Montoya's Secret takes the Vinery (G1)

Montoya’s Secret extended her win streak to three, in the process going from maiden winner to Group 1 winner, in a roughly run renewal of the Vinery Stud S. at Rosehill on Saturday.

Getting over to the rail on the first turn, Montoya’s Secret saved ground in midpack of the strung out field on the heels of Dawn Wall (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), with favoured Foxplay (Aus) (Foxwedge {Aus}) near the rear of the field. Montoya’s Secret was shuffled back a few places as the field began to bunch approaching the 800 metre mark, and was steered to the outside by Noel Callow for running room as Foxplay rallied on the far outside. A wall of five fillies emerged in a battle for the lead at the top of the lane, with Smart As You Think (Aus) (So You Think {NZ}) squeezed out of contention at the 200 metre mark by Montoya’s Secret and Harlow Gold. Foxplay, meanwhile, was putting in a fierce rally on the outside but was forced to check by the drifting winner in the dying strides as Nurse Kitchen roared down the middle of the course to grab second.

Co-trainer Leon Corstens diverted the credit to his son and training partner Troy, telling Racnet.com.au, “Main thanks has got to go to Troy. If it was left up to me I would have left her home in the box. I didn’t think she’d handle the track. He was the instigator in this, saying no, take her up there. He certainly overruled me and I’m pleased he did.”

Montoya’s Secret took eight tries to break her maiden, at last accomplishing that feat going 1400 metres at Pakenham Park on Mar. 2, and she backed up two weeks later to add a benchmark 64 race going a mile at Moonee Valley when last seen.

Pedigree Notes…Montoya’s Secret is the best progeny to date out of the G1 Blue Diamond third Divine Secret, who has proven a very useful producer with the Group 3-winning Delago’s Secret and stakes-placed Secret Delight also to her credit. Divine Secret was bought out of the Inglis Easter Broodmare sale by Badgers Bloodstock for $340,000.