Smart Juvenile Validates Favourite's Tag In Fillies Classic

Exciting juvenile Validation (NZ) (Validation) proved too classy for her opposition in the Group Three Caduceus Club of Southland/Alabar Filles Classic (2200m) at Ascot Park on Sunday.

Punters flocked to the daughter of Bettor’s Delight following her debut placing at Addington Raceway last month, installing her an even money favourite for the Southland feature, and she didn’t disappoint.

From her ace barrier, the Ross Houghton-trained filly led from go to whoa in the hands of driver Craig Ferguson, making light work of her opposition and ran out to a comfortable eight-length victory.

Bred by Sam Langrope, Validation is out of unraced Tintin In America mare Dana Delaney, a half-sister to Group One performer Dapa Dana (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Memphis Melody (NZ) (Badlands Hanover), the dam of Group One winner Stylish Memphis (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Group One performers Delightful Memphis and Harley Earl.

Offered through Dancingonmoonlight’s 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Christchurch, Validation failed to reach her $60,000 reserve and was subsequently entrusted to the care of Houghton.

The Swannanoa horseman has been impressed with Validation since breaking her in after the sales and he was delighted to get the Group victory with her in just her second start.

“Getting young horses going and seeing them do it on the track, it is quite satisfying,” Houghton told HRNZ. “It is just nice to have good young stock and well-bred young stock. She has been a pleasure to do anything with since day one.”

Validation has now won one and placed in one of her two starts to date and has earned more than $23,000 in prizemoney.