Lucia Valentina's First Foal Makes Debut

Saturday's Skycity Hamilton 1200 at Te Repa in New Zealand sees the debut of 2YO gelding Luca Deli (Snitzel-Lucia Valentina, by Savabeel), the first foal of the three-time, Gr1-winning mare Lucia Valentina (Savabeel-Staryn Glenn, by Montjeu), herself a half-sister to Gr3 Manawatu Classic winner Malandrino – Best How (HK) (Darci Brahma). Capturing the Gr1 Vinery Stud Stakes at 3, followed by the Gr1 Turnbull Stakes the next season, it was Lucia Valentina's third and final elite level score later in her career in the 2016 Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes that was one of her best, defeating the likes of The United States (Galileo), Happy Clapper (Teofilo) and Rising Romance (Ekraar) in the $4m weight-for-age contest. With six barrier trials under his belt dating back to October, connections feel that like his dam, that Luca Deli may not show his best at 2 but come into his own at 3 and beyond, once he steps up in trip. Foaling a full-sister to Luca Deli last season, the mare was then covered by I Am Invincible before being exported back to New Zealand where she will foal down for owner - breeder Lib Petagna's JML Bloodstock.