Breaking maiden status yesterday was Pencarrow Racing’s Promises (Keeper x Promethean) in the $8,000 Red Diamond Racing 1600 at Avondale Racecourse.

Trained by Shaune Ritchie, the three-year-old filly was having her fifth raceday appearance. Placing third two starts ago over 1400m, she was hampered in her last start where a post-race vet exam found her to be lame.

Starting from the widest barrier with Mark Du Plessis riding, Promises was the first away as the gates opened. Land Tax (Ad Valorem) and Promises fought for the lead up to the 800m where Promises rolled to the front by one-and-a-half lengths.

Promises led the field into the home straight but was challenged hard by hot race-favourite Eyes of Love (NZ) (Tavistock). Promises was the strongest at the post, narrowly beating Eyes of Love, who took second place by a short head, and Jane’s Secret (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret) finished in third position.

Owned by Sir Peter Vela, Promises has earned $7,075 in prizemoney to date.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, Promises is out of winning mare Promeathean (Grand Lodge), who placed fourth in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic. Granddam Sarwatch (Jetball), was NZB Filly of the Year in 2000, including winning the Group 2 Royal Stakes.