The Awapuni trainer's opinion of the promising juvenile was vindicated on
Monday when the filly was a comfortable winner of the Kuripuni Sports Bay 2YO at
Tauherenikau to become the first New Zealand winner for her young Newgate Farm
based sire."Right from the get go she has showed a fair bit of class," Latta said.
Raced by long-time stable clients Lincoln Farms and Neville McAlister, Platinum Diva made her first appearance last month at Trentham where she ran fourth behind the highly-regarded Te Akau colt Heroic Valour.
The benefit of that experience stood her in good stead and she settled nicely in behind the leader before rider Darryl Bradley angled her into the clear 250 metres from home.
Platinum Diva lengthened stride nicely to open her account in good style in the 1000 metre scamper.
"She lacked a bit of ring craft first-up and today she bullied her way out and finished off well," Latta said.
The Group I Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes on her home track on
April 2 is a longer-term target with the Group II J Swap Contractors Matamata
Breeders' Stakes an inviting option in between times.Platinum Diva was purchased by her trainer for $80,000 from the Riversdale draft at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale after she was initially passed in at Inglis Easter.
Bred by Orange Grove Thoroughbreds and foaled and raised at Ashleigh Thoroughbreds, she was consigned for sale by Nick Hodges and his team at Riversdale.
Platinum Diva is the second living foal and second winner for Silver Sparks (USA), a half-sister to the dam of 2014 Champion US Older Mare Close Hatches.
She is the fourth winner for Group I winning Fastnet Rock son Foxwedge, who is gaining momentum with his first crop of runners.
