Philippe Coutinho's smart two-year-old scores - and 'bigger targets await'

Aston Villa's Philippe Coutinho will have an extra spring in his step during pre-season after his Olivia Maralda broke her maiden at Newbury on Thursday, and she now seems destined for better things.

The midfielder, who has 69 caps for Brazil, part-owns the two-year-old with Amo Racing and the Kodiac filly was able to secure a first win when pulling seven lengths clear on her first try over seven furlongs.

Trained by Irish-based Michael O'Callaghan, who was having his first runner at Newbury, she stepped forward from a respectable performance in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot, where she was beaten five and a half lengths by Dramatised.

Watch Olivia Maralda's seven-length victory at Newbury

Although the former Liverpool and Barcelona star was unable to attend Newbury due to pre-season commitments, Amo Racing’s racing manager Emily Scott said he was thrilled about the victory.

"I don’t think he saw the race live, but he's heard the result and is very happy about it," she said. "Hopefully we can see him on the racecourse soon if she can run a few more times because that’s what it’s all about."

Following a breakthrough victory, Scott feels Olivia Maralda can make further progress and she has entries in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes at York and Debutante at the Curragh in August.

"It was nice to see her do it so well over seven furlongs because it opens up options, she’s a filly who looks like she’d get a mile and she's not short of speed either," said Scott.

"She ran very well in the Queen Mary at the royal meeting, but it was very important for everyone to see her get in front after having three runs under her belt.

"We don't need to rush her back because she's had four runs now, but we'd like to have some bigger targets towards the end of the season."

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