A homebred for Woppitt Bloodstock, Riff Rocket has won three Group I races this season to put himself right in the picture for Champion 3YO honours and for his two year-old half-sister Codetta it’s all just beginning.
The two year-old Nicconi filly was given to Michael Freedman to train and after a first up fourth over 900m at Newcastle last month she appreciated the step up to 1200m at the same venue on Saturday.
She chimed in late for Andrew Gibbons and hit the line hard to win by a head over Written Tycoon colt Cash and Cards.
Codetta was foaled and raised at Coolmore for Debbie Kepitis and her family and carries the Woppitt Bloodstock brand as does her famous sibling Riff rocket, who won the Group I VRC Derby, ATC Australian Derby and Rosehill Guineas this season taking his earnings to a whopping $3.5million.
Codetta is the third foal to race and third winner from stakes-placed Smart Missile mare Missile Coda, who traces in direct tail female line to Melbourne Cup winner Rainbird with this branch of the family also noted for producing $1.5million earning multiple Group II winning sprinter Rain Affair.
Missile Coda has not had a foal since Codetta, but was covered last spring by Home Affairs.
Codetta is the 115th winner of the season for Widden Stud’s evergreen sire Nicconi, who is great value at their Victorian base at a fee of $16,500.
He posted a double of juvenile winners on Saturday with Mesrour saluting at Murray Bridge.
