The racing world held its collective breath at Trentham this past Saturday as the La Dorada Filly faced a moment of reckoning. After a disappointing Australian campaign and a subpar return at Te Rapa, the former Champion Two-Year-Old needed to prove she still possessed her elite spark. In a performance defined by grit and explosive speed, the Te Akau star did exactly that, storming home from the back of the pack to clinch the $400,000 Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m).
Navigating a Tactical Nightmare at Trentham
The victory was far from a “sit and steer” job for reigning Champion Jockey Craig Grylls. Despite jumping from the coveted “ace” draw (Barrier 1), the La Dorada Filly found herself in a precarious position. After an initial burst of speed, the lead runners “put the anchors on,” causing a rough chain reaction that shuffled the filly back until she had only three horses behind her turning for home.
Grylls refused to panic, navigating a narrow pathway one off the rail. When the command was given, the daughter of Super Seth responded with the “wicked turn of foot” that made her a household name last season. She burst between Swiss Prince and the favored Argo, snatching the lead in the final 100 meters to win by a comfortable half-length.
From Australian Frustration to New Zealand Glory
The win marks a massive emotional relief for trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. The La Dorada Filly had endured a frustrating spring in Melbourne, finishing unplaced in the G1 Moir Stakes and the G3 Scarborough Stakes. Critics questioned if she had failed to “train on” from her juvenile year, but Walker remained steadfast, noting she had thickened into a more physical three-year-old. This Saturday’s triumph validated the stable’s patience and confirmed that her signature heart remains her greatest asset.
Tracking the Champion: Career Earnings & ROI
Purchased by David Ellis for $190,000, this filly has become a financial powerhouse for the Te Akau Solid Gold Racing Partnership.
| Performance Statistic | Data Summary | Market Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Total Career Earnings | $1,294,000+ | Top 1% of 3YO Fillies |
| Major Stakes Wins | G1 Sires’ Produce, G2 Levin Classic, G2 Breeders’ Stakes | Elite Breeding Potential |
| Race Record | 9 Starts: 5 Wins, 1 Second | 56% Win Strike Rate |
