Va Via’s value rockets after Black Pearl triumph

Daughter of Astern notches first Stakes victory to stamp pedigree page and boost sire’s impressive record

Talented mare Va Via added to her value on Saturday, 6 January when the well-related daughter of Astern blitzed her opposition in the Listed Black Pearl Stakes over 1,200m at Geelong.

A half-sister to G1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Tom Kitten (Harry Angel) and Listed Canberra Guineas winner Promotions (Exceed And Excel), Va Via won her first Black-Type race with a dominant performance under Damian Lane.

Va Via’s dam, Transfers, won four city races but has really excelled at stud.

The Australian broodmare also has a two-year-old colt by Brazen Beau, a weanling colt by Palace Pier and was covered by Too Darn Hot last month.

Winner of the 2016 G1 Golden Rose, Astern now has 11 individual Stakes winners of 21 Black Type races among his 168 winners.

They include G1 winners Golden Mile and Affaire A Suivre, plus quality gallopers Aft Cabin, Seradess, Sail By and Parisal.

Astern will be represented by five lots in the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and 11 yearlings at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.