Group 1 winning mare Viadana (NZ) left no doubt that she can add to her feature race tally this preparation after rewarding her connections in the LR Lion Red Plate (1200m) at Rotorua.

The Matamata mare won this year’s Easter Handicap and was scheduled to resume in the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes last week before the Hawera track came up heavy.   “I knew she was fit enough,” trainer Lance Noble said.  “She’s such a good mare and weight-for-age suits her down to the ground.

“She’s fully matured now – the Thorndon Mile will be her ultimate target.”

Viadana was allowed to settle off the pace by rider Craig Grylls and they picked up ground across the top to be within sight of the leaders.  “She jumped into the bridle 600 metres out,” Grylls said.  “I let her work into it and she gave everything she’s got in the straight.”

Viadana (6m Towkay – Yeah Nah by Kinjite) is raced by the Easdon Racing Syndicate which is managed by Noble’s wife Leigh.  She is from a half-sister to G2 Waikato Gold Cup winner Singing Star (Danasinga) and was a $25,000 buy from Little Avondale Stud at the 2009 NZB Select yearling sale and has earned more than $315,000

Towkay (Last Tycoon) stands at Little Avondale for a $5,000 fee alongside Nadeem (Redoute’s Choice) and Per Incanto (Street Cry).