Bred and sold by Rosemont Stud, three year-old Hinchinbrook filly Chica Fuerte earned some valuable Black Type on Saturday when taking out he Group III MRC Ethereal Stakes (2000m).
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman and ridden by Ben Melham, Chica Fuerte showed a touch of class when finishing third at her previous run in the Group II VRC Edward Manifold Stakes and despite some concern about her ability to stay the longer trip emerged triumphant.
She led all the way and was strong to the line winning by more than a length to take her overall record to two wins and four placings from six starts with prizemoney just shy of $200,000.
“She’s a good straight forward filly and very easy to do anything with,” said Sam Freedman.
“The Oaks is not on the agenda, but she’s bomb proof and handles all types of going so the Wakeful is a really nice race for her if she comes through this well.”
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Rosemont Stud dart for Bahen Bloodstock, Chica Fuerte is the best of two winners from imported Rock Hard Ten mare Guapa (USA), an unraced daughter of Group II winner Last Approach from a North American family that has had success here in the past, notably through Group I winners Assertive Lad, Assertive Lass and Reset.
Guapa has a yearling colt by Hellbent and has foaled this spring producing a filly by Magnus.
Chica Fuerte is the 21st stakes-winner for Yarraman Park’s much missed sire Hinchinbrook.
