A decision to bypass the big Sydney wet in favour of a dryer option at Flemington paid dividends for progressive Zabeel mare Tavarnelle who posted a valuable first Black Type success in the Group III VRC Frances Tressady Stakes.
The Hawkes racing trained mare was also entered for a stakes event at Rosehill and was only sent to Melbourne on Wednesday, but stepped out in tip top order for her first run back from a spell.
She was always in contention for Glen Boss and surged to the line late to win the 1400 metre contest by a short head, her overall record now three wins and two seconds from 12 starts with prizemoney topping $170,000.
"She trialled in the wet and didn't go well, so we brought her down here on Wednesday for the dryer ground and it's been a good result," said Wayne Hawkes.
Tavarnellle (pictured Racepix Vic) races for popular Sydney owner Michael Crismale under his Matrix Racing Syndicate banner and was a $330,000 NZB Premier purchase from the draft of Cambridge Stud on the advice of Colm Santry Bloodstock.
Mr Crismale has a number of quality broodmares and Tavarnelle will make a very attractive addition to his bloodstock portfolio when her racing days are done.
Tavarnelle is the first stakes-winner for her dam Wanaka, a half-sister by Green Perfume (USA) to champion Singapore based mare Zirna, the dam of Group III winner Crafty Irna.
She is the 144th stakes-winner for veteran sire Zabeel, who has 12 youngsters to be offered at the 2013 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale next month.
Story: Tara Madgwick BreedNet
Photo: www.sportpix.com.au