G1 Ladbrokes Manikato S.

Race Summary:

Loving Gaby (I Am Invincible) has surged late to secure a deserved first Group 1, taking out the Ladbrokes Manikato S. at Moonee Valley.

The 3-year-old filly jumped well and a positive ride from Craig Williams saw her settle just in behind the pace set by Faatinah (Nicconi). Williams waited for a run until the top of the straight, but once it presented itself, she surged over the top of Anaheed (Fastnet Rock), who would finish third, while Western Australian sprinter Vital Equine (Wanted) worked home well into second, 0.75l from the winner.

The victory was the most significant in Australia for the filly's owner Phoenix Thoroughbreds, who have invested heavily in the local thoroughbred industry in the past couple of years.

Loving Gaby has been its flagbearer in Australia and she has now won three of her eight starts and over $1.3 million in prizemoney.

Pedigree Notes:

Loving Gaby is the first foal from stakes-placed Maastricht (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), who was sold for $2.25 million to Coolmore at this year's Inglis Chairman's Sale. She recently foaled an I Am Invincible filly and has a yearling filly by Sebring and is set to visit Justify (USA) this spring.

Maastricht (NZ) is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}) as well as Listed winner Weaponry (NZ) (Declaration Of War {USA}). The other Group 1 winner to feature on the pedigree page is Orange County (Volksraad {GB}).

This filly becomes the ninth individual Group 1 winner for Yarraman Park's I Am Invincible.