A rise in distance has reaped dividends for Pencarrow Racing mare Translucence (Darci Brahma x Clear Rose) who broke through for her maiden victory in the $7,000 Balance Agri-Nutrients Ltd Maiden Stayers over 2100m at Hastings yesterday.

Stepping up to a distance beyond 1600m for the first time yesterday, Translucence had been placed twice from five starts for trainers Steven Ramsay & Julia Ritchie.

The four-year-old mare enjoyed an economical run on the rails mid-field for rider Darryl Bradley and found a saloon passage near the inside in the home straight. Bradley rode patiently as gaps began to appear and when he asked his mount to quicken she showed a strong turn of foot to overpower her rivals, claiming victory by a long neck.

“It was a good effort because she was actually held up coming across the top of the course,” commented Ramsay. “To Darryl’s credit he didn’t panic, he just sat and waited for a run and it came for him.

“It was a pleasing effort because the horse in front kicked and put a few lengths on the field so it was a good effort to pick them up, she showed a strong turn of foot.

“At a mile she was racing a bit flat so it was ideal stepping up to 2100m as they do not go as hard over distance.

“We will keep her over the staying distances now. She may go for a freshen up but we will just see how she comes through this race. In her trials she has shown that she might be able to handle soft tracks and the Darci’s seem to perform on all kinds of surfaces.”

Owned by Sir Peter Vela who bred the horse with Philip Vela, Translucence is out of Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner Clear Rose (Deputy Governor), the granddam of promising Australian galloper Bass Strait (Holy Roman Emperor).

Translucence is by Pencarrow yearling graduate Darci Brahma who was a five-time Group 1 winning racehorse.

Clear Rose foaled a filly by first season sire Redwood in 2013 and was not covered for this year’s breeding season.

The win of Translucence was the third winner in 24 hours for Pencarrow Racing with Secret Lily (Sakhee’s Secret x Desert Lily) and Elysium (O’Reilly x Velvet and Satin) both victorious at Ruakaka on Wednesday.