There are few more likeable mares around than the Headwater 4yo Mileva, who earned a fourth stakes success when pulling the Group III Neds Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) out of the fire at Caulfield on Saturday.
Ridden by Daniel Moor for Phillip Stokes, Mileva speared between runners to defeat the 5yo Street Boss mare Bless Her by a short-head with the 5yo Brazen Beau gelding Sartorial Splendor a half-length back in third.
Purchased by Dan Clarken and Oopie Macgillivray for $42,000 from Little Hills Pastoral draft at the 2019 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Mileva advances her record to seven wins, a second, and two thirds from 15 starts with earnings of $543,635.
The daughter of Headwater made her first nine starts for Clarken and Macgillivray before being bought by South Australian owner and breeder Michael Birchall who transferred her to Stokes.
“It’s very satisfying – the team has done a great job with her, she spelled well and presented beautifully here today,” Stokes said.
“Daniel Moor gave her a lovely ride. She’s OK in this going, but would not like to see anything heavier.
“The 1200m of the Bletchingly Stakes is the question mark. She is proven at 1100m, but is a bit stronger, so we might have a throw at the stumps.”
Little Hills purchased Mileva’s dam Lady Einstein off Vinery for $30,000 at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale when carrying the future 4-time stakes-winner.
A winner at Geelong and Cranbourne in a light career of five starts, Lady Einstein is a half-sister to the Group II MRC PB Lawrence Stakes winner Second Effort (Mossman) and the Group III MRC Heath Stakes winner Diamond Effort (Mossman).
Lady Einstein has a yearling colt by Showtime that was purchased by Andrew Bobbin for $100,000 out of the Little Hills Pastoral draft at the 2022 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale
Lady Einstein was covered by Headwater again last spring.