New Zealand, February 28 – The Benchmark 80 event at Matamata in New Zealand on Saturday was won in dominant style by promising Red Ransom (USA) mare Prix du Sang.
Fourth in the Group One QTC Queensland Derby last year when visiting Australia, the Mike Moroney trained mare ran up to that form in powering clear to win the 2000 metre event by more than two lengths.
Prix du Sang was snapped up by Paul Moroney Bloodstock for $100,000 from the Yarraman draft at the 2007 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and is raced by Windsor Park Stud and the Alchemy Family Trust.
Group Three placed in New Zealand last year, Prix du Sang looks set for a good campaign and has the overall record of three wins and four placings from 13 starts.
Prix du Sang is the first foal of Morinda, a half-sister by Desert King (IRE) to Group winners So Gorgeous, Wild Queen and Cumbria from the famed Denise’s Joy family.
The current yearling from Morinda, a filly by Hussonet (USA) was bought by Grahame Begg for $110,000 from the Yarraman consignment at the 2010 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.
