The racing world’s attention was firmly fixed on the star-studded field at Trentham this past Saturday, with many expecting the James McDonald-partnered Argo to claim the spoils. However, it was the former Champion Two-Year-Old, the La Dorada Filly, who reminded fans of her class. The Super Seth star produced a vintage performance to take out the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m), signaling a major return to form for the Te Akau Racing standout.
Silencing the Doubters After an Australian Slump
It has not been an easy road for the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained runner since her dominant juvenile season. Following her Group 1 success last year, a cross-Tasman campaign proved challenging. Disappointing finishes in the Moir Stakes and the Scarborough Stakes in Australia, followed by a lackluster fourth at Te Rapa, led many to wonder if her best days were behind her.
Her training team, however, maintained that she was simply building fitness. Saturday’s result validated that belief. Despite the pressure of a disappointing run of form, the La Dorada Filly showed the heart of a champion, proving that her earlier struggles were merely a temporary dip in an otherwise stellar career trajectory.
Tactical Resilience Under Pressure
The victory was anything but straightforward for jockey Craig Grylls. After an aggressive start from several rivals, Grylls chose to settle the La Dorada Filly in a midfield position. The strategy became complicated when the pace of the race slowed abruptly, causing the field to bunch up and forcing her toward the rear of the pack.
Turning for home with only a handful of horses behind her, she was forced to navigate a “sticky” situation. Grylls managed to thread the needle through traffic, allowing the horse to unleash her signature acceleration. She charged through the gap to finish half a length clear of Swiss Prince, while the pre-race favorite Argo had to settle for third.
Setting Sights on a $1.5 Million Summer Prize
With this win, the La Dorada Filly has firmly established herself as a top-tier contender for the upcoming $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions at Ellerslie on January 24. Having already won the 2YO edition of the race last year, she is now chasing a historic double.
The victory also puts her back in the conversation for a slot in the $4 million NZB Kiwi in March. With five wins from nine starts and career earnings now hovering around the $1.3 million mark, she remains one of the most valuable and competitive prospects in the region.
| Race Feature | Distance | Key Date | Total Purse |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAB Karaka Millions | 1600m | January 24, 2026 | $1.5 Million |
| NZB Kiwi (Slot Race) | 1500m | March 2026 | $4.0 Million |
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