Family connections make Cool Aza Rene a filly close to Te Akau’s heart and the youngster again did them proud at Riccarton on Wednesday.

While Joe Pride prepares his star Al Maher gelding Private Eye for Saturday’s $1,000,000 The Newcastle Herald Hunter, his $5,000 Al Maher filly Brigidine Gal showed she has a bright future when overpowering Jolly Good Fellow and the $1,000,000 yearling Leconfield in the $100,000 Ranvet Super Maiden (1400m) at Rosehill on Wednesday.