One to Watch – Kembla

Tara Madgwick - Sunday May 13
With Group I racing in two states and a plethora of minor stakes races on Saturday it was easy to overlook what was happening at the provincials, but this winner is on a big upward spiral and might lead her trainer Richard Freedman to Queensland in coming weeks.

Three year-old Starcraft filly Vontaine overcame trouble to win at Kembla on debut on April 26 over 1200 metres and when stepped up to 1600 metres for a Class Two event showed herself to be something way above average.

Vontaine as a yearlingNot many three year-old fillies go from a maiden to a Class Two against older horses and win like she did.

Vontaine led all the way and opened up to win by seven lengths and was quite literally in a different class.

A modest $13,000 Inglis Classic purchase from the Ambergate Farm draft (as agent for Middlebrook Station thoroughbreds) for Noel Mayfield-Smith, Vontaine is a half-sister to a pretty handy winner in My Psychiatrist and is the second winner from Severo.

 

"Severo is one of our client's mares who has resided with us since going to stud," said Jilly Henderson of Middlebrook Station Thoroughbreds. 


"Vontaine was raised from a foal along side She Will Reign (paddock mates) and both having won their maidens at Kembla Grange. Let’s hope she continues to greater heights like her paddock mate!"


A minor winner by Danzero, Severo is from stakes-placed Zabeel mare Vereza, a winner up to 2100m, and comes from the family of Champion 2YO and Golden Slipper winner Burst.

It’s a good old family and when you see sires like Starcraft, Danzero and Zabeel you are entitled to think Vontaine will get over some ground that will give her the option in the future of looking at some very nice races.



Advertisment
More Reading...
FBAA Open Letter on the Australian Pattern System
The Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) is writing to address a matter that impacts the foundation of our industry’s credibility and success: the stagnation of the Australian Pattern system and the concerning attempts to assign unapproved Group race status.
Strong Trade Continues on Day Three of Tattersalls December Mares Sale
Five lots sold for 100,000 guineas or more on a strong third day of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale with the Godolphin consigned BRIDESTONES leading the way at 280,000 guineas. The turnover, average and median all showed significant increases whilst the clearance rate was 86%. 
La Crique Chasing Another G1
La Crique hasn’t returned to Trentham since she won the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) as a three-year-old, and three years down the track, the star mare will line up as a leading hope in Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m).
Via Sistina Half-Sister Added to Arqana December Sale
Consigned by Baroda Stud, VIA SIENNA (lot 120) has been added to the ARQANA Vente d’Élevage catalogue and will be offered during the first evening of the sale on Saturday 7 December in Deauville.
Promising Debut Winner – Three-Quarter Brother for MM 2025
Chiming in late with giant strides at the finish was I Am Invincible filly Arriving Home, who made a winning debut at Warwick Farm on Wednesday in the same colours as her Group I winning stablemate Steffi Magnetica.
Home Affairs – If You Could Pick One?
Home Affairs promises to make a big impact at the upcoming Magic Millions Yearling Sale next month and even Coolmore have been taken aback by the widespread support for this champion son of I Am Invincible with Tom Moore shedding some light on his appeal when chatting with us as a guest on our podcast Tara Talks Racing.
Just Rewards for Quiet Achievers
A sea change for bloodstock agent Shane McGrath and his friendship with Victorian trainer Clinton McDonald has sparked a rewarding association with a growing track record of success in the highly competitive world of bloodstock and racing.
Russian Revolution Filly Scores at Arawa Park
Elegant Jazz made a strong opening to her three-year-old campaign at Arawa Park on Wednesday, breaking her maiden with a promising performance in the Novara Park 1230.
All Too Hard Sprinter Going Strong
Well-performed speed merchant Babylon Berlin will strip a fitter mare for Saturday’s assignment at Ellerslie.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday December 4
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.