Cambridge trainer Roger James has predicted a bright future for the richly-bred filly Tavy.
Although she opened her account in an ultra-competitive maiden event at Ellerslie on Tuesday, it is next year that she is expected to fully realise her potential.
“I think she’s well above average, but it could be the autumn before we see the very best of her,” James said.
Tavy finished runner-up on debut last month at Taupo, where she was late into the clear, and she capitalised on an economical run to go one better in the Bach Espresso 3YO.
“It was a very good effort and a top ride by Vinnie (Colgan) after drawing 13 and they were midfield on the fence after going a furlong,” James said.
Tavy came with a well-timed run down the centre of the track to down Albany Reunion’s little sister Palace Rock and Midnitemagicman, who came from last on the turn with an effort that augured well for his immediate future.
Bred and part-owned by the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Tavy is by Tavistock out of the Tale of the Cat mare The Cat’s Whiskers, who is a daughter of the Gr.1 Ellerslie Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Good Faith.
It is the family of the triple Group One Australian Oaks, NZ 1000 Guineas and Windsor Park Plate winner Daffodil.
James’ attention will now turn to Tavy’s stablemate Zonza, who bypassed Tuesday’s Gr.3 Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes at Ellerslie in favour of the $A300,000 Gr.2 Momentum Energy Stakes (2000m), historically known as the Matriarch Stakes, at Flemington on Saturday.
Confirmed in foal to Pins, Zonza will then return home for her likely farewell appearance in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
- NZ Racing Desk
