In its relatively short history, the Group III Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) boasts a roll call of winners of the calibre of Hot Danish, Appearance, Brazilian Pulse and Single Gaze and it would be no surprise if Friday's winner Pohutukawa is mentioned favourably among that illustrious group when time is called on her career.
Sent off an odds-on favourite in the 15-horse field, Pohutukawa came from mid-field under James McDonald to put the race to bed in the space of 50 metres.
The James Cummings-trained filly defeated Cressfield Stud's Frankel filly Frankely Awesome by one and a quarter lengths with the Sebring filly Scarlett Dream a further half-length back in third.
The daughter of Medaglia d"Oro (USA) came under notice last preparation when she came off a hugely impressive win when making her seasonal debut at Warwick Farm on October 24 before staging a stunning last to first performance under William Buick in the Listed Jim Beam Black Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day. (photo Grant Courtney )
James McDonald said that Pohutukawa could not have been any more impressive.
"She had to do it the tough way and she did it really well, she is a beautiful filly going forward," McDonald said.
"I loved her stamina. She had to make a good, decent run today and it wasn't easy and she was just as strong on the line as she was at the 600m.
"I love the way she relaxes and copes with everything. She'll run 2000m against her own sex - she is an exciting filly for Team Godolphin and they will have a lot of fun with her."
James Cummings said the Group 1 Vinery Stakes at Rosehill on March 30 was the target.
"The critical thing today was for her to demonstrate a lot of strength through the line. Off a tough run, wide, which has proved to be a little hard to do today on that track," Cummings said.
"She's a filly with a great action and a wonderful temperament."
Pohutukawa is the first winner for the Redoute's Choice mare Lumina who won a Mornington maiden and placed in 9 of her 15 starts.
She was the first foal bred by Darley after the purchase of her dam Chiara from the late Ken Turner.
Chiara had been a grand producer for Turner, leaving the multiple Group II winner Chinchilla Rose, Group II Ascot Vale Stakes winner Ferocity and Group III winner Leone Chiara who is the dam of Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner and successful sire Star Witness and the multiple Group III winner Nostradamus.
Chiara kept up the good work for Darley by producing the Listed ATC Darby Munro Stakes winner Chiaramonte who is a full-brother to Lumina.
Unfortunately for Darley, Lumina was consigned to the 2018 Magic Million Broodmare Sale where she was purchased by Lacoste Bloodstock when carrying a filly by Teofilo (IRE).
Godolphin has retained a yearling sister to Pohutukawa.
After foaling her Teofilo (IRE) filly on September 19, Lumina was bred back to Deep Field.
