Trainer Shaun Dwyer rated Villa Verde the equal of Regimental Gal after her winning debut at Caulfield last month and the filly’s future kept spiralling at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.

Villa Verde (2f Not A Single Doubt – Young And Free by Kenmare) was a dominant winner of the LR VRC Ottawa Stakes scoring by almost three lengths from Purrific (Dane Shadow) and Thump (Red Ransom).  She clocked a quick 56.73s for the 1000 metre straight course.

Dwyer will spell Villa Verde and bring her back for the $3.50 million Golden Slipper in April.  He bought her for $95,000 on behalf of owners Mike Buys and Rob Willis at the 2012 Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale.  “It’s a long time since I’ve had a horse this good,” said Dwyer.  “She will go to the paddock and the Golden Slipper is the one we want.”

Dwyer prepared Regimental Gal to G1 victories in the 2004 MVRC Australia Stakes and VRC Lightning Stakes.  Jockey Michael Rodd rode her in 5 of her 7 wins and he has no doubt Villa Verde can measure up in the autumn.  “She’s very smart and is a real professional,” Rodd said.  “I got to the front at the 300m and she just cantered away from them.”

A November foal, Villa Verde became the 11th stakes winner for Arrowfield Stud sire Not A Single Doubt when she claimed the LR Debutants Stakes at Caulfield on October 17.  She is a younger half-sister to G3 placed gallopers Miss Sharapova and Faulconbridge.

Flemington’s 2YO event on Melbourne Cup day is registered as the Ottawa Stakes but was run as the 7News Plate this year.  It was the 16th name change since 1991.

VILLA VERDE
Not A Single Doubt filly wins Ottawa Stakes