It was supposed to be a mating made in horse heaven, but the resulting foal Taqneen has made a lacklustre debut at Pakenham.

The three-year-old by Lonhro from three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, finished eighth in a 1380m Maiden race on Tuesday as a well-tried $3.70 favourite.

A $360,000 yearling purchase, Taqneen is raced by Shadwell Stud Australasia which raced former Melbourne Cup winners At Talaq and Jeune.

Ridden by Michael Walker, Taqneen settled midfield early before creeping forward on the fence to be just behind the leaders turning for home.

After being held up in the early part of the straight, Taqneen was outsprinted, finishing 6-1/2 lengths from the winner Parkinson.

Lonhro was named Australian Horse of the Year for 2003-2004 and Makybe Diva was awarded the title in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006.