Lucia Valentina (NZ) climaxed a wonderful day for owner Lib Petagna with a scintillating victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday

Petagna’s bloodstock manager Bruce Perry purchased Lucia Valentina (Savabeel) for $60,000 at the 2012 NZB Premier Sale at Karaka.  She has now won 7 races, including three at Group 1 level, and almost $4 million in stakes.

“It’s so exciting, it’s a dream come true,” Perry said.  “I just loved her when I saw her at the sales, and I love her even more now.  It just shows you that you can go to the sales and pick out fillies who are capable of doing things like this on the world stage.  You can compete with everyone.”

Lucia Valentina launched an incredible turn of foot to sail past an elite weight-for-age field for a career-defining win.   “She just went whoosh,” awestruck jockey Damien Oliver said.  “I didn’t think we were going well, but then I went from the outhouse to the penthouse in about 200 metres.”

Bred by Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax at Blandford Lodge, Lucia Valentina is one of three winners out of the Montjeu mare Staryn Glenn.  She follows New Zealand-bred gallopers Dundeel (High Chaparral) and Criterion (Sebring) who had won the previous two editions of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Petagna had earlier won the G1 Australian Oaks with Sofia Rosa (NZ).  The Makfi filly has been named New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

LUCIA VALENTINA