Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Snitzel filly Until Valhalla is a maiden no longer after shedding her maiden status at the second time of asking.
Having been touched off by Gold Dust (Exceed And Excel) at Wyong on October 8, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained 3-year-old made all to win impressively at Randwick-Kensington under apprentice Dylan Gibbons.
The margin in the $100,000 super maiden was 1.19l, with the odds-on favourite Mogwai (Epaulette) second and Rockola (Jukebox) third.
“She jumped so well. She was still a bit new in front, she was having a good look,” assistant trainer, Johann Gerard-Dubord, told Sky Thoroughbred Central.
“The extra 300 metres suited, she was able to control the race and she was too good.
“She’s still learning, she will take a bit of racing, but she has ability and it’s good to get a result for the Mailbag Bloodstock team.
“The filly is still improving and it is good to get the maiden out of the way.”
“The filly (Until Valhalla) is still improving and it is good to get the maiden out of the way.” - Johann Gerard-Dubord
Gibbons was impressed by the filly’s victory and is confident there is plenty of upside.
“Going from 1100 metres to 1400 metres was a big help,” he said.
“I was planning on taking the box-seat if I could. When she jumped in front it was a bit of a surprise. She got there and controlled the race beautifully.
“She’s still a bit raw, but I love the way she went about it.
“She’s got a few little quirks, but she’s got a motor.
“She’s (Until Valhalla) got a few little quirks, but she’s got a motor.” - Dylan Gibbons
“If she keeps racing the way she is, it’s onwards and upwards.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey, the filly was offered by Vinery Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where Ciaron Maher Bloodstock went to $425,000 to secure her.
Until Valhalla as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Until Valhalla is from the winless Encosta De Lago mare Bislieri and she herself is a half-sister to the Group 3 winner Bel Danoro. That makes Until Valhalla a half-sister to the 2016 G1 Australian Oaks heroine Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi {GB}). The filly’s grandam is the Listed victress Bislotto (Bellotto {USA}).
Bislieri has a yearling colt by Snitzel and was again covered by him last December.
