The Listed Princess Stakes (1640m) for 3yo fillies proved a triumph for trainers Steven O'Dea & Matthew Hoysted and Proven Syndications, who quinelled the race with Canadian Dancer and Teranga.
This was Canadian Dancer's day. Tracking a hot speed, the daughter of Vancouver travelled like the winner. When Ben Thompson released the brakes, it was a matter of how far. That was one and a half lengths from the Sebring filly Teranga with a further short neck back to the favourite Mokulua (Redoute's Choice), who made up many lengths, in third.
“There is only two opportunities for 3yo fillies in Queensland at a mile or less, the Mode Stakes and this race, so it is definitely a race we target with fillies that we have an opinion of,” O’Dea said.
"To come here today and both fillies running so well is huge for the owners.
“Teranga might be looking for a bit further now, which was always the query after already having a run at a mile. She isd out of an Oaks winner.
“The wet track was the query with Canadian Dancer, which brought the other filly into it, but she was always going to be a little sharper at the mile. It was a great result.
“We have a Proven Thoroughbreds open day at Kilora Lodge in a week’s time so it is good timing. It is so important to get these fillies to stakes level.
“Jamie (Walter) is a great supporter who buys us a lot of horses and a lot of quality horses, so it is good to repay his faith in us.
“I think we will go to the Bracelet with Canadian Dancer; 1800m at the Gold Coast should suit.
“Teranga is crying out for distance. We might consider missing the Bracelet with her and not running her for a month. She is not overly robust, so to give her a month off, with a tick over trial in between, should suit her for the (Doomben) Roses.”
Canadian Dancer was a $50,000 purchase by Proven Thoroughbreds / Steve O'Dea Racing from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Canadian Dancer is out of the imported Hard Spun (USA) mare Kicker (USA), a half-sister to Grade 1 Secretariat Stakes winner Startac (Theatrical).
A daughter of the stakes-winning Mr Prospector mare Tenga, Kicker (USA), has a yearling colt by Invader.
Canadian Dancer is the ninth stakes winner for Woodside Park Stud’s new recruit, Vancouver.