In an international racing spectacle, Full Count Felicia, known for her victory in the Grade 1 E. P. Taylor at Woodbine in 2024, made her first appearance in Australian turf under the guidance of trainer Chris Waller. Competing in the prestigious Group 1 Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill, she finished fourth behind Via Sistina. This event marked not only her first start on Australian soil but also her introduction to her new training environment. The race unfolded over a distance of approximately 1 1/4 miles on grass, showcasing Full Count Felicia’s initial dominance before being overtaken by stronger competitors.

The Ranvet Stakes saw Full Count Felicia take command from the outset, setting a steady pace ahead of her stablemate Lindermann, who closely trailed in second place. Meanwhile, Via Sistina, favored at odds of 1-10, patiently waited mid-pack near the inside rail. As the field navigated the final turn, strategic positioning became crucial. Via Sistina moved three-wide into the stretch, initiating a powerful drive. With two furlongs remaining, Lindermann surged past Full Count Felicia as Via Sistina advanced strongly from the outside. In the concluding furlong and a half, Full Count Felicia faded slightly, while Via Sistina seized the lead from Lindermann with about a furlong left. Under jockey James McDaniel, Via Sistina triumphed by a margin of 1 1/2 lengths over Lindermann, securing her second consecutive Ranvet victory.

This performance highlighted the competitive landscape of Australian thoroughbred racing. Following her seventh-place finish behind Moira in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, Full Count Felicia was acquired by Willingham Stud for $1 million. Her current ownership lies with Yulong Investments, which also owns Via Sistina, the victorious horse in the Ranvet. Trainer Chris Waller oversees both Full Count Felicia and Via Sistina, along with Lindermann, who secured second place in this race. Via Sistina has now achieved eight Group 1 victories, including the illustrious Pretty Polly in Ireland in 2023 and the Cox Plate (G1) last October, where she dominated by an impressive eight lengths.

Via Sistina’s repeated success in the Ranvet underscores her exceptional talent and reinforces her status as one of the leading mares in global thoroughbred racing. While Full Count Felicia's debut in Australia did not yield a win, it represents a significant milestone in her career, demonstrating her adaptability and resilience. The competition between these elite horses promises thrilling future encounters, captivating fans worldwide with their remarkable performances on the track.