Equiano's Valliano Books His Ticket for the Blue Diamond

The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained gelding Valliano credited Swettenham Stud shuttler Equiano (Ire) with a milestone first Australian stakes winner in Saturday's $250,000 Listed Restricted Inglis Premier (1200m) at Caulfield.

Damian Lane had the gelding travelling sweetly midfield as Gretna and Dalradian cut out the early speed.

When Valliano saw daylight he accelerated quickly to defeat Curvature (Snitzel) by two and a half lengths with Lessyd (Statue Of Liberty) a half-length back in third. (photo Grant Courtney).

He will now take on the impressive Extreme Choice in the $1.5 million Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield on February 27.

"From the day that we broke him in, he picked it up very quickly," Dabernig said.

"He reminds me of one of those old-fashioned two-year-olds that just seems to do everything right.

"He did everything right today and hit the line running."

"We'll probably head straight to the Blue Diamond now.

"Today was his first go at 1200 (metres), which is not always easy. I liked the way he settled today and didn't pull, hitting the line with plenty of running so that's a good sign.

"Mick's horse (Extreme Choice) was very impressive but we've had more luck in the Blue Diamond with a horse that settles and finishes off and that's how can race now he's got this race out of the way."

Placed in the Debutant Stakes and Inglis Banner, Valliano was purchased by Lindsay Park Bloodstock for $60,000 from the Swettenham Stud draft at the 2015 Inglis Premier Yearling sale.

He is the second foal of winning Elusive Quality (USA) mare Miss Valley Road who is sister to the stakes-placed Viking Turf Belle and a half-sister to stakes-placed Sayahailmary (Keep the Faith).

It was a timely win for Swettenham Stud who will be offering a full-sister to Valliano at the upcoming Inglis Premier Yearling sale. (see it here)

Miss Valley Road was bred back to Toronado (IRE) last spring.