Tivaci WSNZBred winner for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald

Jockey Beau Mertens is confident Tango Queen (ex Facade) can make her way through the grades in Victoria.

He guided the three-year-old to her breakthrough victory over 1400 metres at Sale this afternoon and expects the Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald-trained daughter of Tivaci to continue to improve.

Tango Queen was quickly into stride to settle in the trail and the Waikato Stud-bred filly let down strongly in the run home to score with authority.

“She’s a big girl and it was a really good win, she travelled extra well and did it easily,” Mertens said.

“I didn’t have to ask too much of her and she got the 1400 easily so should be able to step put over a bit further.”

Tango Queen was purchased at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Neasham for $75,000 and is the first winner of the Savabeel mare Façade, who had an Ocean Park filly last season and is again due to foal to the sire.

Façade is a daughter of the Listed Soliloquy Stakes winner Masquerade who is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winer Costume.

Waikato Stud will next offer a Tivaci at the upcoming NZB Ready to Run Sale, Lot 252 ex Zaburn who breezed in 10.77 and will be offered on Thursday, 21 November.

Recent News
13 August 2025

Saltcoats stakes his claim for Premier’s Cup glory

Saltcoats (Ardrossan) stormed to a 2.33-length win in the rescheduled $160,000 Premier’s Cup Prelude, setting up a possible tilt at the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup later this month.

Read More
13 August 2025

The Corner with Garry Chittick

Many years ago, obviously before my brain had developed as far as it was allowed to go, I was an active member of Young Nationals. It was a social activity for a start, until I …

Read More