Chris Waller and Star Thoroughbreds have had some outstanding mares over the years and Zoustar mare Olentia is on her way to adding to that list after taking out the $250,000 Group III ATC Nivision (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Olentia won the Group II ATC Emancipation Stakes over 1500m at the end of her autumn campaign, but was sharp and fresh for her return with a recent trial to bring her to her top.
She let loose with a big finish for Tommy Beery from back in the field and forged clear to win by more than a length.
The $2million Group II ATC Invitation Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on October 26 is an appealing next assignment for Olentia.
“She's a special horse. She's had an injury, had time off and come back really well,” said Chris Waller.
"She deserves to win a Group I race. I'm not sure when that will be or where it will be. The Invitation is in two weeks time, she'll probably get one (invitation) on the back of that, it's a big race, I think it's a $2 million race and a Group Two, that's what I'm thinking.
"She can go all the way, I think. That's our opinion of her, prior to her winning today. And it was good to see her come back like that. She won with a bit of arrogance, and that's what a Group I horse should be winning like."
A $310,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds/Randwick Bloodstock Agency P/L from the Tyreel Stud draft, Olentia has the overall record seven wins from 15 starts with prizemoney topping $700,000.
She is a half-sister to Group III winner Wandabaa and stakes-winner Malkovich being the best of seven winners from eight to race from terrific producer Mabkhara, who comes from the Asawir branch of the Easy Date family featuring Group I winners Rewaaya and Sense of Occasion, so she is going to be a very valuable broodmare prospect for the future.
Mabkhara died last year and her final foal is a yearling filly by I Am Invincible.
Olentia is the fifth stakes-winner this season for Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar.
