He only covered four mares during a short-lived tenure at stud but unheralded stallion Tamasa can become a Stakes-producing sire when his talented daughter Cicala tackles Saturday’s Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.
The Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea-trained filly has turned heads with an unbeaten start to her racing career, including a comprehensive last-start defeat of subsequent city winner Noetzie.
The stable’s Racing Manager Lachie Weekley said Cicala was purchased from her original trainer Jackson Matthews off the back of several impressive trials.
She is one of only three foals sired by Tamasa during two seasons at stud – only one other has raced and he is a six-start maiden in Victoria.
A son of So You Think that was trained by Darren Weir and Lindsey Smith, Tamasa won five races and was Group 3 placed in Perth.
“She’s an interesting horse with an obscure pedigree but one that has always shown latent ability and she’s just thrived since her last win,” Weekley said.
“She’s by a horse called Tamasa who had an enormous amount of ability when Darren Weir trained him.
“Jackson had a couple in work and was going to do something else (stop training) and he mentioned to us to have a look at her.
“We had a look at a couple of her trials and we decided to buy her, thankfully Jackson stayed in the ownership and we’ve had a lot of fun already.”
Cicala will be ridden by Rochelle Milnes, who will almost certainly be crowned Adeliade’s Premierhsip-winning jockey on Saturday.
Weekley said he expects the filly to be effective on the predicted heavy conditions, with Adelaide set to receive up to 50mm of rain across Friday and Saturday.
Victorian filly Fieldelo is the favourite for the Lightning Stakes, with Cicala rated the best of the local horses at $6.
“We’re really looking forward to Saturday and the wet ground holds no fears,” he said.
“She’s drawn out a bit and that will probably suit by that stage in the day.
“She’s a really talented filly.”