Luvnwar impressive in Belmont Guineas

[Wandering Eyes]

Kiwi import Luvnwar (NZ) (War Decree) scored her first stakes victory when landing the Listed Amelia Park-Belmont Guineas (1600m) at Belmont on Saturday, with a length and a half to spare over runner-up Petrouchka (More Than Ready).

Prepared by Michael Grantham, Luvnwar had previously won over 1400m at Belmont, having finished runner-up on her Australian debut over 1200m.

The daughter of War Decree is raced by Peters Investments Pty Ltd and was purchased privately out of New Zealand by Liam Peters Byerley Bloodstock on behalf of his grandfather Bob, after finishing third in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farms Stakes (1400m) for trainer Terri Rae in October last year.

In an open contest, Luvnwar was sent out $4.40 equal favourite and flew the gates from barrier 3 under jockey Patrick Carbery before finding the box seat in third.

Angled into the clear soon after straightening, Luvwar found the front a shade too early but was strong to the line as she comfortably saw out the mile.

“She does everything right, the way she jumps and puts herself into position is good and we were lucky with the barrier (3). She got a nice run through and it was good to see her get the 1600m,” Bob Peters said.

“When he was well into the straight, he still hadn’t moved on her and I thought ‘that’s good’ but then she hit the front probably a little too soon and I saw those others coming down the outside but she fought on well, so that was good to see.”

Trainer Michael Grantham enjoyed a treble on the day, including a double in the Peters silks.

“It has taken us a while to learn what is going on and the different tracks Michael has got, but he listens and he does a good job,” Peters said.

The prominent owner was pleased for his grandson Liam who did the deal on the filly he identified in New Zealand’s South Island.

“He is the one who found this horse. I didn’t know anything about it and he came to me with it and it was good to see,” Peters said.

“A lot of people think he only acts for me, but he can act for other people as well. That’s what his job is, so I am quite happy if they want to leave him to find them for me.”

By Inglewood Stud stallion War Decree, who has enjoyed plenty of headlines care of his Queensland Derby-winning son Warmonger (NZ), Luvnwar is out of the Pins mare Pretty Women.

The filly is a half-sister to Listed winner Chokito (NZ) (Vespa) and was originally purchased by Sam and Hana Beatson’s Riversley Park for $22,500 at the 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Sale.

Luvnwar has now won three of her six career starts with a further two placings.

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