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Sprinter shines again in the south

3 minute read

Life in the South Island certainly agrees with Toma Valea, who continued his excellent run of form from his new quarters with further success at Wingatui on Friday.

Toma Valea winning the Bp2go Alco Mosgiel Stakes. Picture: Taylor Strong

The Tarsha and Michael Stokes-trained seven-year-old counted out his Boxing Day rivals in the Listed BP2GO Alco Mosgiel Stakes in the hands of David Walsh.

A multiple winner for Matamata trainer Mark Brosnan, Toma Valea headed south a year ago and in 11 subsequent appearances he has now added a further three victories to his name and returned a cheque at every start.

He was also Group Three placed in the Stewards’ Stakes when runner-up to Soubrettes during last month’s New Zealand Cup carnival.

Toma Valea settled off a fast pace set up at Wingatui by Valiant and he was brought with a well-timed run by Walsh to beat the pacemaker by a length.

The well-supported The Diamond One, who won the race 12 months ago on a heavy track, finished third.

She jumped smartly before settling midfield on the fence and got going late in the run home for her placing.

Earlier in the programme the promising filly Querer furthered her record with victory in the Curtains, Paint & Wallpaper Company Mosgiel 3YO.

Trained by John and Karen Parsons, the daughter of Captain Rio won her first two starts on the track before she headed north to Otaki to finish second to the Gr.1 J & N Berkett Telegraph contender Tomorrowland.

She has been handled in all four appearances by the promising stable apprentice Gosen Jogoo.