Spring vibes abound for Seymour quinella pair

Two promising three-year-olds fought out a race for maiden fillies at Seymour, with Nikitria edging Platinum Pearl in a finish that could turn into a useful spring guide.

The Clinton McDonald-trained Nikitria had raced twice as a juvenile in Listed company before returning with a strong finishing effort over 1300 metres.

A $550,000 Inglis Easter yearling bought by Shane McGrath Bloodstock and Clinton McDonald Racing, Nikitria is the first foal of Group 3 winner Missybeel, from the family of Group 1 winners Metal Bender and Amarelinha.

McDonald is hoping Nikitria, a daughter of The Autumn Sun, is still up and about when the VRC Oaks is run during the Melbourne Cup in November.

Platinum Pearl, trained by Ciaron Maher, was the $900,000 buy at the Magic Millions from Yulong and was having only her second start after finishing third on debut last month.

The Frankel filly was nabbed late after starting favourite and, like the winner, showed enough to suggest longer distances will be her forte as the spring progresses.

Fourth-placed Refuse To Curtsy also has a notable pedigree, being a half-sister to last season’s VRC Oaks winner Strictly Business.