Perfect debut

WELL-BRED youngster Leviosa emulated her dam by completing a successful debut at Globe Derby last Saturday night.

By Stay Hungry, Leviosa is from Delacour, which was triumphant at her first start on ANZAC Day 2020 for trainer Tyson Linke.

Delacour then won her second outing before injury prematurely ended her career.

Also bred and trained by Linke, Leviosa is Delacour’s only foal, with the mare’s time as a matron also cut short.

“Delacour showed a lot of promise, but unfortunately she did a sesamoid,” Linke said. “She was given a year to recover before trying again, but she couldn’t stay sound, which is a shame.

“After getting Leviosa from her we had trouble getting her in foal and found out she has a syndrome that after her first cycle, she never cycles again.

“She’s now a really nice riding horse.

“Leviosa is very green, but shows a fair bit of potential and can hopefully go a lot further than her dam.”

With Michael Smith holding the reins, Leviosa was settled in the perfect one-one position from barrier three as South Aussie Star led from two and Jades Reason worked hard in the ‘death seat’.

Dashing to the front at the top of the home straight, Leviosa then had to lift close to the finish line to stave off a late charge from Lambro Louella to score by a half-head.

South Aussie Star battled on to be 13 metres away third as the winner rated 1:56.8 over 1800 metres.

“She’s still got a lot to learn,” Linke said. “She knocked off once she got in front as she is very green.

“She has only been in work for five weeks due to quite a few niggles, so it’s been a rush job to get her ready.

“I was hoping to go over for Vicbred a few weeks ago, but it wasn’t to be.

“At this stage she will take on the colts in the Golden Nursery in a couple of weeks as it will be a good learning experience for her as we work towards the Southern Cross.”