Perfect Result in NZB Ethereal Stakes

Fifteen years on from an unforgettable Caulfield Cup triumph by Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm), there was a fitting result during the 2016 edition of Caulfield Cup day on Saturday as Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi) won the A$150,000 Group 3 New Zealand Bloodstock Ethereal Stakes (2000m).

Eleonora is Ethereal’s granddaughter, being out of Ethereal’s unraced daughter Sopra Tutto (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy).

“To win the Ethereal Stakes, named after her granddam, it's a pretty special moment,” said Eleonora’s co-trainer Andrew Forsman.

Bred, owned and trained in New Zealand, Eleonora has made an exciting start to her career. She finished second or third in all of her first four starts in her homeland including the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m), then scored an impressive win on her Australian debut at Geelong. A luckless 11th followed in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m), but she turned things around in style on Saturday.

Ridden by Damien Oliver, Eleonora sat in midfield and then sprinted to the lead at the top of the straight. Tiamo Grace (Monaco Consul) found her way through traffic and gave chase, but Eleonora held on to win by a length and a quarter.

“It panned out a treat today,” Forsman said. “She was boxed in a bit but she got a dream run through and after the bad luck she had last time she made up for it today.”

Eleonora, who was purchased for $60,000 the 2015 Premier Sale at Karaka, is now on track for next month’s Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington.

The third placegetter Savvan is also New Zealand-bred, by champion sire Savabeel out of Ruud Van Slaats (NZ). A daughter of Van Nistelrooy, Ruud Van Slaats was a multiple Group 2 winner and was also Group 1 placed. Savvan cost $350,000 at the 2015 Premier Sale.