Headwater mare Mileva made short work of her rivals with a return-to-form victory in the Listed Alinghi Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

She defied the challenge of Bless Her (Street Boss) to put them away for a second black-type success on a soft surface at her first start for trainer Phillip Stokes.

Mileva (4m Headwater – Lady Einstein by Magic Albert) had defeated Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Lyre in the Manihi Classic (LR, 1100m) at Morphettville in March but had bad luck in two subsequent starts prior to a stable transfer.

“We’ve only had her for a short time and didn’t know what to expect,” stable rep Justine Hales said.  “She had a jump-out but missed a trial when Traralgon was called off.  Ben (Allen) said he was a bit worried about holding her up as she can pull a bit hard in her gallops and in her trials.  Hopefully, there will be some races down the straight at Flemington.”

Mileva maintained Headwater’s lead at the top of the Australian third-crop winners table with the help of his newest maiden winners Rising Fire (Gold Coast) and Sachello (Newcastle) on Saturday.

The Vinery sire has been represented by 22 individual winners this season and heads a strong field that includes Spill the Beans (20), Pride of Dubai (18), Vancouver (15) and Press Statement (14).

“She trialled quite well at Pakenham, and I was quietly confident, but she had to bring her A-game today,” Allen said.  “It was a step up in class, and she did it well.

“The wide gate could have been a problem but she was in a beautiful rhythm.  Keeping her happy is the key and she showed a good turn-of-foot when it counted.”

Mileva has won 5 times in 10 starts since a front-running debut at Murray Bridge in January 2020 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).  They purchased her dam Lady Einstein from Vinery for $30,000 at the 2017 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale when she was carrying Mileva.

The Tuckers sold Mileva for $42,000 at the 2019 Adelaide Magic Millions.  That price-tag was well below expectations because she was reluctant to leave her box at the sales and needed a lead pony to enter the sales ring.”

Headwater stands for $16,500 (inc GST) at Vinery with payment on live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).