Romancing The Moon was arguably one of the unsung heroes among a star-studded three-year-old crop last season, and started her four-year-old season where she left off with a commanding victory over 1100m at Taupo on Friday.
The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained mare picked up stakes placings as a three-year-old in the Listed O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), and Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m), before having her turn in the spotlight taking out the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m).
Guided confidently by Te Akau apprentice Jess Allen, Romancing The Moon was sent onto the pace early from the outside barrier and was too classy when challenged in the straight to draw away by one-and-a-half lengths from stablemates Cognito and Grace’N’Grey, giving the stable a trifecta.
“It was good to see her resume with such a bold win,” co-trainer Walker said.
“She proved up to the best last season, was rewarded with a Group One victory, and it was a good ride of Jess’s. She increased the pace a long way from home, but the mare was up to the task and did it well.”
The talented daughter of El Roca was purchased for $50,000 by David Ellis CNZM at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale out of Westbury Stud, and Walker confirmed she will now continue her preparation towards black-type races, believing she has the ability to win more at this level.
“She was one of the real success stories last season and it’s great to see her resume with another win,” Ellis said.
“She’s as tough as teak, loves the heat of battle, and has all the attributes of a good filly and mare. You can always guarantee she’ll try her heart out and that’s such a big help.”
Earlier on the Taupo card, three-year-old Superbly Written broke maiden status in the Remembering Julie Wilding (1300m), albeit after a tight tussle with the Stephen Autridge-trained Still Bangon resulted in a protest promoting the filly to victory.
Michael McNab settled Superbly Written behind pacemaker Tranquil Eyes through the running and gave Still Bangon a two-length head start at the 300m, storming home to go down by a nose before the steward’s declared interference had occurred when the two fillies came together for a distance around the 100m, upholding the protest in favour of the daughter of Written Tycoon.
“It’s never an ideal way to win, in the protest room, especially against the filly trained by Steve Autridge (former Te Akau trainer),” Walker said.
“She’s a filly we think a lot of and she’ll only keep improving for the experience, especially as we step her up in distance.
“Her ability is untapped at this stage having just her second start, and it’s great to gain a victory early in her career.”
Superbly Written currently holds nominations for both the Barneswood Farm 51st New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Al Basti Equiworld 51st New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week in November.