It was a fillies quinella in Saturday’s Amelia Park - Belmont Guineas as the New Zealand import Luvnwar opened her stakes account at her third start for Michael Grantham.
Patrick Carbery gave the daughter of War Decree (USA) the run of the race from an inside barrier. She was strong to the line in defeating the progressive More Than Ready (USA) filly Petrouchka by one and a quarter lengths, with the Impending gelding Cool Memory back in third.
The Peters Investments colour bearer advances her record to three wins, a second and a third from six starts, with earnings of $135,145.
Luvnwar was purchased privately by Bob Peters’ grandson, Liam, after finishing a troubled third in the Group III Barneswood Farm Stakes at Ashburton for trainer Terri Rae.
“Liam found this horse, which I knew nothing about,” Bob Peters said.
“He came to me with it, which was good. Many people think he only acts for me, but he also acts for others. That is his job, but I would be happy if they left him to find one for me.”
Bred by Tracey Schroeder, Luvnwar was a $22,500 buy for Riversley Park from the Beaufort Downs consignment from Book 2 at the 2022 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale.
He is the second stakes-winner from as many foals for the Pins mare Pretty Woman, whose first foal, Chokito, won seven races highlighted by the Listed Southland Guineas.
A daughter of the Group III winner Howmuchyacharging (Howbaddouwantit), from the family of dual HK International Bowl winner, Monopolize, Pretty Woman died in 2023, and Luvnwar is her final foal.
Luvnwar is the third stakes-winner for Inglewood Stud’s Group II Vintage Stakes winner War Decree (USA) (War Front), whose son Warmonger won by daylight in the recent Group 1 Queensland Derby.
