The 2026 summer racing season found its definitive headline this past Saturday as the La Dorada Filly returned to the winner’s circle in the Group 2 Levin Classic (1400m). After a frustrating spring campaign in Australia and a local defeat at Te Rapa, the reigning Champion Two-Year-Old reminded the industry why she is a generational talent. Her explosive turn of foot under pressure not only secured the $400,000 feature but also reignited her quest for a historic Karaka Millions double.
Navigating a High-Stakes Tactical Minefield
The victory was a masterpiece of patience and raw power. Starting from the inside barrier, the La Dorada Filly was initially positioned in the front half of the field before a sudden slackening of the mid-race tempo turned the contest into a tactical nightmare. Shuffled back to near the tail of the field by the home turn, jockey Craig Grylls was forced to navigate a “sticky” situation with several horses stacked in front of him.
Rather than panic, Grylls waited for a narrow seam to appear one off the rail. When the command was given, the response was instantaneous. The La Dorada Filly burst between Swiss Prince and Argo, hitting the lead at the 100m mark to win by a decisive half-length. The win marked her fifth victory in just nine career starts, pushing her total earnings toward the $1.3 million milestone.
From Breeding Potential to Championship Performance
The success of the La Dorada Filly is a significant win for Waikato Stud’s sire, Super Seth. As his most successful progeny to date, she embodies the “wicked” turn of foot that her sire was famous for during his own racing career. Purchased for $190,000 from the 2024 Karaka Book 1 draft, she has now returned her purchase price nearly seven times over, highlighting her status as a premier racing asset.
Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson noted that this victory was a “massive relief” following a string of unplaced runs. The stable’s decision to keep her work up after a disappointing fourth-place finish in December proved correct, as she appeared physically stronger and more mentally focused during her Trentham return.
Career Milestones and Competitive Comparison
The following table provides a breakdown of the La Dorada Filly‘s key metrics following her latest Group 2 success.
| Key Performance Metric | Statistics & Data | Industry Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total Earnings | $1,294,000 (Approx.) | Top-Tier Commercial Value |
| Stakes Record | G1, G2, & RL Winner | Proven Elite Class |
| Karaka Millions History | 2YO Winner (2025) | Chasing 2YO-3YO Double |
