrier three, none was forthcoming and he elected to hold her together in a line of five on the pace. She travelled well over the crossing to the course proper at the 600m and after seeing off a rival at the 200m she strode clear to win easing down by two and a half lengths.

On footing rated Slow8, Princess Davone ran the trip in 1:12.1 and the last 600m in 35.1.

Owned by the Te Akau Princess Davone Syndicate, managed by David Ellis, she was secured as a two-year-old by co-trainer Jamie Richards, who prepares her with Stephen Autridge.

“David & Ione Lees bred the filly and stayed in, with some friends, and we syndicated the rest of her,” said Richards.

“She's been a very nice filly, from day one and after she went so well at the trials in her two-year-old campaign we decided to give her a run at Avondale. Things didn't really go her way that day but she put up a very strong effort for fourth in a good field.

“We put her aside afterwards, giving her time to develop and have readied her for the spring. Following a very good trial for third at Te Teko, we thought we'd get her down to the South Island early and give her a chance of heading towards the 1000 Guineas.

“Now that she's secured the win, we will format a plan and there are some lovely race options available to her,” said Richards.

Having raced towards the end of March and trialled early August, Princess Davone was resuming off 164 days and stripped in perfect condition to sprint well in a fresh state.

From an unraced mare, her grand-dam Pherozity (Herocity) was impressive winning in February/March over 1400 & 1600 metres, while notching six victories in her career. She too performed well fresh-up and in turn left Phantom Storm (Volksraad) who was a versatile five-time winner up to 2400 metres and finished fifth in a Wellington Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m).

For a filly recently turned three, Princess Davone shows a professional approach to her job as a racehorse and it seems she can only grow in confidence and improve after breaking through at just her second start.

She is pictured at the recent Te Teko trials whilst we await her race day winning photo.  Two races later, resuming mare Flaming also gave a good account of herself when finishing third - three starters for a winner and two placegetters!