After capturing last week's ATC Derby with Tavago, the kiwis were at it again in Saturday's Group 1 James Boag's Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick with the Stephen Marsh-trained filly Sofia Rosa proving the superior stayer.
The daughter of Makfi (GB) was first past the post in the Group 1 NZ Oaks only to lose it in the steward's room.
No such worries here as she held the challenge of Pierro's half-sister Ambience (Street Cry) by half a length with Believe (Fastnet Rock) the same distance back in third. The $3.20 favourite Jameka finished a game fourth after being given too much to do after being jagged back to last from her outside barrier. (photos Lisa Grimm)
It was the third year in a row that a New Zealander has won the classic after Gust Of Wind last year and Rising Romance in 2014.
Sofia Rosa was the fourth winner on the day for Hugh Bowman who said he was made to earn his money.
"Not everything went to plan for this filly, I'll say I have ridden some difficult horses in my time but this one takes the cake," Bowman said.
"She's just so temperamental. She went on the track early and she just hasn't given me a minute peace since I got on her.
"Even when I went for her she bored in, then I straightened her.
"I tell you what she has got, she's got some fight. I am just so happy for the owner because I cost him an Oaks a couple years ago with Lucia Valentina.
Stephen Marsh said his filly would now spell and come back
"She's going to be better as a four-year-old mare," Marsh said.
"She is very hard work. Troy Harris her rider put a lot of time into her, she's very difficult as you have seen today, Hugh said she is one of the most difficult horses he has ridden.
"When they have that much ability you don't mind persevering with them.
"She will have a good spell now and develop a bit more. Then we will go to Melbourne in the spring. We have always looked upon her as a Caulfield Cup type of horse."
Winner of the Group III Lowland Stakes at Hastings and the Group II Royal Stakes at Ellerslie, Sofia Rosa advances her record to 3 wins, 1 second and 1 third from 8 starts for earnings of $898,853
Bred by Gerry Harvey, Sofia Rosa was purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for $65,000 from the Westbury Stud draft at the 2014 Select Sale at Karaka.
A full-sister was sold to David Ellis for $200,000 at this year's Premier Sale.
Sofia Rosa is out of the Encosta de Lago mare Bislieri, who made three starts without running a place.
She is a half-sister to Group III winner Bel Danoro from stakes-winner Bislotto.
Bislieri has a filly foal by Postponed (USA) and was bred back to Makfi (GB) last spring.
Sofia Rosa becomes the third Group 1 winner for the son of Dubawi (IRE).
