Yu Long Investments gorgeous homebred Frankel filly Hungry Heart overcame the track bias when coming from last to run down the brave favourite Harmony Rose in Saturday's Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.
Hungry Heart leaves it all on the track (image Steve Hart)
Under a patient ride by Kerrin McEvoy, the Chris Waller-trained filly stormed home to defeat the Mark Newnham-trained Glass Harmonium (IRL) filly Harmony Rose by a short-neck with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Sacred Falls filly Impecunious two and three-quarter lengths back in third.
It was the first win at the highest level for dual Group II winner Hungry Heart and advanced her overall record to three wins and four seconds from 11 starts with earnings of $853,200.
"It was a great win, a great race to watch," Waller enthused.
"Though she was well-back, at least they ran along quick, so it gave the backmarkers their chance.
"With 300m to run, I could see her making her run, but it was starting to tell. There was a lot of ground to make up, but the last 100m, she really fought hard and got there quite well.
"I think that win last start (in the Phar lap stakes) was a big help. That last 100m she could've easily run second, but she really stuck her head out and tried her guts out. So it was pretty brave.
"I actually didn't give it much thought whether we'd be going there (the ATC Oaks). I just wanted to tick that Group 1 box, but I guess that is under consideration."
Hungry Heart a $300,000 Magic Millions Yearling
The win will be celebrated by Yulong, who have a Snitzel half-sister to Hungry Heart consigned to the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, and also consignors of the five yearlings by Frankel (GB) parading before prospective purchasers at the Riverside Stables (see them here).
Purchased by Belmont Bloodstock Agency for $300,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Hungry Heart races in the colours of her breeder, Yulong Investments.
What price for this Snitzel half-sister to Hungry Heart at Inglis Easter?
Frankel's striking daughter is the first foal of her dam Harlech (GB), who Godolphin sold off after failing at her only start in England.
A daughter of the excellent broodmare sire Pivotal, Harlech (GB) was purchased by Sheamus Mills Bloodstock / Yulong Investments for $60,000 gns out of the Godolphin draft at Tattersalls. Put in foal to Frankel (GB) to southern hemisphere time, Harlech (GB) landed in Australia in January 2017.
Harlech (GB) is a half-sister to the Group II-placed Maamora (Dubawi) out of the stakes-winning Azamour mare Zoowraa, from the family of the Belmont Stakes and Preakness Stakes winner Risen Star.
Not covered in 2019, Harlech (GB) visited Alabama Express last spring.
Hungry Heart becomes the 13th Group 1 winner for Juddmonte Farm's champion Frankel.
