The owners of Lucky Unicorn mare Greta Valley have resisted the temptation to keep her in work after an impressive last-start victory at Ballarat.

Greta Valley (NZ) won the James & Son Maiden Plate (1400m) last Thursday at just her second start since crossing the Tasman.  “She’s already in the paddock to mature a bit more but is on the right path,” co-trainer Simon Zahra said.  “She will get out over a bit of ground and will be a nice mare next time in.”

Zahra prepares her in partnership with Mathew Ellerton at Flemington for owners Brad McDonald and Sue Bailey.

Greta Valley (4m Lucky Unicorn – Seraphina by Montjeu) also pleased former Perth apprentice Damian Lane at Ballarat.  “She still gets her head up but has come a long way,” he said.  “She only had her first jump-out a few weeks ago and was a bit new first-up at Sale last month.

“She became a little unbalanced down the dip at Ballarat but she’s a tough girl and did well to hold off the others.”

Greta Valley was bred at Cambridge Stud by Sir Patrick Hogan and is closely related to G1 Australian Oaks winner Royal Descent (Redoute’s Choice).  The Chris Waller trained mare can add another Group 1 to her record in the $2.50 million Caulfield Cup this Saturday.

Greta Valley’s sire Lucky Unicorn (Redoute’s Choice) stood at Cambridge Stud until transferring to Westbury Park in Western Australia earlier this year.

Westbury Park owner Phil Ibbotson stands Lucky Unicorn for a $4,400 (inc gst) service fee.

– Karl Patterson

GRETA VALLEY
Ballarat winner by Lucky Unicorn