Hvala (Sakhee’s Secret x Huluava) kept her unbeaten record when winning the $11,500 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race 1600 at Avondale yesterday.

The Donna and Dean Logan trained filly had her debut run and broke her maiden status simultaneously just over two weeks ago on her home track at Ruakaka. It was an impressive first run as she won the 1400m race by three-lengths.

When the field jumped, Hvala, ridden by Opie Bosson, went forward from a wide barrier to sit next to Footsie (NZ) (Gallant Guru) who was the first away. The three-year-old was tucked in behind Footsie for the duration of the race, with the pair leading the nine-horse field.

As the field straightened for home Hvala made her move and came up the outside of the pace-maker and made a bid for home as she hit the 100m mark. The Sahkee’s Secret filly powered to the lead for a one-length victory ahead of Footsie who held on for second place and Snow Petal (Bernardini) finishing in third position.

Hvala’s second win has now bumped her earnings up to $11,875 for owner Sir Peter Vela.

Bred by Sir Peter Vela and Philip Vela, the daughter of Sahkee’s Secret is out of winning mare Huluava (Pins) who is a half-sister to stakes winner Vercors (Catbird), winner of the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes. Hvala’s dam has two other named foals, both winners.