News

Avenue Emulates Big Sister

27th Sep 2009

Racing And Sports - Saturday, 26 September 2009

Peter Moody and Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds will be hoping the similarities continue after classy filly Avenue emulated her big sister Virage De Fortune in taking out the G2 Champagne Stakes last night.

By Anabaa from the Kenmare mare Virage, Avenue proved far too good in the soft conditions, leading throughout to post the same time as the Group 1 horses did in the Manikato Stakes one race earlier.

Avenue is now the winner of two races from three starts, having won at Moonee Valley on debut as a two-year-old, before running second to subsequent G3 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner Irish Lights at Flemington first up this month.

Avenue was bred by Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds, who retained the filly to race.

After her debut win earlier in the year, trainer Peter Moody said the filly had been a handful, taking a long time to be educated.

“There is a little bit of a family trait here, Virage De Fortune stayed with me when she campaigned in Melbourne and she had a few tricks, but this filly is nearly the queen of them all. So touch wood we can keep her mentally right because she's got good ability,” Moody said at the time.

He seemingly has her under control now though, as jockey Luke Nolen had an armchair ride in front, with Avenue easily holding off the runner-up Rostova.

Avenue is now among the most valuable fillies in training.

Virage De Fortune, winner of $950,000 in eight victories, including dual G1 successes, was sold for a then record $3.4million to Darley on retirement in 2007.

She won the Champagne in 2005.

Virage De Fortune was originally selected by James Bester for a team of owners that included Tim Hughes for $70,000 at the 2004 Magic Millions on the Gold Coast.

She produced a Redoute's Choice colt last spring before going to Exceed And Excel.

Virage's Encosta De Lago colt was secured by James Bester for $600,000 at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

The now 16-year-old Kenmare mare has proven an excellent purchase for Limerick Lane, who picked her up for just $200,000 at the 2003 Inglis Australian Broodmare Sale.

Unfortunately, Virage was not served in 2007 and then missed to Encosta De Lago last year.