3 minute read

Well-bred daughter of Darci Brahma wins at Otaki.

The Allan Sharrock-trained Darci La Bella (3 f Darci Brahma - Bellaroof by Maroof) - who is a half-sister to Group 2-winning stablemate Tavi Mac (Tavistock) - made a winning debut over 1200 metres at Otaki on Monday. 

The daughter of Darci Brahma (Danehill) stayed on strongly to beat Meg (Sebring) by a head, while the pair drew three lengths ahead of the third-placed Ninja Turtle (Power). 

"They are both very talented individuals, but she definitely got the looks in the family," Sharrock said.

"Neither of them are that big, but he's called Frodo for a reason whereas she is a beautiful filly to look at."

Sharrock said the filly would now likely progress towards the Cambridge Breeders' Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m). 

"Based on what I've seen at home she is definitely a better chaser than she is a leader," Sharrock said.

"We had a good barrier today so we wanted to make use of it, but as she progresses up the grades, I definitely think she will be better ridden with a sit.

"I'll take her along quietly but if she does what I think she is capable of then a race like the Cambridge Breeders' Stakes might be a target for her in the autumn."

The three-year-old filly is out of five-time winning Maroof (Danzig) mare Bellaroof, making her a half-sister to three winners headed by the aforementioned Tavi Mac, who won the Manawatu Challenge Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) in December. 

Ballaroof herself is one of four winners out of Woodhill Belle (Bakharoff), who is herself a daughter of Listed winner Highden Belle (Pevero). 

The Oaks Stud resident Darci Brahma has nine lots catalogued during Book 1 of the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka 2021 Sale, which begins on January 24.