A maiden a month ago, the NZ-bred Astern filly Affaire A Suivre is now a Group 1 winner after she captured the $500,000 Grand Syndications Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Ridden by John Allen for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Affaire A Suivre had few favours in the run after being caught wide the trip from an outside barrier. She was strong to the line in defeating the Pride Od Dubai filly She’s Fit by a head with one and a quarter length back to Jennilala (Shalaa) in third.
Following her maiden win at Cranbourne on March 31, Affaire A Suivre impressed with a dominant performance in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) at Morphettville on April 15.
“She is a big scopey filly and needed a bit of time, and she has come in to her own this preparation,” Ciaron Maher said.
“She put the writing on the wall last start. We had the visitor’s draw, barrier 18, and she covered a fair bit of ground.
“First Light Racing have been long supporters of the stable, and it’s about time I got them a Group 1. It’s super for them, and many of the owners are long-term supporters.
“I think she has a bright future and will go further and may end up in Queensland.”
First Light Racing, Paul Willetts, Ciaron Maher Racing and David Eustace shelled out $75,000 for the daughter of Astern from the Ainsley Downs Stud draft at the 2021 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale
Bred by Courtney and Mandy Howells, Affaire A Suivre is a half-sister to Listed Scone Cup winner Laure Me. She is the best of five winners from seven to race for the Highest Honor mare Laurelling (USA), who was a $34,000 purchase for Paul Willetts Bloodstock Consultancy at the 2019 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.
Laurelling’s Ocean Park colt was passed in short of his $100,000 at Karaka last year. After foaling a Darci Brahma colt last spring Laurelling (USA) was covered by Proisir.
Affaire A Suivre is the second Group 1 winner for Astern after Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile.
The Group 1 winning son of Medaglia d’Oro stands at Darley Stud, Kelvinside for a fee of $22,000.
