Stunning NZ debut by Golden Goddess

The continuing production line of outstanding horses from the All Stars barn at Rolleston is now such an accepted part of the harness racing scene in New Zealand that the emergence of another quality racehorse from their barn hardly raises an eyebrow anymore.

However the New Zealand debut of the Art Major filly Golden Goddess at Addington Raceway last night was so breathtaking that all the other owners of three year old fillies in New Zealand dropped their heads a touch as they realised what they had just seen.

Golden Goddess had three starts in Australia as a two year old for the All Stars barn for two wins and a forth and looked highly promising but has come back at three a vastly improved filly.

Last night Natalie Rasmussen worked Golden Goddess to the front from barrier three and then proceeded to give the competition a pacing lesson.

Running her last mile in 1:55.7 with closing sectionals of 55 and 26.1, Golden Goddess simply annihalated a smart field of three year old fillies.

She won by an ever increasing 4 1/2 lengths from the super filly Arden's Choice who ran second while Kashana who ran third was a further five lengths in arrears.

Owned by the Merv and Meg Butterworth racing juggernault, Golden Goddess was brought out of the Melbourne APG sale in 2014 for $101,000.

And its no wonder she made that money when you look at the pedigree.

A daughter of the outstanding sire Art Major, Golden Goddess is the second foal from a Christian Cullen half sister to the brilliant Sushi Sushi 1:54.1 ($1,103,327).

The grand dam is none other than the brilliant No Nukes mare Sabilize 1:55.7 ($355,086) who won 31 races including two Ladyship Miles and ran third in a Miracle Mile behind Iraklis.

This is a great American family with millionaires and stars everywhere and Golden Goddess looks to have inherited all that ability and more. 

Golden Goddess will now head forward to the $150,000 Alabar New Zealand Sires Stakes Final at Alexandra Park on New Years eve and on last nights performance, she looks to have a stranglehold on the race.

Harnesslink Media