First Winner for AD Bloodstock as Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) Dominates at Swan Hill

There are some wins that mean a little more than others - and Oceans Fouroseven’s dominant maiden victory at Swan Hill yesterday was certainly one of those.

The three-year-old daughter of Noverre (by Savabeel) became the first runner and winner selected and purchased for clients under the AD Bloodstock banner when she produced an impressive front-running performance over 1600m for trainers Troy & Leon Corstens & Will Larken of Malua Racing, winning by six lengths with Harry Coffey aboard.

And fittingly, she was also the very first horse purchased at AD Bloodstock’s first independent sale.

From Karaka to the Winner’s Circle

Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) was secured as Lot 11 at the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale for NZ$60,000, purchased in partnership with Malua Racing’s Troy & Leon Corstens and Will Larkin.

She was the first of three horses secured by AD Bloodstock at Karaka and one I was particularly keen on throughout inspections.

At the time, I described her as a classic-style filly with size, scope and quality, highlighted by a big girth, beautiful frame and effortless walk (pictured below as a yearling). She had also breezed nicely without being placed under significant pressure and, being a November foal, there was every reason to believe there was plenty of physical improvement still to come.

Her pedigree also offered plenty to like. By Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas winner Noverre, a son of Savabeel, she is out of the Fastnet Rock mare Ocean Fleet, already the producer of three winners at the time of purchase including city winner and stakes-placed filly Super Chilled.

Importantly, she represented exactly the type of horse we were looking for at Karaka - quality, upside and value at an affordable price point.

An Encouraging Start

Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) gave us plenty of encouragement on debut at Bendigo over 1300m, finishing fifth in what proved a strong maiden.

She then stepped up to 1600m for her second start at Swan Hill yesterday as the $2.40 favourite, with Harry Coffey retaining the ride.

Drawn the outside barrier in a field of ten, Coffey allowed her to stride forward and she crossed the field to take up the running. From there, she never looked back.

Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) controlled the race from the front before putting her rivals away emphatically in the straight, opening up to score by six lengths and break her maiden in dominant fashion.

The step from 1300m to 1600m looked to suit her perfectly and, with only two race starts now behind her, there should still be plenty of improvement to come as she gains experience and continues to mature.

Click the image below to watch the race replay

A Special Milestone

For me personally, the victory was an especially satisfying one.

When I headed to Karaka in November last year, it represented the beginning of a new chapter - my first sale purchasing horses independently under the AD Bloodstock banner.

Lot 11 was where it all started.

Less than a year later, seeing that same filly become AD Bloodstock’s first runner and first winner from horses purchased for clients makes the result particularly special.

Of course, selecting and purchasing the horse is only the beginning. A huge amount of credit goes to Troy, Leon, Will and the entire Malua Racing team for the job they have done developing her patiently, along with Harry Coffey for two excellent rides to begin her career.

Most importantly, congratulations and thank you to her ownership group for putting their faith in both Malua Racing and AD Bloodstock at that first Karaka sale.

The goal has always been to identify quality horses with the athleticism, pedigree and upside to outperform their purchase price.

At NZ$60,000, Oceans Fouroseven (NZ) has taken the first important step in that journey - and hopefully there is plenty more to come as the team now aim her towards the 3yo Classics!