GRANDDAUGHTER OF GIOVANA BOLTS IN

The bond between Ballymore Stables and promising apprentice Masa Hashizume strengthened on 12 January at Matamata, when Tia d’Or (5 m Tavistock – Zarvana, by Zabeel) romped clear in $12,000 Rating 65 2000 metres.

Three days earlier, Hashizume had combined with stable-mate Tevere (Contributer) to win Open 1300 metres at Ellerslie, a ride commensurate with ability above his current station, and the two-kilo claimer emulated the feat.

Out well to lead, before steadying to trail with a lap to run, Hashizume had Tia d’Or stalking two leaders turning for home and once popped the question she strode clear to win easily by nearly three lengths.

“She had a couple of tough runs and the form line didn’t reflect how well she was going,” said co-trainer Pam Gerard, after Tia d’Or returned $17.50 & $4.80.

“Coming back in class was a factor and we could have been inclined to be a bit disappointed if she hadn’t performed well.

“Her work last Saturday was very good and we were hopeful she could turn those results around. She looked good and had a spring in her step.”

A winner on debut over 1600 metres, Tia d’Or had also won a stronger 2100-metre race at Ellerslie, when the big striding mare let down with an impressive turn of foot to win by two and a quarter lengths.

A granddaughter of million-dollar earner Giovana (Blues Traveller), jewel in the crown for breeder Carol Marshall, who shares ownership with her sister Linda Farley and husband Graham Farley, Tia d’Or boasts royal bloodlines.

Out of a mare that resulted from the mating of Champion Stallion Zabeel (Sir Tristram) and Giovana (Blues Traveller), Tia d’Or is a strapping mare.

A beautiful mare herself, Giovana won four Group 1 races, including Queensland Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), Thorndon Mile (Gr. 1, 1600m) and two weight-for-age races over 2000 metres, before leaving some highly sought after progeny. Her first foal, Chivana (Fusaichi Pegasus), made $350,000 in 2005 at Karaka, and four years later came sale topper Medici (Encosta De Lago) for $800,000. She has since had progeny sell for $200,000 and $310,000 respectively.

Sponsored by Brokerweb Risk Services, Tia d’Or ran 2000 metres in 2:04.5, last 600m in 35.9, on footing with sting out but upgraded to Good3 earlier on programme.

“We think she will gain confidence from the win and although stepping up again in grade she has what it takes to compete at high levels,” Gerard said. “It was a nice ride by Masa. He got her to settle beautifully and he did a really good job.”

Accepting the prize, Carol Marshall said: “It’s a good family and they don’t get much better than Giovana.

“I’d like to thank the sponsors because racing clubs can’t put these races on without them, and I’d like to thank Pam and her staff for the good job they’ve done with Tia. It’s a big thrill and hopefully we’ll be back here again.”

Tia d’Or was strapped by Sumer Singh