Top-class filly Banchee continued her comeback with a brilliant burst of acceleration in the Karaka Mile at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Banchee (3f Oratorio – Miss Jessie Jay by Spectacularphantom) was named Champion NZ 2YO in 2009-10 but had gone seven starts without a win before bouncing back to score at Ellerslie on January 15.  The John Sargent trained filly kept her perfect record intact this year when she swept to a commanding two and a half length victory against her Karaka Sale rivals yesterday.  

Banchee was purchased for $375,000 at the 2009 NZB Premier yearling sale by Sam Kelt and he on-sold her to the Vela family after winning the G1 ARC Diamond Stakes in March 2010.

“She’s going to make a wonderful addition to our broodmare band at Pencarrow Stud,” Peter Vela said.  “I’ve liked her ever since I saw her as a yearling at Hallmark Stud.”

Banchee is from the first southern hemisphere crop of Coolmore’s Irish bred shuttler Oratorio and is a half-sister to last season’s G1 NZ 1000 and 2000 Guineas winning filly Katie Lee (Pins).  They are from a G3 winning half-sister to G1 winner Gee I Jane.

The Pencarrow filly is one of 10 stakes-winners worldwide for Oratorio (Ire) who sired recent Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Torio’s Quest.

Oratorio’s G1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Beethoven won the Qatar Derby in December and added the Heir Apparent Trophy for his new owners on January 27.