Danzero’s 36th SW no longer Hidden

Hidden Wonder exemplifies the pleasure that a generous performer can give her owners, and today she added a richly deserved stakes win to her record when she took out the $100,000 Gosford RC Belle of the Turf S. 1600m LR.

Her victory gave Arrowfield’s marvellously consistent & versatile sire Danzero his 36th stakeswinner, a tally that includes seven Group One winners, headed by champion 2YO Dance Hero, classic 3YO Fairway and weight-for-age performer Niconero.

As reported by Greg Irvine, Hidden Wonder’s jockey Jay Ford said after the race, “She’s a really honest mare and she’s really going well. She ran a super race [for 4th] the other day in the Epsom and she franked that today.”

Trainer Kris Lees, who has prepared Hidden Wonder since her move from Victoria almost 12 months ago, is now considering a trip back to Melbourne with her for a race at the end of the spring carnival.

The 6YO mare was bred by the Arrowleave Joint Venture and sold by Bellerive Stud at the 2006 Magic Millions Premier Sale by Joe O’Neill of Prime Thoroughbreds. From nine wins and 13 placings she’s now earned $546,272 – as Joe says on his website, “Not bad for a $50,000 purchase.” Prime Thoroughbreds are also enjoying a splendid season, with 14 wins already on the board.

In 46 starts since her December 2006 debut at Seymour, Hidden Wonder has built a reputation as one of the most versatile mares in Australia. She has won early and late in her campaigns, on every track surface from good to heavy and at distances from 1100 to 1800 metres.

Her dam Princess Shorna (by Last Tycoon) is a stakes-placed, winning half-sister to G1 Kenwood Melody, and dam of five winners in all, with a 2YO filly and a yearling colt by Not a Single Doubt .