Vadamos Filly Eyes Group 1 Glory After Group 2 Success

La Crique (3f Vadamos - Desinty Cove, by Dubai Destination) remains on target for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby after an impressive success in Saturday’s Group 2 Avondale Guineas at Ellerslie.

The Simon and Katrina Alexander trained bay was one of just two fillies in a field of 12 for the ten and a half furlong contest. Craig Grylls positioned her behind the leaders and asked his mount to quicken on the turn for home. Producing a smart turn of foot, Rich Hill Stud’s homebred ran on well to win by three lengths and three quarters.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Craig Grylls said, “She is a machine. Field Of Gold put a nice little kick on us turning in, but she just jogged up and I just couldn't believe how well we were going. She settled beautifully and it was the perfect trial for the Derby.”

Saturday became La Crique’s third consecutive victory, having taken a Group 3 by four lengths last month, and has now won five of her seven career starts. She continues a terrific month so far for Grange Stud stallion Vadamos, who has been responsible for five first crop winners in February so far. They include British Stakes winner Spycatcher (Vadamos) and debut point-to-point winner Matata (Vadamos).