Racing in career-best form, the 5-year-old Reliable Man (GB) mare Lekvarte (NZ) came with a barnstorming finish for a maiden stakes success in the Group III Gosford RSL Belle Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Ridden by Tommy Berry for Joe Pride, Lekvarte came from second last to overpower Zoe's Promise (Swear) by one and a half length with Pioneer Lass (Stratum Star) a long-head back in third.
A $210,000 purchase for BK Racing & Breeding / Andrew Williams Bloodstock from the Westbury Stud draft in Book 1 of the 2020 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale, Lekvarte advances her record to seven wins, three seconds and two thirds from 25 starts with earnings of $608,230.
It was the third consecutive win for Lekvarte, who started the popular pick after an impressive performance at Rosehill.
“Full credit to Joe, it highlights what a trainer he is. She was a month between runs and missed a trial,” Tommy Berry said.
“I spoke to him this morning, and he had so much confidence he said to ide her quiet and produce her late and she will be too good for them.
“I thought I might give Benny (Vassallo) a bit of a heart attack on the corner and get his blood pumping. I’m sure he is happy now, and the Vassallo’s are great family friends.
“They have found another good one here and will reap the rewards when she goes to the breeding barn.”
A half-sister to stakes-placed Total Power (Dundeel), Lekvarte is the best of three winners from four to race for the stakes-placed Encosta De Lago mare Plumm.
A daughter of the Group 1 South Australian Oaks runner-up Madame Plume (Military Plume), Plumm was a $50,000 purchase for Lynward Park Stud from the Attunga Stud draft at the 2023 National Broodmare Sale when carrying a Bivouac colt.
Lekvarte is the 26th stakes-winner for Westbury Stud’s Reliable Man.
Figtree Thoroughbreds consign a colt by Dubious out of Plumm’s sister Madame De Lago to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale (Lot 1248).
