Racing: Dijon to cut mustard in Oz

Leading filly Dijon Bleu will begin the next chapter of her career in Australia. Photo / Race Images

Multiple stakes-winning filly Dijon Bleu has been sold to Aussie interests.

The daughter of Burgundy enjoyed a lucrative three-year-old campaign from Lisa Latta's Awapuni stable before a leg injury forced her withdrawal from the group one New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

"She's been purchased by Kia-Ora Stud in New South Wales," said bloodstock agent Paul Beamish, who brokered the deal. "She's going to be an exciting breeding prospect."

Dijon Bleu won six of her 11 starts, including the group two Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic (2000m), the group three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and the group three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). She was also successful at Listed level in the Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and the O'Learys Fillies' Stakes (1200m) and runner-up in the group one New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m).

Her performances ensured she was crowned New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

Dijon Bleu was raced by a syndicate, who also enjoyed black type success last weekend when Secret Allure claimed the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton.

"We may look at running Secret Allure in the Castletown Stakes," said Latta, who shares in the ownership.

"She travelled back well and we'll leave her in work and see how she does. She's a very easy filly to do anything with."

Before her southern venture, the Zacinto two-year-old had won once from three appearances.

Meanwhile, in-form mare China Star will close her current campaign in Saturday's group three Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m).

"Hopefully they don't get too much rain," Latta said. "She'll have that run and then go out."

China Star followed up her group three Manawatu Breeders' Stakes (2000m) success with a last-start second in the group two Travis Stakes (2000m).

● Genuine galloper Perfect Harmonee has done enough groundwork to be competitive when he resumes at Woodville.

The five-year-old will return to action after a five-month break in The Hanley Formula Autumn Sprint Championship Qualifier (1200m) with trainers Evan and JJ Rayner resisting the urge to engage an apprentice.

Understandably, they are reluctant to break a proven combination with Perfect Harmonee to be ridden by Lisa Allpress.

She has been aboard the son of Nadeem on nine occasions for all four of the gelding's wins, including two at Woodville, as well as two runner-up finishes.

"He's ready to go and has won two jump-outs, it's the best he's looked," JJ Rayner said.

"He has to carry the weight (59.5kg), but Lisa likes him and she obviously rides him very well."

Perfect Harmonee is a proven on-pace performer and it will be more of the same on his return.

"He doesn't have to lead, but he'll probably want to being fresh," Rayner said. "He's ready to rock and roll."

As long as Perfect Harmonee runs up to expectations, he is likely to head to Trentham on May 26 for the Hanley Formula Autumn Sprint Championship Final (1200m).

"It's a $50,000 race, but he'd have to go well and get a few more points," Rayner said.

Stablemate Regal Winks will have a gear addition when she runs at New Plymouth on Saturday following a last-start sixth at Awapuni.

"Lisa said she got a bit lost and gawked around so the blinkers will help her, she's been working well in them," Rayner said. "She'll be up to 1800m and I don't think that will worry her."

Regal Winks has won two of her nine starts, both on rain-affected ground.

- NZ Racing Desk