Westbury graduate Romancing The Moon deservedly opened her black-type account when the El Roca filly outclassed her rivals in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Stakes.
The Mark Walker-trained representative had been a multiple stakes placegetter before she made no mistake over 1400 metres at Wingatui in the hands of stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin.
She had finished runner-up in the G3 Soliloquy Stakes, Listed O’Leary’s Fillies’ Classic and the Listed Dunedin Guineas and fourth in the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas.
With those credentials, Romancing the Moon was sent out a short-priced favourite and, after angling out of the trail before the turn, she romped clear to win untouched by five and a-half lengths.
“It was a lovely ride by Joe and a terrific effort by the filly,” Walker said.
“She will come home via the G1 Levin Classic at Trentham and she certainly deserves her chance.”
Romancing The Moon was bred by Matamata couple Karyn and Hamish McQuade and sold her through Westbury’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $50,000 to Te Akau boss David Ellis.
Her dam Underthemoonlight was a gifted mare and a multiple Group winner and also finished third in an edition of the G1 Tarzino Trophy.