In another major effort sending strong signals of her development and growth, Marvellous Marva has demonstrated that her present form is no fluke. This latest signal came on Saturday last when the Philip Feanny-trained five-year-old grey mare proved too much for her four rivals in the annual renewal of the $1.15-million Gladiator Trophy feature.

Running in the Open Allowance class for the first time over seven furlongs (1,400m) under sloppy conditions, Marvellous Marva gave racing fans another glimpse of what she can do, winning by just under two lengths without really breaking a sweat.

Jockey Oneil Mullings did not rush Marvellous Marva. He held her just off the lead behind Orpheus (Shane Ellis) and just ahead of Blue Dixie (Dane Dawkins) for most of the trip.

Mullings continued to wait until close to turning for home when he began to urge his mount to get into serious contention when they entered the straight. Although going wide at the top of the lane with Orpheus who kicked once again, Marvellous Marva produced a terrific last-furlong (200m) effort to get home by a length and three-quarters ahead of the fast-finishing Soy El Se ñ or (Dick Cardenas), who grabbed second by a neck over stable companion Orpheus, with Blue Dixie completing the frame in the five-horse field after the late scratch of Another Bullet.

Bred by Ham Stables Limited and owned by 2Penyu, Marvellous Marva ( Adore The Gold – Runaway Julie) ran the distance in 1:26.1, backed by splits of 24.2, 47.2 and 1:12.3.

“It was a very good performance by Marvellous Marva, as she continues to show improvement and she is developing into a nice horse. What I like about her is that when I ask her to go, she always answers.

”I wasn’t worried about the sloppy conditions, as she likes the conditions as well. The plan was to get a good break, stay close to the pace, and that was what happened. I took it step by step and asked her to run up the lane,” Mullings told The Supreme Racing Guide.