The colours worn by retired sprinter Chautauqua have been carried to victory at Mornington.
Midoriyama made a late lunge to win Saturday’s Held For Ramsom Handicap.
The Robbie Laing-trained mare is part-owned by Rupert Legh, the managing owner of Chautauqua who bowed out of racing after failing to jump from the barriers in an official barrier trial at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
“It’s great consolation for Rupert and the gang with Chautauqua bowing out last night. It was very disappointing for the team,” Laing said.
Chautauqua retired with six Group One wins to his credit including three TJ Smith Stakes victories and more than $8.8 million in prize money.
Laing said Midoriyama won’t reach those heights but expects the mare to graduate to Saturday city company.
“She’s out of a half-sister to Eremein so I can’t wait for her to get out to a middle distance,” he said.
“There’s a benchmark 70 race for fillies and mares over 1700m on Oaks day and that’s her target race this preparation.
“She’s an improving mare that’s had a few issues with shin soreness and knees, but is sound as a bell at the moment and going places.”
