The fourth on the card at Matamata today, the Central Scaffold 1200, saw a very strong performance from Viva Roma to secure her maiden victory from her second raceday outing.

Trained by Bruce Wallace and ridden by James McDonald, Viva Roma (Spartacus x Verganti) raced handily in transit before coming three wide on the turn and ranging up to the race leaders at the 300 metre mark. In an impressive display, the filly took the lead with an effortless turn of foot, pulling away from the field to win by five-and-a-half-lengths.

The three-year-old daughter of Spartacus has only had two race day starts, running a neck second to Dream Catcher on debut in the Tirau Vet Centre 1200. She also showed promise at the trials, placing in both of her heats.

Trainer Bruce Wallace was very happy with the filly’s performance.

“She ran very well today and we are very happy with her. We will have to sit down now and discuss future plans for her and take it from there but she has plenty to offer.”

From the Strategic mare Verganti, Viva Roma's second dam is the stakes winning mare Masaniella and is the same family as the Champion Three-Year-Old and dual Group 1 winner Buzz Lightyear.