Locally-trained mare Norwegian Bliss (NZ) (El Roca) remains unbeaten after dominating her rivals in a Fillies & Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1400m at Newcastle on The Hunter undercard.

Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Norwegian Bliss, who sports the colours of breeder Gerry Harvey, was positioned prominently and extended away in the straight.

The four-year-old daughter of El Roca has now won all four starts for trainer Nathan Doyle and has continued to progress after joining the Newcastle horseman as a hand-me-down.

Norwegian Bliss trialled in September of last year for Daniel Robinson and was moved to Ciaron Maher and David Eustace before arriving at Doyle’s stable and was a late-bloomer after a few issues.

“It is all in her first racing prep,” Doyle said. “Win, lose or draw she was going to the paddock after today. I think she is going to be a better mare next year when she comes back.

“I have to thank Gerry Harvey and Luke McDonald (Racing Manager for Harvey) for supporting us.

“Her work on Tuesday was good and it is good to see her get that Saturday win on the board. She has earned a break, that’s for sure.”

Doyle was delighted to get the call-up to train the mare, especially after viewing her sole trial when fourth over 1000m.

“She had a couple of niggling issues with her previous trainers and they gave her a long break,” he said.

“Luke rang me one day and asked if I wanted to try this horse for them. I said I’d love to and I went back and looked at her trial at Hawkesbury.

“I was nearly going to go down and pick her up myself. I thought there was a bit there to work with and it is good to see her come up and win four from four.    

“I think there is better things in-store for her.”

By Westbury Stud stallion El Roca, Norwegian Bliss is one of four winners from the Encosta de Lago mare Ballyalla.

El Roca is represented by seven offerings at this week’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, which takes place on November 17 and 18.