Written by Paul Vettise
The connections of Nicoletta (NZ) (Savabeel) have had a change of heart and the Group 1 winner has returned to work for a new stable with a $1 million prize on the agenda.
She was formerly trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman for prominent owner Lib Petagna under his JML Bloodstock banner and immediate thoughts were of retirement after she was unplaced in her seasonal debut in the G3 Taranaki Breeders’ S.
Nicoletta was sent to Australia for a date with Widden Stud’s Trapeze Artist and events thereafter have resulted in a change of heart.
Nicoletta was set to be covered by Trapeze Artist but will continue racing instead
“There wasn’t really any intention for her to race again and the main focus was to get her in foal,” said bloodstock agent Bruce Perry, who manages Petagna’s extensive bloodstock portfolio.
“Because we got such an early cover to Trapeze Artist we sent her down to Newcastle.”
“There wasn’t really any intention for her to race again and the main focus was to get her in foal.” – Bruce Perry
Nicoletta is now in the care of trainer Kris Lees, who has enjoyed a successful association with Petagna and most notably with Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel).
She won two races, including the G3 Wellington S. from Stephen Marsh’s Cambridge yard, before she relocated to Lees.
Lucia Valentina (NZ)
Lucia Valentina (NZ) subsequently proved her herself to be top-notch and a further five victories included the G1 Queen Elizabeth S., the G1 Turnbull S., the G1 Vinery Stud S. and she finished third in the G1 Caulfield Cup, the G1 Underwood S. and in the G1 Australian Oaks.
While expectations might not be quite so lofty for Nicoletta, she nevertheless may have a couple of high-profile races on her program.
“We thought we’d have a throw at the stumps and might set her for The Gong and possibly the Villiers,” Perry said.
The $1 million The Gong will be run at Kembla Grange on November 11 and the G2 Villiers S. is at Randwick on December 12.
Trial success
Nicoletta has settled in well to her new surroundings and on Wednesday won an open 1000 metre heat at Newcastle.
“She’s thriving in the warmer weather and trialled really well the other day,” Perry said.
Watch: Nicoletta (NZ) trial at Newcastle
Nicoletta has won five races, including last season’s G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S., after placing in the previous edition, the G3 Taranaki Breeders’ S. and the G3 Desert Gold S.
Bred by Goodwood Stud, she was purchased by Perry for NZ$90,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale and is a daughter of Celtic Crown (USA) (Doneraile Court {USA}).
Nicoletta (NZ) when winning the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S.
The dam was a Listed winner in her native North America and the leading stallions Singspiel (Ire), Saint Ballado (Can), Rahy (USA) and Devil’s Bag (USA) feature on her pedigree page.
It is also a family that has previously made an impact in Australia through the Group winners Well Rounded (Reset) and Ability (Reward For Effort).
