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Source: TTR Australia & NZ by Josh Spasaro
Dundeel’s (NZ) impressive 2024/25 season continued in the G3 Epona Stakes, with Mare Of Mt Buller’s 0.92l victory in the $250,000 feature over 1900 metres.
Under the urgings of a great ride from Zac Lloyd, the 4-year-old mare powered home inside the final 200 metres to win comfortably for top Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
Arrowfield stallion Dundeel opened the 2024/25 season with three new Group winners in Melbourne, all from his 2021 crop – colts Red Aces and Kingofwallstreet, and the filly Jasmin Rouge.
He now has a total of 36 stakes victors. It was Mare Of Mt Buller’s fourth victory from 15 starts to now register $447,825 in career prizemoney.
Waller said he might look at spelling his mare after her second-up start.
“We said we might just try and keep her as fresh as we can. That’s how she seems to race best at her second and third starts. So yeah, we’ll see what’s left after today,” he said.
“Otherwise, she might just have a few weeks off or easier training and then be ready to go again.”
Lloyd said Saturday’s victory was Mare Of Mt Buller’s ideal distance in what was her first salute in 11 starts.
“Today was nine and a half furlongs, about 10 furlongs and she travels really well,” he said.
“I think anything further might take away that turn of speed, but there’s plenty of good races in her keeping for sure, especially if she can show that turn of foot.”
Saturday’s win was the first stakes victory for Mare Of Mt Buller’s Redoute’s Choice dam, Aliberani.
Mare Of Mt Buller was a $250,000 purchase by Yes Bloodstock from Torryburn Stud at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.