Outstanding Foxwedge (Newgate Farm) filly Volpe Veloce drew on all her reserves of courage to edge out Fastnet Rock colt Heroic Valour in a driving finish to Sunday’s $500,000 Listed Karaka 3YO Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Winning rider Michael Coleman admitted he wasn’t sure if he had won.
“It was tight alright – I always thought I was going to get there but when I looked at Opie he thought he might have held on,” Coleman said.
“She’s a class filly. I had to settle her and she relaxed beautifully. They weren’t going that fast so she was caught for a stride or two when they quickened into the straight.”
Volpe Veloce has won all seven of her starts and trainer Graham Richardson said he has never doubted her courage.
“She’s had a few close calls but every time she just puts in,” Richardson said. “I just closed my eyes at the finish.
“She just keeps improving all the time and it’s fantastic for the stable.”
A $240,000 Karaka yearling purchase from the Lyndhurst Farm draft, Volpe Veloce was a successful pinhook for Lyndhurst having been bought for $120,000 at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale from the Newgate Farm draft.
Bred by Nick and Amy Vass, she was foaled and raised at Newgate Farm and is a half-sister to stakes-winner Delago Bolt.
She is the fourth winner from Group III winner Bardego, who was on-sold last year for $46,000 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale with Randwick Bloodstock the buyer for Rushton Park.
A Foxwedge colt from Bardego fetched $150,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last year and Rushton Park will offer the current yearling from Bardego, a full sister to Volpe Veloce at the 2017 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale as Lot 365.
With over $1million in Australian progeny earnings this season, Foxwedge has strong representation at upcoming sales with 17 yearlings entered for Inglis Classic and 12 at Inglis Melbourne Premier.
