The landscape of the 2026 racing season shifted dramatically this past Saturday as the La Dorada Filly reasserted her dominance at Trentham. Her victory in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m) was not merely a win; it was a tactical statement of intent. After a spring campaign that tested the patience of her connections, the Te Akau star proved that her elite turn of foot and competitive spirit remain her greatest weapons as she nears her ultimate summer target.
Precision Under Pressure in the Levin Classic
The victory at Trentham was far from guaranteed. As the field entered the mid-stages of the Levin Classic, a lack of tempo caused the pack to bunch tightly, trapping the La Dorada Filly on the rail. Jockey Craig Grylls was forced into a patient waiting game, looking for a seam in the traffic as the leaders fanned out for the final sprint.
The filly’s response when the gap finally appeared was a masterclass in professional racing. She accelerated instantly, covering the final furlong with the meeting’s fastest sectional. This ability to absorb pressure and ignite from a standing start confirms she has regained the mental focus required to compete at the Group 1 level later this month.
Growth and Physical Development into the 3YO Season
A major factor in the La Dorada Filly‘s return to form is her physical maturity. As a daughter of the G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth, she was always expected to thrive as a three-year-old. Her recent win at 1400m showed a more muscular and settled athlete than the one seen during her spring campaign in Australia.
The Super Seth influence provides the necessary stamina to transition from a champion sprinter to a high-class miler. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have noted that her stride has lengthened, and her recovery times have improved significantly. This development is crucial as she prepares for the testing 1600m distance, where she will face the best three-year-olds in the country.
Preparing for the $1.5 Million Challenge on January 24
The eyes of the racing world are now firmly fixed on Ellerslie for the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO. If the La Dorada Filly is successful, she will become only the second horse in history—following the legendary Probabeel—to complete the Karaka Millions 2YO and 3YO double. This achievement would solidify her status as one of the great modern fillies of the New Zealand turf.
Her preparation following the Trentham win is focused on maintenance and high-intensity interval work. By maintaining her peak fitness without overtaxing her frame, the team ensures she arrives at Ellerslie with the same explosive energy seen last Saturday. The current market odds have her as the clear favorite, a position she has earned through grit and elite performance.
Statistical Performance: Career Milestones
The following table compares the La Dorada Filly‘s seasonal statistics to illustrate her growth and consistency as a premier racing asset.
| Metric | 2YO Season | 3YO Season (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Win Percentage | 80% (4 of 5) | 25% (1 of 4) |
| Highest Grade Win | Group 1 (Sires’ Produce) | Group 2 (Levin Classic) |
| Total Earnings | $980,000 | $314,360 |
| Peak Distance | 1400m | 1600m (Projected) |
