The Ciaron Maher-trained Naantali has defied a tough run to score in maiden
company at Cranbourne on Wednesday and looks destined for better things.
The three-year-old daughter of Rip Van Winkle (IRE) was no closer than four-wide
throughout yet continued to find on debut over 1200m.
"I probably couldn't have had a worse run in the race, but today she's just won
on class," rider Michael Dee said.
"She's still very new and got a lot of learning to do. I think she's got a lot
of ability."
Naantali was a $180,000 purchase by Maher from Windsor Park Stud's draft at the
2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale and runs for Greg Perry's
Greenwich Stud Pty Ltd.
Naantali is out of the Zabeel mare Zaloot, a half-sister to Group II winner
Flying Pegasus from Group II winner Cashier. - NZ RAcing Desk