A bright young prospect in the Pencarrow Racing team cleared maiden grade in style in the $12,000 Tulloch Café 1400 at Avondale on Wednesday 25 May.

Wednesday’s maiden race was the third career start for Narince (NZ) (Burgundy), who had finished third in both of her previous appearances. It was a case of third time lucky on Wednesday, as Narince settled in third place before sprinting to the lead with 200 metres to run.

She faced a stern late challenge from On The Prowl (NZ) (Contributer), but clung on gamely to win by a long head. The rest of the field finished almost three lengths behind the first pair.

Trained by Chris Gibbs at Ruakaka, Narince has now had three starts for a win and two placings, earning $8,880 in stakes.

Wednesday’s race was a qualifier for the $60,000 ITM/GIB Progressive Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Ruakaka on July 16, for which Narince holds a nomination. She is also nominated for the $60,000 ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final (1600m) against her own age group.

Narince is raced by Sir Peter Vela and was bred by Pencarrow Thoroughbreds Ltd in partnership with Craig Dunphy.

She is by the Group One performer and successful sire Burgundy (NZ), who was himself bred and sold by Pencarrow and currently sits in third place on the New Zealand sires’ premiership this season. His standout progeny include this year’s Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) heroine Belle En Rouge (NZ) and Group One-winning two-year-old Maven Belle (NZ).

The dam of Narince is Lycia (NZ) (Montjeu), who was unraced but is a half-sister to Group One Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner De Beers (NZ) (Quest For Fame).

Their dam Chimeara (NZ) (Danehill) placed at Group Three level and is out of Group One star Tristalove (NZ) (Sir Tristram), descending from the iconic Eight Carat-Diamond Lover line that has produced dozens of black-type stars.

Lycia is now the dam of three winners from four foals to race, with Narince joining her older half-brothers Flex (NZ) (Zabeel) and Balios (NZ) (Shamexpress).

Lycia produced a filly by Vadamos in the spring of 2021, then was served by Eminent.