But after her spectacular novice win over 1600m at Awapuni beautifully related Kind Return (Zabeel-Kindness, by Star Way) looks equal to the task. She is undoubtedly exciting classic material.

Last approaching the turn Kind Return was asked to improve on the inner by evergreen rider Noel Harris. The gaps closed and she was lugged five wide to make her run, winning right on the finishing line with giant, raking strides. It was a memorable effort by the Cambridge Stud product from Mark Oulaghan’s Awapuni stable and owner Mrs GM Drought.

On paper Kind Return has a classic connection. She is bred on the proven Zabeel/Sir Tristram over Star Way cross, which oozes with the blood carried by the Hyperion clan.

Her female line represents the great Cinna dynasty, descending through the wonderful mare Celebrity.

A 1938 half sister to the internationally renowned stallion Beau Pere, Celebrity (Nothing Venture—Cinna, by Polymelus) was imported to Wanganui’s Cranleigh Stud by JG Alexander in 1944.

Her progeny contributed considerably to Mr Alexander’s success on the 1960 owners’ premiership with a team prepared by his private trainer JC Bagby. (This was a memorable year for Wanganui as DJ Wilkie’s Ruato was the country’s top stakes winner).

The Kind Return third dam Kind Regards (Le Filou-Waft, by Whistling Wind) was subsequently sold to Jim Campin, for whom she won the Great Northern Oaks and was the ancestress to the great Campin representative Vice Regal.

Kind Return is linebred to Djebel and his half brother Hierocles, who are a potent combination though too rarely seen in pedigrees.

Through Zabeel’s female tail line, through Star Way’s male stirp and Le Filou’s dam Fileuse, Kind Return carries a triple involving a noted mare Boxeuse. There are at least four Lavendula II strains in the best Sir Tristram fashion.

This gifted filly is blessed with a strong staying index and simply oozes with class.

With just four career outings to date she has the potential not only to master the classics but became a cup horse with age.