The winning run being enjoyed by Golden Slipper winner Pierro continued at Randwick on Saturday with a determined victory for blue-blooded three year-old filly Aqua D’Ivina (3f Pierro x Aqua D’Amore, by Danehill).
Pierro covered a stellar book of mares in his first season at stud, but none had more ability that former wild child Aqua D’Amore.
Known as much for her barrier antics as her many wins, Group I winner Aqua D’amore won nearly $2million in prizemoney and finished top four in races such as the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and Australian Cup.
She is the dam of Aqua D’Ivina, who powered home from off the pace to score a half length win in the Benchmark 76 event over 1400 metres.
Second at her first two starts, albeit spaced with a long spell between them, the Matt Smith trained filly broke her maiden at Wyong before Christmas and had no trouble jumping successfully straight into Saturday grade.
“She’s been a bit quirky like her mother, but she’s getting better and better with racing,” said Matt Smith.
“She showed real stamina in that last 100 metres. I think she’ll get a mile and even a mile and a quarter later on. She’s a very good filly.”
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Coolmore draft for Frank and Christine Cook’s Mystery Downs, Aqua D’Ivina has two wins and two seconds from four starts with prizemoney of $114,050 so would be eligible for the $2million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas next week.
“It might be a bit quick for her at this stage of her career,” Smith said.
“I’ll talk to Frank and Christine and they can decide.”
Aqua D’Ivina is the fifth winner from six foals to race from Aqua D’Amore, whose yearling colt by Uncle Mo (USA) will be offered by Coolmore at the Magic Millions as Lot 507 and is pictured below.
Aqua D’Amore produced a colt this spring for Coolmore by Scat Daddy’s brilliant son No Nay Never (USA).
Aqua D’Ivinina is one of 28 winners this season for Golden slipper winner Pierro, who is the leading Australian second crop sire and has 17 entries for Magic Millions.
– Coolmore Australia
