Rotorua Double - The Princess Rules

A smart filly from last season, Princess Davone (4 m Iffraaj - Nikey Davone, by Bertolini) is making her mark as a four-year-old with two wins from three starts this season.

Placed in five stakes' races at three, behind horses the calibre of Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) winning stable-mate Windborne (Darci Brahma), Son of Maher (Al Maher), and All In Vogue (Pins), Princess Davone produced a brave performance under Opie Bosson in the Syncroflex Rating 75 1400 metres on 18 January at Rotorua.

Caught three wide in midfield, Bosson elected to slide forward without cover from the 1000-metre mark and after challenging around the home turn Princess Davone found plenty to win in the end by a narrow, yet comfortable, neck margin.

“It wasn't a pretty ride, but she was travelling beautifully underneath me and got going before the turn and she kicked nicely,” Bosson said.

Vying for favouritism, Princess Davone paid $3.60 & $1.60 on the tote after running the 1400 metres in 1:25.4 and final 600m in 34.2.

“We bought her privately as a two-year-old off David & Ione Lees, who along with some of their friends stayed in the ownership to form the Te Akau Princess Davone Syndicate,” David Ellis said.

“It was credit to Jamie,” said Ellis, of Jamie Richards who co-trains the mare with Stephen Autridge, “he found her and we inspected her in the paddock before we bought her”.

Princess Davone has now won three of her fourteen starts and over $50,000 in prize money.

From an unraced mare, her grand-dam Pherozity (Herocity) was impressive winning over 1400 & 1600 metres, while notching six victories. She 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).

“Princess Davone was the ninth win that Te Akau Racing has had within the last five days -four wins in New Zealand, and five in Singapore.” said Ellis, while out inspecting yearlings.

“I've seen some beautiful yearlings at the studs and went to see drafts at six different farms today and gee, I'm excited about the sale coming up."

The New Zealand Bloodstock 91st National Yearling Sales Series begins on Monday 30 January at Karaka, and extends until 5 February.

Co-trainer Stephen Autridge said: “Princess Davone has strengthened and there is a few more wins left in her yet. She was not quite one-hundred percent last time and we have just seen her turn the corner.

Princess Davone was strapped by Brad Taylor.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz