Underrated youngster's tough first-up win

A TOUGH first-up win has given the promise of more to come with underrated youngster Viva Storm.

Sent for a spell following a paddock accident last November, Viva Storm outstayed her rivals in Ballarat last night.

In doing so the Joe Fenech-trained filly registered her first success since scoring upon debut in January 2024.

During the interim the daughter of The Storm Inside has run numerous placings.

"We are rapt with her," Fenech said. "It was very exciting to see her win first-up after six months off.

"She got caught in a fence and took some bark off her back leg. She was out longer than I hoped, but it turned out alright in the long run."

Driven confidently by Darren Pace, Viva Storm sat outside the leader, Chansu, before accounting for Muselet and Lady In Line in 1:56.2 over 1710 metres.

"We planned to drive her like that as I know she is tough," Fenech said. "She is no star, but she's honest and has a crack.

"She has pulled up great, and on that run, she will win a few more."