A massive day of racing for the Chris Waller stable kicked off on a winning note at Randwick when Trapeze Artist filly Panova shed her maiden tag in the best way possible winning $250,000 Group III ATC Reginald Allen Quality (1400m), a race won previously by subsequent Waller stable stars Fangirl and Aeliana.
Placed at two of her three previous starts, most recently a second at Warwick Farm on October 8, Panova was allowed to find her feet by Tommy Berry settling well back in the field.
She drifted back to last after turning for home, but unwound a long sustained run to surge home and win by half a length.
“It's such a big day in Australian sport, and we've brought racing from around the world to Sydney, and we're all very proud of it so it’s just awesome,” said Chris Waller.
“It’s a good start to the day for our stable; a lovely ride from Tommy. He didn't panic from a wide draw, it just shows the track's perfect and you can win from anywhere.”
Tommy Berry was thrilled to het the win having ridden Panova in her two previous starts.
“It looked a bit ugly from the barrier, but I saw a bit of speed everywhere in that race, so I was hoping that it would generate a bit of pressure early and we'd be able to sprint off the back of it,” said Berry.
“Getting to Randwick today on a big track was the key.”
A $325,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Kenmore Lodge draft, Panova runs for B2B Thoroughbreds and was bred by John Ramsey of Turangga Farm.
With a win and two placings from four starts, Panova has won over $163,000 and is the first foal of Love Me Quietly, a winning half-sister by Trusting to Group III winner Charge from the family of Group winners Elite Falls and Niagara Falls.
Love Me Quietly has a 2YO colt by Castelvecchio that sold for $90,000 at Magic Millions this year and a yearling filly by The Autumn Sun to follow. She was covered last year by Ozzmosis.
Panova is the seventh stakes-winner for Widden Stud’s Trapeze Artist, who stands at a fee of $33,000.
