VIA AFRICA SIBLING OFF THE MARK

Well bred three-year-old Shield Maiden, a half-sister to former Equus Champion and multiple G1 winner Via Africa, broke her maiden when she landed the third race at Hollywoodbets Greyville on Monday.

Trained, like her famous half-sister, by Duncan Howells, Shield Maiden followed up a third on her previous start with a front running win in Monday’s All To Come Maiden Plate (F&M) (1000m).

Under Muzi Yeni, the William Longsword filly blitzed away in front in Monday’s 1000m sprint, and looked to have a fight on her hands 200m from home.

However, Shield Maiden fought back and went away to win by nearly a length and a quarter, with runner up La Fille running on from off the pace.

Third or fourth in five of her seven previous starts, Shield Maiden was bred by part-owner Andre Haupfleisch.

From the first crop of her G1 Cape Guineas winning sire, Shield Maiden is the tenth winner produced by Qui Danzig’s three time winning daughter Bump ‘N Grind.

The latter is best known as the dam of triple G1 winner Via Africa (by Var), whose son In The Congo (Snitzel) made headlines when victorious in the recent G1 XXXX Golden Rose and G3 XXXX San Domenico Stakes.

Via Africa was covered by former Golden Rose winner The Autumn Sun last spring.