The Parklands Supervalue Supermarket Rating 80 (1600m) at Taranaki today saw a strong performance from the mare Pomellato to win the event.

Trained by Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie, Pomellato (Zabeel x Diamond Habit) put in a strong performance in the hands of James McDonald to beat a good field home by a solid one-and-a-half lengths.

Always showing promise throughout her career, the win was her third from only 10 starts. Her last win was in late October where she produced an enormous run from last to win by a nose. Not getting all favours in her last start in the Dunstan Feeds Championship Mile, she was the widest runner on the turn and was one of the few back markers to hit the line strongly.

Pomellato was purchased by Peter & Philip Vela from Cambridge Stud for $220,000 at the 2008 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale.

By Zabeel, Pomellato is a descendant of the mighty Eight Carat. Her dam Diamond Habit (Green Desert) is out of top two-year-old and three-year-old filly and multiple Group 1 winning mare Habibti (Habitat). Pomellato is also a half-sister to Desert Lily, the dam of dual Group 1 winner Morshdi (Slip Anchor), Group 2 winner Lafleur (Zabeel) and stakes placed Kundooz (Sabrehill).

The daughter of Zabeel seems to be maturing with every race and will be one to watch over the summer cups, holding nominations for the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup on New Year’s Day and the Group 1 Auckland Cup in March. Already a winner over 2200 metres, the extra distance should suit Pomellato beautifully given her breeding. She is currently sitting at $51 for the Auckland Cup but a strong showing in the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup will see that price tumble.