Big Ambitions For Daughter Of Australia

Connections are planning a step up in class for Roca Roma (3f Australia - Lucy Diamonds, by Orpen) after she produced an impressive performance at Gowran on Friday.

Absent since finishing a close second on debut in October, it was no surprise to see Ger Lyons’ charge sent off favourite for the fillies’ maiden over a mile. The bay made all from a wide draw, racing two lengths clear at halfway and stayed on well in the straight to win by two and a half lengths under Colin Keane.

Assistant trainer Shane Lyons later confirmed that Roca Roma would next be seen in Stakes company, adding, “On everything we've seen of her at home, she's of that calibre. She's a nice filly, we've always thought a lot of her.”

Owned by the Roca Partnership and bred by Tommy Murphy, Roca Roma is a half-sister to Group 1 performers Beauty Flame and Roca Rojo. The daughter of Australia holds entries in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes and Group 2 Kilboy Estate Stakes.