Deserved Group 1 for Darci Brahma's Devise

Media Release - Saturday February 24

Good things come to those who wait as the connections of Devise found at Hastings on Saturday.

A multiple black type placegetter, the mare broke through at the highest level when triumphant in the Gr.1 Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m).

"She really does deserve this," trainer Shaune Ritchie said. "It was a bit easier without Bonneval here, she's been a bridesmaid to her a couple of times. (photo Race Images). 

"It helped that a few of the favoured runners drew wide, but I'm delighted for the horse. She always puts in and she's a lovely mare."

Runner-up to the side-lined Bonneval in last season's Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m), Devise was given an economical trip behind the pace by Michael Coleman who brought her with a well-timed run in the straight.

"It was a beautiful ride, he put her in the right place and it's a terrific result," Ritchie said.

A half-sister to the multiple Group Two winner Zurella, Devise is a daughter of Darci Brahma and is raced her breeders The Oaks Stud.

"We'll have to map out a programme now and see if we can get some more black type for the mare," Ritchie said.

Devise's breakthrough Group One victory came at the expense of Consensus with Travimyfriend third ahead of Brilliant Shine and Start Wondering, who covered extra ground from his outside gate.

"There was good speed and she travelled up peaches and cream before I let her rip," Coleman said. "She's super consistent and deserved a big one."

Devise completed a memorable day for the stable following Excalibur's success in the Aquashield New Zealand St Leger Trial (2100m) ahead of a tilt at the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m).

"He's a bit one-paced, but he keeps going for the two miles should be ideal for him," Ritchie said. – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday February 12
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Wyong
When you see Darby Racing, Bjorn Baker and a blue hen, how can that mix not produce a winner?
Golden Crop is Gift That Keeps Giving
When talented three year-old filly Written Scandal bolted in at Wyong on Thursday to win by nearly six lengths she became the 60th winner from that one golden crop of foals by champion sire Written Tycoon that were conceived at Arrowfield Stud in 2020.
Long Awaited Return for Legarto
Multiple Group One winner Legarto will make her long-awaited return to racing when she heads to her home track at Matamata on Saturday to contest the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m).
2025 National Online Yearling Sale Entries Open
Entries for NZB’s 2025 National Online Yearling Sale are now open, with the Sale set to be held on Gavelhouse Plus.
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 13
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Ipswich
Zousain had a very solid Inglis Classic Yearling Sale with his progeny selling for up to $280,000 off a $22,000 fee and the affordable Widden Stud based son of Zoustar gave us a One to Watch on Wednesday.
Yearling Attention Heads West
The yearling sale caravan moves on to Perth next week after this week’s Classic Sale in Sydney and the Breednet data has tossed up a few highlights.
Extreme Choice Weanling Filly Tops Arqana February Mixed Sale
The first sale of the year for French auction house Arqana, the February Mixed Sale on Wednesday was topped by an interesting weanling filly by Newgate Farm’s outstanding sire Extreme Choice, who covers a mare a day all year round in Australia in a bid to combat his well documented fertility issues.
Juvenile Trial Watch - Randwick
Five heats for juveniles at Randwick on Thursday morning with the Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner O’Ole given a tick over trial in preparation for a tilt at the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes and we also had a look at the most expensive colt by Dundeel ever sold.