Three-year-old filly Devotion (Volksraad x Iconic) claimed her maiden victory with success in the $8,000 Vista Motor Lodge Dash Maiden 1200m at Wairoa.

Cambridge trainers Tony Pike and Mark Donoghue travelled the filly by Volksraad down to Wairoa for her fourth career start, having recorded two fourths and a last start third in her short career.

Devotion drew barrier 7 in the nine-horse field for the country’s leading rider Matthew Cameron and bounced straight to the lead to dictate the race. The pair railed well entering the home straight at the tight turning Te Kupenga Racecourse and quickly put a gap on the field. There was no catching Devotion as she cruised to the line to win by 2.4 lengths over Babilloni (Cecconi) and Cool Hand Duke (Bachelor Duke).

“It was a well-deserved win, she is an honest filly that has held her form well,” commented Pike. “It was a good ride by Matt to jump the filly out to the front and she was able to kick off the corner and win comfortably.

“We will get her back and assess her condition, it is a long trip to Wairoa and back, and then we will programme another race for her all going well.”

Raced by Sir Peter Vela, who bred the filly with Philip Vela, Devotion is the third winner from her dam Iconic (Centaine), a half-sister to stakes performer Rapida (Senor Pete). Devotion is a three-quarter-sister in blood to Listed winner Gin Darte (Volksraad) and is from the family of Group 1 winners Dorabella (Postponed) and Insouciant (Keeper).

Another daughter of Iconic, Revolutionary, was a winner last week at Ashburton, recording her second straight win and the third win of her career. Iconic was covered in 2013 by Sakhee’s Secret.

Fellow Pencarrow Racing mare Queen of Excuses (No Excuse Needed x Kailey Princess) also travelled to Wairoa and finished third in a Rating 65 1200m.