Locally trained three-year-old filly Simsala dominated proceedings in the first race on the card at Ruakaka as she captured her first career victory at just her third start. 

Prepared by Ken Rae, the daughter of Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor had indicated a victory was close at hand when she finished runner-up in Rating 60 company on the Cambridge Synthetic surface ten days earlier. 

Slowly away in her first two races, Simsala flipped that script as she went straight to the front in the Northland Business Systems (1400m) on Saturday for rider Ashvin Goindasamy and dominated from then on. 

Goindasamy had her pinging along nicely rounding the home bend as she was challenged on her outer by race favourite Our Blue Belle while the well-fancied Domain Ace was winding up his finish in behind the leading pair. 

Simsala refused to give in as she fought like a tiger to win by just under lengths from the chasing pair in a tidy 1.24.31 for the 1400m journey. 

Rae was relieved to see the filly put in such a tough effort after admitting she had had some issues with her racing manners during her first two starts. 

“My first hope for the day was that she would get around to the start and behave herself,” Rae said. 

“The one reason I started her in this race was that I couldn’t get a rider for her in the maiden event later in the day. 

“I don’t blame the ones who turned me down as she has been a hard work in progress as she has more ability than brains. 

“She seems to be turning the corner, I hope. 

“I’m not sure what is next for her, but we do have a nomination for the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600) but really that is just a dream. 

“She is by Almanzor though and if she behaves herself, she could go on with it.” 

Raced by Northland locals Mal Barratt and Tania Patterson, who purchased her for $25,000 during the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, Simsala is the second foal of I Am Invincible mare Majella Magic and closely related to Australian Stakes winners Jade Marauder and Bliss Street.  

Cambridge Stud announced during the week that Almanzor, who has shuttled to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere breeding season since 2018, will now remain in New Zealand on a permanent basis. 

The European Champion three-year-old of his year currently stands at a service fee of $30,000 + GST for the 2024 breeding season.