Talented filly Diss Is Dramatic displayed all her fighting qualities when she refused to yield to her mainly male rivals in Saturday’s Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.
The Lisa Latta-trained daughter of Dissident relished the addition of blinkers and the step-up to the 1600 journey as she returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in her spring campaign following a two-year-old season that saw her win two of her five starts including the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) back in May.
Most punters had conceded the race to Matamata visitor Cognito, who was shooting for his third victory from just four starts and started a $1.70 favourite in the race, however Diss Is Dramatic had other plans as she bounced to the lead from gate four at the barriers and set up a steady tempo out in front.
Rider Tina Comignaghi dictated proceedings and held Diss Is Dramatic back to the field before asking her to produce her best at the 400m.
Despite being hotly challenged by Cognito and his stablemate Malborough Bay, the filly pulled out all the stops as she drew away again in the final 100m to win by more than a length at the line.
Latta was delighted by the win after her pre-race tactics of taking a sit behind the speed went out the window as no other runner showed any desire to set the pace.
“That was a really good win and I think the blinkers going on were a big assist as she was very focused throughout the race,” Latta said.
“We thought the ideal scenario would be to take a sit just in behind them, but nothing wanted to lead, so Tina took the bull by the horns and dictated to them.
“They didn’t go a very quick time so she got things all her own way, but she was really good in the closing stages and deserved to win after doing all the donkey work out in front.
“She also showed me she could handle a good track as I thought she might be best with the fire out, but it didn’t seem to worry her at all today.”
Latta will now sit down with Go Racing Syndications boss Albert Bosma and discuss the best option for the filly, who holds a nomination for both the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600) on November 5 against the male three-year-olds and the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) a week later against her own sex.
“We won’t make any decision on raceday as I want to see how she comes through this, but we do have to do some thinking about where we head with her,” she said.
“She holds a nomination for both of the three-year-old Group One races here in November, with both races having appeal for her.
“We will take a look at which horses are likely to come south and at the ones that are already here then decide on which direction we go in.”
Raced by the Go Racing All About Me Syndicate, Diss Is Dramatic was purchased by Go Racing principal Albert Bosma out of the Cambridge Stud draft for $60,000 during the Book 1 sale at Karaka in 2021.
She is a daughter of Darci Brahma mare Our Drahma Queen and comes from an extended family that includes multiple Group One winner Suavito and hardy New Zealand galloper Sultan Of Swing.