Proxima Dea became the first filly since Constant Flight in 1993, and just the third in the race’s history, to win the Gr.3 Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on Saturday, producing a determined late rally to maintain her unbeaten record.
The daughter of Tarzino showed her staying prowess when lifting off the canvas under Zac Lloyd to claim her fourth victory from as many starts for trainer David Payne.
Sent out a $4 favourite, Proxima Dea appeared vulnerable in the closing stages but refused to surrender, outstaying her rivals in a tightly contested finish that saw just half a length separate the first five runners.
The performance suggested the filly will be even better suited as the distances increase, with the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) firmly in her sights.
“That’s her, she is so game and just keeps coming. She doesn’t know when to give up,” Payne said.
“She will even be better once you go further. She is nothing to look at. When you look at her everyone bags her, me included.
“The owner says ‘she is beautiful’ and I say ‘where, she is ugly’. But she has guts.”
Payne believes there is further improvement to come ahead of the Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.
“She has had a bit of spell between runs and there is improvement to come for the Spring Champion.”
Lloyd was equally impressed by the filly's determination, particularly given the race was not run to suit her.
“She’s so narrow. She reminds me a lot of Zardozi in stature, but she just tries her hardest, and winners win. She knows how to win,” Lloyd said.
“That race today was not run to suit her at all. They went very steady, I got onto heels into the first bend. I wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked and I can do a better job in the Spring Champion or the Oaks, so for her to still win, she’s just so strong late.
“She is going to eat up 2000m and eventually an Oaks trip. Very exciting for her.”
Lloyd indicated he would likely remain in Sydney for the Spring Champion Stakes rather than travel to Flemington on Cox Plate Day.
“I think I’ll stay here,” he said.
The young rider also paid tribute to Payne, whose training ability was well known to his father, champion jockey Jeff Lloyd, from their days in South African racing, where Payne was a champion trainer.
“You never doubt him. My dad has told me all along, you never doubt what he does and you just follow along, so it’s a pleasure to ride for him.”
Proxima Dea is by Westbury Stud stallion Tarzino out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Invisible Coin, making her a full sister to Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) winner Gypsy Goddess.
Her name means “Another Goddess” in Latin, a nod to her celebrated older sister, and she is providing another chapter in the breeding success of Transtasman Breeders Pty Ltd.
The filly was bred and is raced by Andy Giles, Hugh Docherty and Caroline Vincent, with Vincent’s partner Richard Kurland a driving force behind the operation.
The group purchased Invisible Coin before Gypsy Goddess emerged as a Group One star and subsequently returned the mare to Tarzino in the hope of producing another quality stayer.
Proxima Dea was offered at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale but failed to find a buyer, a decision that is now proving fortunate for her owner-breeders.