Daughter Of Vadamos Storms To Group 1 Glory

Saturday saw La Crique (4f Vadamos - Destiny Cove, by Dubai Destination) gain a deserved Group 1 victory in the Arrowfield Stud Plate at Matamata.

Successful at Group 2 and Group 3 level, Katrina and Simon Alexander’s charge finished second in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks last season and dropped back in trip to finished third in the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy last month. Well-supported for Saturday’s contest over a mile, John and Jan Cassin’s homebred travelled well when leading from three furlongs out and was asked to quicken turning for home. With her rivals soon in trouble, she stormed clear to win by three and a half lengths under Craig Grylls.

Speaking after the race, Katrina Alexander said, “As soon as I saw her go at the 700m and Grylls had to say wait, I was pretty confident. It was great to see her get back to her style of racing as she has fantastic tactical speed and she just loves that freewheeling style.”

Grylls admitted that he had been similarly confident on the Vadamos filly’s chances. “After the way she worked here on Wednesday, I have never been so confident going into a Group One race like I was today,” he said. “She showed she is a very classy animal and one of the best I have ever sat on.”

Alexander revealed that connections are strongly considering a quick return for the daughter of Grange Stud sire Vadamos in next week’s Group 1 Livamol Classic, for which she is now favourite.