Ciaron Maher has been patient with five year-old Deep Field mare A Little Deep, who launched herself into stakes class on Saturday when powering home to win the Listed MVRC Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
A Little Deep looked good when resuming from a spell to win at Caulfield last month and took that form into her first try at Black Type. Ridden by Jamie Kah, she surged from last before the turn to run straight past the favourite Arkansaw Kid to win by three-quarters of a length.
“She feels like a pretty smart horse to me, so wherever Ciaron decides to send her next I’ll be putting my hand up for her that’s for sure,” said Jamie Kah.
A $250,000 Magic Millions purchase for Astute Bloodstock (FBAA)/Ciaron Maher Bloodstock from the KBL Thoroughbreds draft, A Little Deep has the overall record of five wins and three placings from nine starts with prizemoney topping $350,000.
“These mares, to get Black Type (is important). She hasn't had many starts for a mare that's got a little bit of age on her, but she's always had that sort of ability,” said Ciaron Maher.
"It was just a beautiful ride by Jamie. You could see her on the back of Moods' horse (Desert Lightning) just waiting for when the right time to push the button was and you knew there was a bit of horses there, so full credit to her.
"The team have done a great job managing her, Jack (Turnbull) and the crew and the owners have been very patient. They can hopefully pick their way through the spring now."
Bred by Bowcock Bloodstock, A Little Deep is the first living foal from Laugh a Little, a winning half-sister by Lonhro to Group winners Crack Me Up and Hoof It from stakes-winner Chuckle.
Laugh a Little had a colt by King’s Legacy sell for $100,000 at Magic Millions this year and has foaled this spring producing a filly by Justify (USA).
A Little Deep is the 35th stakes-winner for now pensioned sire Deep Field.
