Comtesse Le Gran sent her future broodmare value soaring when she did best in a thrilling edition of the listed Western Australian Breeders’ Classic (1400m) at Bunbury on Sunday.

Prepared at the track by Warwick Bradshaw, Comtesse La Gran edged out the hot favourite Watermans Bay to win by a head.

Kyra Yuill had the filly well positioned off the speed for much of the race before coming with a perfectly timed run to hit the front not far short of the finish and then hold out the favourite to win.

The win was the second in nine runs for the Saxon filly – but most importantly her first at black type level.

Comtesse La Gran was sent out a $9 chance with bookmakers following her last start second when narrowly beaten by Democratism as Ascot on February 25.

She won her previous start at maiden level at Bunbury when she raced greenly but still defeated California Dude by a length and three quarters.

Now a valuable stakes winning filly, Comtesse La Gran was purchased by her trainer for just $10,000 at the 2010 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale at Belmont.

The filly, a daughter of Saxon, is the first runner to date for the lightly raced Canny Lad mare Screech.

Screech is a half sister to the group performed, four time winner Requests and hails from the family of the stakes gallopers including Dorky, Quidnunc, Segolene, Heza Karma Karzi and Seymour Cup winner Elkabayo.

Comtesse La Gran is the second stakes winner for Danehill’s Queensland Guineas and Doomben Classic winner Saxon.

Saxon is a resident of Western Australia’s famous Heytesbury Stud and was himself a graduate of a Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Winner: Comtesse La Gran
Breeding: Saxon-Screech (Canny Lad)
Race: Bunbury TC Western Australia Breeders’ Classic LR (m)
Sold for: $10,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale
Vendor: Heytesbury Thoroughbreds (As Agent)
Buyer: Warwick Bradshaw
Earnings: $73,310
Owner(s): WJ Bradshaw, KN Harvey, Mrs GD Harvey, DR Rowley, Mrs GB Rowley & KA Haggarty
Trainer: Warwick Bradshaw (Bunbury)