Guineas On O’Reilly Filly’s Radar

Promising O’Reilly filly Tarantella took a winning step toward a possible Gr 1 target when she turned on the style at Otaki today. The lightly-raced three-year-old posted her first career success at her third start and gave her connections encouragement for the future.

“Hopefully she’ll keep on going the right way and we’ve thrown in a nomination for the (New Zealand) 1000 Guineas,” said Guy Lowry, who prepares her at Hastings with Grant Cullen. “She’ll probably go to Wellington next for the 1400 metre race for fillies.”

Tarantella had finished fifth at her seasonal debut at Rotorua where her racing manners had let her down. “She over-raced and that never looks good so we told Hayden to try and settle her,” Lowry said. Tinsley did just that and she responded in the straight with a powerful finishing run.

“When she relaxes more she’ll make a pretty good filly,” Lowry said.

Out of the unraced Rhythm mare No Hula No Dance, Tarantella has a family history of success at the New Zealand Cup carnival. Her grand-dam She Might Hula produced the Gr 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Hulastrike as well as the successful but ill-fated stallion Yamanin Vital. Kentucky Derby winner Go For Gin also features on their pedigree page.