Millefiori Wins Again

Debut winner Millefiori (2 f Iffraaj - Miss Bluebell, by Savabeel) made it two from two in the $22,500 Ray White Papamoa 2YO 1200 metres on 15 January at Tauranga.

The was something about her trial performances that suggested reserves for race day and following a terrific debut victory in the Maiden 2YO 1100 metres on 28 November at Ellerslie, Millefiori has now won both her starts. She became the third to do so among two-year-olds in the stable this season and took the juvenile win tally to 12 for trainer Jamie Richards.

By proven international stallion Iffraaj (Zafonic), sire of 20 Group 1 winners, out of a young mare by six-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), she is from the family of Winx (Street Cry), and therefore a very valuable filly. And a pair of two-year-old wins is icing on the cake.

From barrier two, Millefiori was able to secure a soft trip fourth inner, chasing a competitive and genuine pace. Jockey Samantha Colett had her on a lovely rein turning for home and once across heels at the 200m she sprinted home with a well timed finish.

Second favourite ($3.60 & $2.00) behind stable-mate Sneaky Shark (Capitalist), who finished fifth, Millefiori ran the 1200 metres in 1:11.9 on Dead5 footing that upgraded to Dead4.

“We were keen to ride her for a trail and teach her to come across heels and between runners and she's done it really well,” Richards said.

“We hadn't had the most straightforward of weeks with her, but she seems to be going the right way and I'm pleased with her progress. Tracy Collis and Trevor Stewart at the Main Stable have done a wonderful job with her.

“It was a nice ride from Sam (Collett) and I think Millefiori will take a good deal of confidence out of the win, and as long as she handles the eight-day turnaround I think she can be a really nice chance in the Karaka Million.”

Richards was referring to the $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 23 January at Ellerslie, where Millefiori joins stable-mates Avonallo (Belardo), On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau), Sophisticardo (Burgundy), and Sneaky Shark (Capitalist), in the current Order of Entry, and a chance for Te Akau to win the race for the fifth consecutive year.

Owned by Te Akau Millefiori Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $65,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Archer Park.

“I said last Sunday that the win by On the Bubbles was the best I'd seen by a two-year-old this season, and the two wins by this filly are not far behind,” Ellis said.

“She did plenty in front and fought back after being headed to win on debut at Ellerslie, and today she's travelled up really well and looked pretty good to me the way she finished off. Give her a draw in the Karaka Million and I'd expect her to run a top race.

“I'm thrilled for the owners, given the way she's started her career, and a really good value buy at the yearling sales especially when you see Winx on the page.”

Standing out in the pedigree, third dam Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar) is the dam of out and out champion, and three-time Horse of the Year, Winx (Street Cry). Winx won 37 races (33 in succession), including 25 Group 1, and the equivalent of NZ$28 million in prize money. She was nothing if not a super-horse, and once described as Wonder Woman.

Millefiori was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz