Star Kiwi filly La Diosa is thriving in Sydney as she prepares to take on the best local fillies in the $200,000 Surrounbd Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
La Diosa Picture:Trish DunellLa Diosa arrived in Sydney nine days ago and has settled in well at John Sargent's Randwick stables.
"She's doing better than we thought – she's eating and drinking well so we couldn't be happier," said co-trainer Matt Brown, who prepares the filly with his wife Mandy.
"She has taken it all in her stride. Mandy has been with her 24/7 - she won't let her out of her sight."
She is the first horse the Browns have brought to Australia to race but has outstanding credentials, having won three stakes races in succession in the spring including the G1 NZ 1000 Guineas at Riccarton.
Jason Collett is booked to take the ride La Diosa in the Surround Stakes but Hugh Bowman may take the mount in later races.
"We've had tentative talks with Hugh Bowman's agent, who is also Jason's agent,” Brown said.
“’That's why Jason got the ride as Hugh had another commitment."
La Diosa is set to follow the Surround Stakes with starts in the G3 Keith Nolan Classic (1600m) at Kembla Grange on March 10 and the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 25 before the $1 million ATC Australian Oaks over 2400m at Randwick on April 8.
Bowman won last year’s ATC Oaks on another NZ filly Sofia Rosa.
