Awapuni mare Zennista (NZ) claimed her second Group 3 victory in the Sofitel Luxury Hotels Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup day.

Zennista (6m Zenno Rob Roy – Zarnitsa by Maroof) has won 8 races with her previous G3 score coming in the Tauranga Stakes.  She has also saluted at Listed level in the Rangitikei Cup, Waganui Challenge and Caloundra Cup.

Trained by Lisa Latta, the well-travelled central districts mare was last seen finishing sixth in the G1 Spring Classic at Hastings.  She was given an economical trip by leading rider Mark du Plessis at Ellerslie to win in a close finish from Soriano (Savabeel) and Thunderbird One (Storm Creek).

“I will probably freshen her up for another go at the Tauranga Stakes,” Latta said.  “It’s at weight-for-age race and that suits because she’s so high up in the ratings.”

Bred by John Berger, Zennista was a $20,000 buy from Oxford Thoroughbreds at NZ Bloodstock’s 2009 Festival Sale.  She is from the only Kiwi crop of Japanese stallion Zenno Rob Roy and is out of a winning half-sister to triple stakes winner Chartreuse (St. Petersberg).