A tilt at next month's Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie could be on the cards for promising filly Damask Rose following her debut win at New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Stablemate Quintefeuille was the best away and quickly gave cover to Damask Rose from her ace barrier and she enjoyed an economical passage throughout. Turning for home, Damask Rose came off Quintefeuille's back and entered a dog fight with her more fancied rival, prevailing in the final strides to score a half-length victory.
“It was a lovely ride of Michael McNab's and a good winning effort by the filly,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson.
“She's a filly with a lot of scope about her and going to be a lovely three-year-old, but doing it at present on pure, natural, ability.
“We'll get her home and let the dust settle, but if we're really happy with her she could be a contender for the Karaka Millions.
“She's got a bright future and we've thought a bit of her for a while, and Dave (Ellis) bought her from a very good farm at Milan Park.”
With victory, Damask Rose has jumped into Karak Millions calculations, with her $10,360 purse putting her among the eligible 14 runners with a month to go, joining five other Te Akau juveniles headed in earnings by Cool ‘N' Fast.
Te Akau Racing have a strong association with the race, having won the last seven editions of the $1 million feature.