The Queensland Oaks dream is alive for staying-bred filly ELIVINA after she tenaciously staved off her rivals to win at Newcastle on Saturday.
Following an eye catching third on debut at her home track of Kembla Grange, ELIVINA started second favourite in the 1500m ‘Super Maiden’ contest.
After beginning well from the barriers, rider Chad Lever had the Kerry Parker-trained 3yo poised on the leader’s hindquarters in the field of seven.
ELIVINA hit the front soon after straightening and as a consequence was left a sitting shot for some 300m but her stamina came to the fore as she repelled the chasers to score by more than half a length.
“She ran very well and is still learning her craft,” Lever said.
“Being outside the leader probably wasn’t the best spot to be with her but they didn’t go overly quick and we were able to dictate the first half of the race.
“She was really strong through the line and is going to improve a fair bit as she gets out in trip.”
Saturday’s win was one of a couple more hurdles ELIVINA has to jump before confirming a trip north for the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) but her stout pedigree and the timing of her preparation give us confidence she would be a worthy contender at Eagle Farm on June 7.
With sires like DEEP IMPACT, GALILEO, HIGH CHAPARRAL and ZABEEL all appearing in the first 4 generations of her pedigree, the daughter of Irish Group 1 winner SAXON WARRIOR is far from your typical Australian born and raised thoroughbred.
Purchased for $170,000 from Sullivan Bloodstock, she is another winning Magic Millions Adelaide acquisition for Proven Thoroughbreds – joining the likes of PRIVATE EYE, IN FLIGHT, FLYING BANDIT, INVINCIANO, LYNCEAN ACADEMY and MOONFLEET.
Proven’s number of winners for the 2024-25 season has now climbed to 42 with prizemoney in excess of $3.73million.
