Entering the winner’s circle time for the first time yesterday was Polynesia (High Chaparral x Miss Sivivatu) with victory in the $7,000 Next Meeting Saturday 21 November 2100 at Avondale.

Trained by Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie, Polynesia had finished second in three of her last four starts prior to yesterday. Appreciating the step up to a middle-distance this campaign, her last two placings were both over 2100m, yesterday’s winning distance.

“It was a really good win,” commented Ramsay. “It is great for Sir Peter and Sophie Magnier – they’ll be rapt.

“She deserved that win and it will give her confidence now to carry on through the grades. It’s onwards and upwards from here.”

Last season’s premiership winning jockey Matthew Cameron rode Polynesia from barrier 2, going forward in the early stages to follow the rail and settle behind the speed. Swift manoeuvring by Cameron on the corner gave her opportunity to run down the leader on the home straight.

Taking the lead inside 250m, Polynesia held off late challenger Reprise (NZ) (Rec De Cambes) to win by a neck and finishing in third place was Markwood (NZ) (Raise the Flag).

Raced by Sir Peter Vela and Sophie Magnier, who bred her with Philip Vela, the daughter of High Chaparral is out of winning mare Miss Sivivatu (Danehill Dancer). Her dam is a full-sister to Canadian stakes-winner Callwood Dancer (Danehill Dancer) and Contredanse (Danehill Dancer), a stakes-winner in Europe.