A full sister to multiple Group II winning sprinter Zoutori, the Chris Waller trained Kiku cast off maiden status with a stylish victory at Rosehill on Friday.
Placed at her first two starts back in April, the daughter of Zoustar was second again when resuming from a spell at Randwick on November 3, so was well overdue for a win.
Given a good ride by James McDonald despite drawing a little wide, Kiku finished off much the best and was able to dash clear of her blue-blooded stablemate Solar Apex (Deep Impact) to win the 1400m maiden by a length and a quarter.
“She is still an immature filly and probably really a prep away from her best, but she has a bright future ahead of her,” said Chris Waller.
A $300,000 Magic Millions purchase for Star Thoroughbreds from the Amarina Farm draft, Kiku was bred by Frank Meduri and is the second winner from Atotori, a half-sister by Haradasun to Group III winner Castlethorpe from an international family that includes Epsom Derby winner and sire New Approach.
Atotori died earlier this year and her final foal, a yearling filly by Divine Prophet will be offered by Amarina Farm as Lot 67 at the 2021 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
