Luvaluva (NZ) Charges Home in Kembla Grange Classic

Ready to Run Sale purchase Luvaluva (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) warmed up for next month’s Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) with an impressive finishing burst to win Friday’s A$200,000 Carlton Draught Kembla Grange Classic (1600m).

Trained by expat New Zealander John Sargent and ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Luvaluva hit top stride in the last 200 metres to run down Torvill (Not a Single Doubt) and win by a long head.

Luvaluva is now the favourite for the Australian Oaks, which Sargent won in 2015 with another Karaka graduate, Gust of Wind (NZ) (Darci Brahma).

“(Luvaluva’s win) was above expectations, over a mile,” Sargent said. “But when they’re good, they’re good. She hit the line great.”

Luvaluva was bred by Christopher Grace and was offered by Surrey Farm at the 2016 Ready to Run Sale, where Sargent bought her for $55,000.

She has now had three wins from nine starts, earning A$383,600 in prizemoney for owners Seymour Bloodstock, Mr M L Connaghan, Mr B J Creith, Mr M B Trevaskis, Mr S C O'Brien, Mr A Gennusa and Mr S W Kennelly.