Owner-trainer Dan Clarken believes Mileva can win better races than Saturday’s Manihi Classic (LR, 1100m) at Morphettville.
Clarken, who trains in partnership with Oopie MacGillivray, made that prediction after his Headwater filly defeated Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lyre in a deep renewal of the Manihi Classic. “It’s a massive thrill,” he said. “She has her quirks but is a valuable filly now.
“We gave her time to grow after a trip to Melbourne in the spring and she’s really improved since we added a tongue-tie. We also have Anna (Jordsjo) to thank for all the work she’s put in at home.”
Clarken will nominate Mileva for the Redelva Stakes (LR, 1100m) on April 17 and hasn’t ruled out a start in the Robert Sangster Stakes (Gr.1, 1200m) on May 1.
Mileva (3f Headwater – Lady Einstein by Magic Albert) has won 4 times in 7 starts since a front-running debut at Murray Bridge last year when she was backed from $8 into $1.75. Bred at Little Hills Pastoral by Geoff and Christine Tucker, she is the first foal of a winning half-sister to Melbourne Group 2 winner Second Effort (Mossman).
The Tuckers sold her for $42,000 at the 2019 Adelaide Magic Millions. That price-tag was well below expectations because she wouldn’t leave her box or enter the sale-ring without a lead pony!
Mileva completed a double for Headwater at Morphettville. The Vinery stallion sired another stakes-bound winner with Karacasu in the Fleurieu Milk Hcp (1100m).
Karacasu (2g Headwater – Miss Cooper by Medaglia D’Oro) came from last to run down unbeaten youngster Brother’s Shadow (NZ) for trainers Richard and Chantelle Jolly. He turned the tables on the runner-up who beat him a half-length on debut a fortnight ago when there were excuses.
“He raced on the Parks circuit first-up and really appreciated the extra distance on the outer track today,” Chantelle Jolly said. “If he pulls up well, we will step him up to a black-type race during the carnival.”
Jolly mentioned the SA Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) as a suitable target on April 24.
Karacasu was bred by Cornerstone Stud and was pin-hooked for $50,000 out of its draft to the 2019 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale. His asking price increased to $160,000 back at the Gold Coast in January 2020.
Karacasu’s dam Miss Cooper descends from Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Miss Kournikova (Mr Greeley) and she foaled a Headwater filly in November for Cornerstone in partnership with Rathmore Bloodstock’s Ross Hatton.
Headwater is vying with Pride Of Dubai for Australian second-season honours in 2020-21 and he has two yearlings catalogued for the Inglis Easter Sale on Wednesday, April 7. Corumbene Stud’s colt from Damedge (Lot 261) is from a Redoute’s Choice three-quarter sister to Vintedge (VRC Matriarch Stakes Gr.3).
Cressfield’s colt is out of Champion NZ sprinter Egyptian Raine (Lot 465) The Railway Hcp Gr.1 winner has foaled 9 winners from 10 to race topped by Egyptian Symbol (Toy Show Hcp Gr.3).
