Stallion’s name out to be made proud in the Lightning Stakes 2025

A rare chance for little-known sire Tamasa to produce a Stakes winner has emerged with his unbeaten daughter Cicala set to contest Saturday’s Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.

Prepared by Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea, Cicala has started her career in perfect fashion, her latest victory an easy win over Noetzie, who franked the form with a subsequent city success.

Racing Manager Lachie Weekley explained that the stable purchased Cicala from her former trainer Jackson Matthews after being impressed by her trial performances.

She is one of only three foals by Tamasa, a talented son of So You Think who won five races and was Group 3 placed in Perth before retiring to stud. Of his few offspring, only one other has raced without success.

“Cicala has always looked like a filly with ability despite her obscure pedigree,” Weekley said. “Tamasa himself had plenty of talent, and when Jackson decided to stop training, we took the opportunity to buy her. It’s been a terrific ride so far, and Jackson still has an ownership stake.”

Champion apprentice Rochelle Milnes, set to secure the Adelaide jockeys’ title, retains the ride on Cicala as she chases a Stakes breakthrough.

With significant rain forecast in Adelaide, Weekley said the predicted heavy conditions would not concern the filly. Fieldelo remains favourite for the race, while Cicala is regarded as the top local hope at $6.

“Everything points to her running a big race on Saturday. The wide draw should be fine by that stage of the meeting, and she handles soft going really well,” Weekley said. “She’s a highly talented filly on the rise.”

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