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Classy I Am Invincible filly Loving Gaby gave international investors Phoenix Thoroughbreds their first Australian Group One victory in the $1 million Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Loving Gaby took her career earnings top more than $1.3 milion when she produced an explosive turn of foot to become the first 3YO filly to win the Manikato Stakes.
It was her third win in eight starts and adds to her G1 record that includes placings in last season's ATC Sires Produce and Champagne Stakes at Randwick.
Loving Gaby was sourced by Dermot Farrington at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale last year.
Farrington recommended the fily to Amer Abdulaziz, the Dubai-based principal of Phoenix Thoroughbreds, his global enterprise that is a significant player in the Us and Europe.
Ciaron Maher is his Australian trainer and he supported Farrington's purchase of the filly for $500,000 on behalf of Bahrain-born Abdulaziz from the draft of Ananda Krishnan's Kia Ora Stud.
Kia Ora co-bred the filly with Alan Bell from the Mastercraftsman mare Maastricht, a half-sister to the G1 winner Velocitea (Volksraad) and Listed winner Weaponry (Declaration Of War). The family also includes the G1 winner Orange County (Volksraad).
Maastricht was sold to Coolmore Stud and James Bester Bloodstock at this year's Chairman's Sale in Sydney for $2.25 million. She was offered in foal to I Am Invincible having foaled at Sebring filly last year and was booked to be covered by Justify this spring.
Loving Gaby is the ninth G1 winner by I Am Invincible, joining the likes of Brazen Beau, Viddora, Hellbent, Oohood and Invincibella. He is standing this season on an Australian high fee of $247,500.
Loving Gaby was named after Tessa Star, Phoenix Thorougbred's legal advisor, lost her best friend Gabrielle Harris to cancer.
She is the third G1 winner since Eustace joined Maher as his co-trainer in August last year, following Kenedna's victories in the G1 Queen Of The Turf and G1 Doomben Cup last season.
