At the Inglis Gold Yearling sale in 2019, we purchased four yearlings together with owners – all at very affordable prices. Within a small number of weeks all shares had been sold, with clients looking for value in a hot yearling sale market.
One of those yearlings was a lovely filly by US stallion The Factor (by War Front), out of a three-quarter-sister to Derby winner Arena. The dam, Melodramas, had already produced three winners from three foals to race.
Our filly, now named Northern Bliss, has become Melodramas’ fourth winner following a strong on-pace win at Warracknabeal in the state’s north-west.
At her previous start over 1800m, Nigel and jockey Neil Farley learned more about this maturing filly. She may lack that immediate turn of foot required to sprint from off the pace. Now fitter after three runs in the preparation, the decision was made to put Northern Bliss on speed for her next assignment, again over 1800m. Even if that meant leading from her wide barrier.
This strategy paid off. Neil coached Northern Bliss around the corner in the lead on the fence, ensuring she was full of momentum and not leaving anything in the tank. The challenge laid down by the eventual second-placed horse was fought off strongly, and Northern Bliss kicked again in the final 100m to score a well-deserved win.
Being the only three-year-old filly in the race made this win more appealing. As she matures and strengthens, this racing style will help ensure a competitive race career. But it also presents an ongoing challenge if she is to maintain this one-dimension racing style. Rating her on speed will be the key for ongoing success, as will race placement. Nigel will continue to look for races around the 1800m range, and we are confident Northern Bliss will provide a lot of fun for her great group of owners.