Bright Future for Fastnet Rock Filly

Champion trainer Chris Waller posted a winning double at Warwick Farm on Wednesday with the progeny of champion sire Fastnet Rock, scoring first with exciting two year-old Ranch Hand (2c Fastnet rock x Mezulla, by Shamardal) and then with blue-blooded filly Fifteen Aria (3f Fastnet Rock x O'Marilyn, by O'Reilly), who carries the colours of leading Japanese breeder Katsumi Yoshida.

A big strapping style of filly, Fifteen Aria has been handled patiently by Waller and had contested four previous barrier trials this year before venturing to the races for the first time in this 1300m maiden.

She settled back in the field for James McDonald and gradually worked her way between runners before surging hard over the final furlong to win by a short neck.

“She’s taken a little longer than expected,” said Waller.

“Now that she’s come here and won, she can go forward from here and there will be some nice races in the autumn for her.”

A $600,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Kia Ora Stud draft for Katsumi Yoshida, Fifteen Aria is the first winner from Group I winning 2YO O’Marilyn, a half-sister by O’Reilly to Group I winners Headturner and Anacheeva as well as Group II winner Kroner.

O’Marilyn produced a full brother to Fifteen Aria on October 10.