On Friday 5 March 2010 the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame inducted 10 new inductees at a black tie dinner at Ellerslie before an audience of 400 people. The new inductees are:

Ray Verner
Became a Master Trainer, renowned for his conditioning of horses and named NZ Racing Personality of the Year in 1978.
Trained top stayers such as Good Lord (two Wellington Cups, Sydney Cup); sprinters Blue Blood and Gold Hope; and weight-for-age horses Prince Majestic and The Gentry.

John Wheeler
More successful in Australia than any other New Zealand trainer of modern times.
Trained three near-champions - Poetic Prince, Rough Habit and Veandercross (in Australia) and won major Australian races (including a dozen Group Ones) with all three.
Dominated Australia's jumping scene for years (winning seven Great Eastern Steeplechases at Oakbank); and won the Nakayama Grand Jump in Tokyo with St Steven.

Linda Jones MBE
Led the 1970s fight for the right of women to be jockeys.
Media sensation in her first riding season, 1978-79; was equal-second in NZ Jockey's Premiership when a race fall halted her season.
Her success and celebrity status took pressure off young women who were to follow.
First female jockey in the world to ride a recognised Derby winner; to ride winners at Ellerslie and Trentham; and against male jockeys at a registered Australian meeting.

David Peake
First appeared on winning jockeys' list 1962-63; retired 40 years later as the winner of 2,085 races in New Zealand, the third highest-winning jockey in New Zealand history.
Won six NZ Jockey Premierships, rode most winners of any jockey in the 1970s (794) and held the course record for winners at Ellerslie (392) until topped by Lance O'Sullivan.

Grenville Hughes
Other jockeys bettered Grenville's lifetime tally of 1,278 wins, but none equalled his popularity with the public. Grenville had charisma.
A master stylist and judge of pace, he excelled in weight-for-age races and is especially remembered for his partnership with chestnut champion Mainbrace, on whom he won 23 races from 24 rides.

Grey Way
164 starts, 51 wins, 27 seconds, 21 thirds, NZ$235,020, A$8,400.
First win at Rangiora October 1972, his last win was on the same racecourse eight years later. His 50 wins in New Zealand, often against outstanding opposition, beat Black Duke's previous NZ record of 46.
Won from 1200m to 2000m but probably best at 1600m, at which distance he scored great wins in the ARC Easter Handicap and the WRC George Adams.

Defaulter
28 starts, 22 wins, one second, one third, 11,890 pounds.
Outstanding performer at the end of the 1930s; won last seven at two years and 10 straight as a three year old, a first-up defeat at three interrupting a sequence of 18.
Beat the best in Australia as well as New Zealand, winning five weight-for-age races in Sydney against vintage opposition and at distances from seven furlongs to two and a quarter miles. He was a successful sire.

Horlicks
40 starts, 17 wins (six at Group One), 10 seconds, 2 thirds. NZ$3,411,682, A$625,000.
Won 16 in Australia and New Zealand, including New Zealand's first two $1million races and the L K S MacKinnon Stakes in Melbourne.
But career highlight undoubtedly the grey mare's defeat of a strong international field in the Japan Cup, in which she ran the 2400m in world record time.
Later successful broodmare, Melbourne Cup winner Brew being her best progeny.

Eulogy
Imported to New Zealand 1915, bred 13 winners of 70 races.
Her four best foals (Commendation, Esteem, Epitaph and Homage) between them won 10 three-year-old classics and 10 prestigious two-year-old races.
Eulogy's eight daughters bred some of the best racehorses of the era. The family has bred on, later descendants including champions Show Gate, Il Tempo, Kingdom Bay and Bonecrusher. Miss Potential ushered the family into the new millennium.

Bonecrusher
44 starts, 18 wins (nine Group One, six of these in Australia), five seconds, 12 thirds; NZ$674,225, A$1,679,495.
Champion NZ 3YO, home wins including NZ Derby and Air New Zealand Stakes, followed by stunning Sydney wins in Tancred Stakes and AJC Derby.
Following spring won a memorable Cox Plate duel with Waverley Star.
Beat At Talaq in Australian Cup, again displaying huge will to win.
Won another Air New Zealand Stakes at five, despite injury problems.

The principal sponsor of this year's Racing Hall of Fame event was New Zealand Bloodstock, while other key sponsors were Trelawney Stud, Marie Leicester and Paul Kenny, Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing, Dunstan Feeds, TRAC, Canterbury Jockey Club, Auckland Racing Club, Majestic Horse Floats, The Informant and Coupland's Bakeries.

Hot on the heels of its Telecom Derby Day last Saturday, Auckland's prestigious Cup Week celebrates further elite level racing action with the staging of the Stella Artois Auckland Cup Day tomorrow.

Held at Ellerslie racecourse, the day features the Gr.1 Stella Artois Auckland Cup (3200m), and boasts a strong undercard courtesy of the Gr.3 Darley Plate (1200m) and the Listed Mercedes-Benz Sunline Vase (2100m).

Each race is distinguished as follows...

GR.1 STELLA ARTOIS AUCKLAND CUP (3200m)

SIX O'CLOCK NEWS (NZ) PRIMED TO MAKE GR.1 HEADLINES

By the champion sire Zabeel and from the Gr.1 Avondale Cup winner Maurine, Six O’Clock News (NZ) is bred to win Cups.

The Trent Busuttin-trained galloper has always had a big reputation, and Wednesday’s NZ$1million Stella Artois Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie could finally see the promising stayer make Gr.1 headlines.

Riding the crest of a wave following Monday’s 3200m Gr.2 Adelaide Cup win by a horse he bred in Capecover (NZ), Stuart Hale, a part-owner of Six O’Clock News (NZ) is looking forward to the momentum flowing into the week.

“I was absolutely delighted with Capecover and it was quite an emotional win for me seeing the horse breakthrough for the two mile win” Stuart Hale told NZTM on Tuesday.

“Both Capecover and Six O’Clock News are genuine two-milers and it could be a massive week for both of them” Hale added.

“Capecover has been a victim of circumstances throughout his career but the worm has finally turned for him – I think the same can be said for Six O’Clock News and I hope his luck changes on Wednesday too” said Hale, who owned the 1987 Melbourne Cup winner Kensei.

A winner of six of his 32 starts to date, Six O’Clock News (NZ) broke through for black-type reward in the Gr.2 City of Auckland Cup (2400m) in January last year, and went onto run fifth in its Gr.1 edition three months later.

Chasing a start in the Melbourne Cup last year, Six O’Clock News (NZ) ran straight into Mother Nature who proceeded to present him with a series of rain affected tracks. The top of the ground stayer failed to fire on the unhelpful bias, and the result was inevitably an unfruitful Australian campaign.

“Six O’Clock News has always been a promising stayer but I honestly believe that this year is his year” said Hale.

“He galloped last Wednesday over two rounds and was absolutely on the steel when he past the post the second time - it was outstanding work” said Hale.

The now five-year-old gelding threw his cap into the Auckland Cup ring when he stormed home along the fence to finish third to the Gr.1 galloper Veloce Bella (NZ) in February's Skycity Hamilton Casino Cup (2000m). A similar effort was seen at his last start at Ellerslie when he crossed the finish line behind Wednesday’s race rivals Heza Karma Karzi and Everbright (NZ) over 2400m.

Strongly favoured in the Cup market at $6.50, Six O’Clock News (NZ) looks primed to silence sceptics.

Sharing top billing is the fellow Zabeel galloper Zavite (NZ).

Already well favoured, having proven form over the two mile distance, the Anthony Cummings-trained Zavite (NZ) shot into top line reckoning after an emphatic win in the Moonee Valley Night Cup (2500m) at his last start.

The Australian visitor was a winner of Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) this time last year, and boasts a healthy bank account balance of over A$1.1million.

Remarkably should Six O’Clock News (NZ), Zavite (NZ) or Zabeel’s additional representatives Zabene (NZ) and Minqar Qaim, be successful on Wednesday, the prolific staying producer would celebrate his fourth Auckland Cup win in 13 years.

The previous Auckland Cup winners sired by Zabeel are Jezabeel (1998), Able Master (2000), Our Unicorn (2001) and Bazelle (2005).

The Gr.1 Stella Artois Auckland Cup is set to run at 5.50pm on Wednesday.

THE FIELD FOR THE GR.1 STELLA ARTOIS AUCKLAND CUP (3200m)
Zavite (NZ) Zabeel x Miss Vita by Alleged
Spin Around Spinning World x Be Yourself by Noalcoholic
Mandela (NZ) Ebony Grosve x Wairongoa Belle by Sea Anchor
Everbright (NZ) Cape Cross x Anna’s Choice by Vice Regal
Willy Smith (NZ) Volksraad x Sound Lear by Sound Reason
Manonamission (NZ) Kilimanjaro x Arctic Life by Arctic Tern
Young Centaur Jeune x Centafit by Centaine
Six O’Clock News (NZ) Zabeel x Maurine by Harbor Prince
Tinseltown (NZ) Pentire x Tinsel by Jetball
Fazza (NZ) I Conquer x Sapale by Gay Apollo
Zabene (NZ) Zabeel x Emerald Dream by Danehill
Booming (NZ) Don Eduardo x Beautiful Sea by Grosvenor
Heza Karma Karzi Choisir x Sutra by Jade Hunter
Minqar Qaim Zabeel x Marquise by Gold and Ivory
Bakup (NZ) Kilimanjaro x Dastaria by Stark South
Grand Affair (NZ) Black Tuxedo x Peggy O’Reilly by O’Reilly
Seaflyte (NZ) Kilimanjaro x Grosvenor’s Girl by Grosvenor
Tin Goose (NZ) (B1) Pentire x Tiger Moth by Sky Chase
Nazabeel (NZ) (B3) Zabeel x Arena Pride by Nassipour

GR.3 DARLEY PLATE (1200m)

VONUSTI (NZ) HEADS GR.3 DARLEY PLATE FIELD
The million dollar Gr.1 Telegraph Hcp (1200m) winner Vonusti (NZ) (Ustinov) will look to return to the winners circle in Wednesday’s Gr.3 Darley Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie.

Vonusti (NZ), who is trained by Tim and Margaret Carter, celebrated a career best win when he proved his wares at the elite level two starts ago in the Gr.1 sprint feature at Trentham.

Backing up in the Gr.1 Waikato Draught Sprint at Te Rapa in February, Vonusti (NZ) carried 59kgs under the weight-for-age scale, and had no answer to the eventual winner Tavistock, finishing 9th on this occasion.

THE FIELD FOR THE GR.3 DARLEY PLATE (1200m)
Vonusti (NZ) Ustinov x Reasonably by Sound Reason
Taking the Mickey (NZ) Tuscany Flyer x Mary Ford by Sackford
Occidentalis Scenic x Rosa’s Wish by Rory’s Jester
Atapi Last Tycoon x Pride Of Ingenue by Proud Knight
Kiloton Spinning World x Mystifying by Last Tycoon
Albercheno Magic Albert x Snippet’s Dancer by Snippets
Vincent Mangano (NZ) No Excuse Needed x Rationable by Housebuster
Back in Black (NZ) Storm Creek x Shutricia by Grosvenor
Raid (NZ) Pins x Vanilla Sky by O’Reilly
Jazzella (NZ) Black Minnaloushe x Jazzmatazz by Citidancer
Beautiful Girl (NZ) Black Minnaloushe x Piccadilly Lily by Rubiton
Saheel (NZ) Zabeel x Desert Ace by Desert Sun
Lipperty Lip (NZ) Riviera x Oregon’s Bid by Oregon
C’est La Vie (NZ) Anabaa x Iman by Zemindar

LISTED MERCEDES BENZ SUNLINE STAKES FIELD (2100m)

VOLKSRAAD LOOKS TO FILLIES TO CONTINUE WINNING ROLL

Windsor Park Stud sire Volksraad will look to his three daughters Corsage (NZ), A Chance to Dream and The Toothfairy (NZ) to keep his name firmly in the Auckland Cup Week spotlight at Ellerslie on Wednesday.

The seven-time champion sire celebrated Gr.1 New Zealand Derby success on Saturday courtesy of the Shaune Ritchie-trained Military Move (NZ).

Wednesday’s leading lady for Volksraad is the Mark Walker-conditioned Corsage (NZ). Third in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes as a two-year-old, Corsage (NZ) is backing up from a 4th in the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes at Hastings on Saturday.

A Chance to Dream presents as a last start winner at Ellerslie on February 17, whilst The Toothfairy is yet to make her debut appearance in the winners circle.

THE FIELD FOR THE LISTED MERCEDES BENZ SUNLINE STAKES FIELD (2100m)
Adaline Court of Jewels x Red Covet by St Covet
November Rain (NZ) Stravinsky x Lady Teruko by Kris S
C’mon Cuba (NZ) Thorn Park x Hecuba by Danzero
Corsage (NZ) Volksraad x Spray by Entrepreneur
Lady Chaparral (NZ) High Chaparral x Images by Gleam Machine
Pezzaglia (NZ) High Chaparral x Paolino by Housebuster
A Chance to Dream Volksraad x Make Me Dream by Sadler’s Wells
Exquisite Choice Redoute’s Choice x Exquisitely by Snippets
Peace Lilly (NZ) Bachelor Duke x Peace and Quiet by Niniski
Bail Out (NZ) Bachelor Duke x Graceful Endeavour by Sackford
Carrie Ann (NZ) Canny Lady x Aine by Octagonal
Savabeel Star (NZ) Savabeel x Astradane by Danehill
Frills (NZ) Bertolini x Ladies Choice by Bahhare
Rivereena (NZ) Savabeel x Riveryev by Irish River
The Toothfairy (NZ) Volksraad x Split the Night by Senor Pete
Runaway Bride (NZ) (B1) Ustinov x Just Casual by Casual Lies

Posavina (NZ)

Following in the 2007 footsteps of Princess Coup, the Pencarrow Stud-bred and owned filly Posavina (NZ) (Tiger Hill) will shoot for Gr.1 Oaks glory in the wake of success in the Group 3 Masterton Lowland Stakes (2100m).

Dictating proceedings from the get go on Saturday, Posavina (NZ) – which is a region by the Sava River in Croatia, stole a tactical break on the field before turning for home for David Walsh, and with nothing but daylight between her and post, raced home for an eye catching 1 ¼ length win.

The pre-race favourite Keep The Peace (NZ) (Keeper) chased hard in second, with Miss Sharapova (NZ) (Ustinov) filling third 3 1/4 lengths away.

Serving as her second win from seven starts, the Mark Walker trained Tiger Hill filly has subsequently shortened into a $16 chance with the NZ TAB for the Gr.1 Wellfield Stud New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on March 20.

Although Katie Lee has assumed an unassailable lead on the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, Posavina’s (NZ) win, in what was the penultimate race in the 10 race Series, has seen her climb to 4th spot (see full details at bottom).Posavina's unraced Sadler’s Wells dam, Dance My Dance, has produced two winners from three to race and is currently in-foal to Darci Brahma. She produced a bay filly by Holy Roman Emperor last year.

2009-10 NZB Filly of the Year Series Points Table
Horse Points

Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay) 38
Keep the Peace (Keeper x Peace of Mind) 16
Adaline (Court of Jewels x Red Covet) 12
Posavina (Tiger Hill x Dance My Dance) 6
St Germaine (Keeper x Selenium) 6
Veronica Franco (Johar x Crystal Hailey) 6
Masquerade (No Excuse Needed x Disguised) 4
November Rain (Stravinsky x Lady Teruko) 4
Our Ella Belle (Encosta de Lago x Kirin Belle) 3.5
Marsh Harbour (Volksraad x Pasithea) 3
Eileen Dubh (Storm Creek x Vingtaine) 3
Blonde Bombshell (Towkay x Millie Munroe) 2
C'mon Cuba (Thorn Park x Hecuba) 2
La Collina (Van Nistelrooy x Oenotria) 2
Posh Bec (Le Bec Fin x Silver Cent) 2
Adulterer (Traditionally x It's My Sin) 1.5
Miss Sharapova (Ustinov x Young and Free) 1.5
Miss Bindi (Don Eduardo x Yellow Brick Road) 1

2009/2010 Filly of the Year Race Schedule
Date Race Name Distance Stake Race Club Winner
Sat 19 Sept G3 Windsor Park Stud & HB Breeders Gold Trail Stakes 1200m $70,000 Hawke's Bay Racing St Germaine
Sat 26 Sept LR Soliloquy Lodge Stakes 1400m $45,000 Auckland Racing Club Masquerade
Sat 14 Nov G1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas 1600m $300,000 Canterbury Racing Katie Lee
Sat 12 Dec G3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes 1600m $70,000 Manawatu Racing Veronica Franco
Sat 26 Dec G2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic 1600m $100,000 Auckland Racing Club Katie Lee
Fri 1 Jan G2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes 2000m $100,000 Auckland Racing Club Adaline
Sat 30 Jan G3 Desert Gold Stakes 1600m $70,000 Wellington Racing Keep The Peace
Sat 13 Feb G2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic 2000m $100,000 Waikato Racing Club Katie Lee
Sat 6 March G3 The Homebush Partnership Lowland Stakes 2100m $70,000 Hawke's Bay Racing Posavina
Sat 20 March G1 New Zealand Oaks 2400m $300,000 Wellington Racing

Points Available
Grp.1
First - 12
Second - 7
Third - 3.5

The Bachelor Duke filly Obsession (NZ) broke through for black-type reward in Ellerslie’s Listed Westbury Stud Classic (1400m) on Saturday.
Claiming her third win from nine starts, the Frank Ritchie-trained galloper proved too strong for Casabella Lane (NZ) (Volksraad), and Ruud Van Slaats (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy), powering to the line with half-a-length to spare.
As a two-year-old Obsession (NZ) finished just behind the placegetters in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes and the Gr.1 ARC Diamond Stakes, and has been similarly denied gaining her black-type stripes this season with her best result being a fourth to Keep the Peace (NZ) in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes.
Bred and owned by Dick Karreman of The Oaks Stud in Cambridge, Obsession (NZ) will be given the opportunity to add further lustre to her race resume in the Gr.1 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha on April 10.
"She's got black type now and the race at Te Aroha is something we would obviously have to look at” said Ritchie.
Obsession (NZ) is by The Oaks Stud sire Bachelor Duke, and is the first foal from the Kaapstad mare Mystery Creek.
Bachelor Duke won the 2008/09 New Zealand First Season Sires Award finishing ahead of NZ based sires King’s Chapel, Savabeel, One Cool Cat, Handsome Ransom and Scaredee Cat.

The richest derby in the southern hemisphere, the Telecom New Zealand Derby was raced for $2.2 million dollars with the winner effectively earning $15,000 for every second in running.

Military Move wins the Group 1 New Zealand Derby for his prolific sire Volksraad

The 2010 race drew 15 of New Zealand's finest three-year-olds, with the quality this year amongst the best NZ Derby fields assembled in recent seasons.

The pace of the race was much discussed in the week leading up to the feature after favoured runners Zarzuela (Zabeel), Corporal Jones (Pentire), and Katie Lee (Pins) all drew outside marbles.

Group 1 VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul (High Chaparral) started favourite from his mid-field draw with a ton of support on the tote for the entire who looked to be returning to his best in trackwork.

Time Keeper (Stravinsky) lead the field from the jump with Military Move (Volksraad x All Night Party, by Just a Dancer) in the box seat immediately behind the leader with Imabayboy (San Luis) covering him up.

At the other end of the spectrum Zarzuela and Corporal Jones could see the entire field in front of them as they tailed the field until sweeping for home in the Ellerslie straight.

Up front Military Move was pulled one out by Michael Walker and was sent for home, as was Handsome Zulu (Handsome Ransom) who was slowly warming up a couple of lengths behind after enjoying a good position in the hands of Mark Du Plessis.

With mountains of work still to do to catch the front of the field, Zarzuela and Corporal Jones swung wide, with Corporal Jones widest of all, before the pair closed strongly from their backmarker positions.

Their class was matched by Military Move though who found all the way to the line to win by a length over Corporal Jones (second), Handsome Zulu (third), and Zarzuela (fourth) in 2.27.91.

Trained by Shaune Ritchie in Cambridge, Military Move is owned by Steven Kit Sing Lo who watched all the action from his Hong Kong base where the Derby was beamed live for the very first time.

His charge, blessed with tactical speed, was good enough to give Katie Lee a real fight in the $1 million New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November when running second, and looks an ideal prospect for Hong Kong's most prestigious event, the Group 1 Mercedes Hong Kong Derby (2000m) for four-year-olds in March 2011.

Before then Military Move may journey to Sydney to take in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and the Group 1 AJC Derby (2400m) over the Easter carnival.

Military Move was purchased by Hong Kong trainer Almond Lee for $110,000 at the 2008 Karaka Ready to Run Sale. Sold by Amity Lodge, Military Move breezed up at Te Rapa as Lot 300 and ran 11.51 for the 200m timed section in the home straight.

The winner of over $1,500,000 in stake-money, Military Move's victory gave Karaka graduates two of the 'Big 3' Australasian derbies this season after Monaco Consul's Group 1 Victoria Derby in November.

The other Derby feature - the Group 1 AJC Derby - will be contested on 10 April. New Zealand Bloodstock has provided Roman Emperor, Nom Du Jeu, and Fiumicinio to win the past three events.

The next Sale to be conducted by New Zealand Bloodstock is the Selwyn River Stud Unreserved Dispersal Sale on 26 March. Over 70 lots will sell unreserved in Christchurch including a majority of the first crop of exciting young sire Edenwold (Southern Halo), Canada's champion juvenile of his generation.

The Auckland Racing Club's premier showpiece event, the Auckland Cup three-day Carnival at Ellerslie commences on Saturday with the running of prestigious Group One NZ$2.2million Telecom New Zealand Derby (2400m).
This year’s race is developing into an intriguing "battle of the sexes", as the two class fillies Zarzuela and Katie Lee, take on the best of boys can offer.

THE GR.1 $2.2MILLION TELECOM NEW ZEALAND DERBY (3YO, 2400m)
HORSE OWNER/BREEDER/TRAINER KEY POINTS
Monaco Consul (NZ)
High Chaparral x Argante by Star Way

Owner: GG Syndicate & OG Glenn
Breeder: Windsor Park Stud
Trainer: Mike and Paul Moroney A star in Australia in the Spring.
Won the Gr.1 Champion Stakes at Randwick and returned almost four weeks later to win the Gr.1 VRC Derby at Flemington.
Last start: 7th to Veloce Bella in the Gr.1 Darci Brahma Stakes at Te Rapa on Feb 13.
Military Move (NZ)
Volksraad x All Night Party by Just A Dancer Owner: Steven Kit Sing Lo
Breeder: Windsor Park Stud
Trainer: Shaune Ritchie Run down late by Katie Lee in the Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November.

Last start: Running home at the business end of the 1200m Gr.2 Champion Stakes at Ellerslie on Feb 20.

King Raedwald
Red Ransom x Lady Circles by Ascot Knight Owner: PJ Hickman & D R King
Breeder: Arch of Gold Pty Ltd & Moffitt Breeding & Racing
Trainer: Kevin Gray Made career debut in September after being purchased by Stephen Gray at the 2008 NZB Ready to Run Sale for $400,000.

Has won 3 of 7 starts to date.

Last start: Solid 3rd to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Martial Art (NZ)
Tiger Hill ad Kwan by Sadler’s Wells Owner: TM Farmer, PJ Vela, PM Vela and MJ Wyborn
Breeder: PJ & PM Vela
Trainer: Mark Walker Stablemate of race favourite Zarzuela.

Has won 2 and placed in 2 of 7 starts to date including a second to Joey Massino in the NZB Karaka 3YO Mile.

Last start: 7th to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Time Keeper (NZ)
Stravinsky x Organdy by Our Emblem Owner: Ms FB Crimmins and GA Nicholson
Breeder: C D Harvey, D C MacLean & T H Morris
Trainer: Graeme Nicholson and Paul Allbon The most experienced runner in the field with 20 starts under his belt to date.

Best run to date was a third placing in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas at Ellerslie in December.

Last start: 4th to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Corporal Jones (NZ)
Pentire x Assesarose by Conquistarose Owner: GKV Holdings Ltd, & Hong Kong Trainers Syndicate 2009/10
Breeder: I G Hadfield
Trainer: Andrew Scott Is the current 2nd favourite to win the race.

Ran 2nd to Zarzuela in the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas on Feb 6.

Last start: 2nd to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Smokin’ Gun (NZ)
High Chaparral x Rapida by Senor Pete Owner: J Beeton, D Courtney-O’Connor, R Gelski and Ms A Whitelock
Breeder: D Courtney – O’Connor
Trainer: Craig Thornton By the same sire as Monaco Consul, and the 2009 Cox Plate winner So You Think.

Distance no concern.

Last start: 13th to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Ballybit (NZ)
Spartacus x Miss Grosvenor by Grosvenor Owner: Mrs K M Stanley
Breeder: Karreman Bloodstock Ltd
Trainer: Allan Sharrock One of two runners in the race for Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock, who won the race in 2006 with Wahid.

Course winner.

Last start: 8th over 2100m at Woodville on Feb 25.
Imabayboy (NZ)
San Luis x English Kate by Kaapstad Owner: C & Mrs V S Gray
Breeder: Mrs M and R A Gray
Trainer: Trent Busuttin First Derby runner on his own account for trainer Trent Busuttin.

Hs won 5 of 14 starts to date.

Last start: Won over 2100m at Ellerslie on Feb 20.
Handsome Zulu (NZ)
Handsome Ransom x Bionic Eagle by Omnicorp Owner: PG Gillespie & Wellfield Holdings Ltd
Breeder: L Williams
Trainer: John Sargent Represents the first Derby runner for Wellfield Lodge sire Handsome Ransom.

Was second to Joey Massino in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes at Trentham on Jan 23.

Last start: 4th to Juice over 2000m at Te Rapa on Feb 13.

Volgus (NZ)
Volksraad x Gussy Godiva by Last Tycoon Owner: EM & Miss NA Bourke, M Eliason, JP Fleming, AR Piercy, JA Washer, & Est Late BJ Fleming
Breeder: Michael Ormond Children’s Trust
Trainer: Allan Sharrock The well related half-brother to Gr.1 AJC Derby winner Roman Emperor and the group performer Rios.

Has had the 10 starts for 1 win and four placings.

Last start: 2nd over 2000m at Pukekura Park on Feb 20.
No Emotion (NZ)
Savabeel x Lightning Spur by Flying Spur Owner: G Andrew, BF Broom, J & MP Carter, AM Dragicevich, and CW Lambert
Breeder: Mrs CL Crawshaw
Trainer: John Sargent One of two runners in the race from the inform stable of John Sargent.

Last start: 8th to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.
Katie Lee
Pins x Miss Jessie Jay by Spectacularphantom
Owner: Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan
Breeder: Hallmark Stud and Trevor Hurley
Trainer: Graeme and Debbie Rogerson Boom filly of 2009/10.
Won the historical Gr.1 double in the 1000 and 2000 Guineas at Riccarton in November, and the Gr.2 Eight Carat Stud Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

Has won 7 (6 at stakes level) of her 15 starts.

Last start: Won the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic at Ellerslie on Feb 13.
Zarzuela (NZ)
Zabeel x Star Satire by Volksraad Owner: David Paykel
Breeder: David Paykel
Trainer: Mark Walker Current race favourite.

Has dominated in the traditional Derby lead-up races including the Gr.2 Championship Stakes, the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas, and the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas.

Last start: Won the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on Feb 20.
Jungle Juice (NZ)
Jungle Pocket x Shadow Ray by Groom Dancer Owner: IDL Racing Ltd
Breeder: Jungle Pocket Pty & Rich Hill Thoroughbreds Ltd
Trainer: Donna, Dean Logan and Chris Gibbs. Third to Zarzuela in the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas at Te Rapa on Feb 6.

Distance should be of no concern.

Last start: 13th to Zarzuela in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes at Ellerslie on 20 Feb.

THE NEW ZEALAND DERBY FACT FILE

With a purse of NZ$2.2 mil, the 2010 Telecom New Zealand Derby is the richest event on offer for 3YO’s in the country.
Location: Ellerslie Racecourse (Right-handed turf)
Distance: 2400m
Weight: Set weighs
First run in 1860 at Riccarton.
Combined with the Great Northern Derby in 1973
Traditionally run on Boxing day, the derby was moved to March in 2006
Notable winners include: Kindergarten, Balmerino, Desert Gold, Mainbrace, Gloaming and Bonecrusher
Only three fillies since 1980 have won the Derby – Our Flight (1983), Tidal Light (1987) and Popsy (1993).
Michael Moroney has trained three New Zealand Derby winners since 1996 (Great Command, Cut the Cake and Xcellent) and Roger James has trained a treble of winners since 1995 (Royson, Zonda, and Hades).
The fastest winning time of the modern era was recorded by So Casual in 1998 (2.24.80).
Champion sire Zabeel has sired three New Zealand Derby winners (Zonda, St Reims, and Hades).

PREVIOUS TEN WINNERS THE GR.1 NEW ZEALAND DERBY

YEAR HORSE JOCKEY TRAINER OWNER TIME
2009 Coniston Bluebird Scott Seamer Bede Murray Murray Livestock, J O'Brien, J & R Standford & J Wilson 2:31.04
2008 C'est La Guerre David Walker Kevin Myers K Barker et al. 2:33.47
2007 Redoute's Dancer Vinny Colgan Tim Martin P. Silvestro 2:27.24
2006 Wahid Leith Innes Allan Sharrock Noel H. & Ron T. Stanley 2:27.42
2004 Xcellent Michael Coleman Michael Moroney G W Breingan et al. 2:32.01
2003 Cut The Cake Michael Coleman Michael Moroney N M Anderson/G W Breingan et al. 2:28.88
2002 St Reims Greg Childs Chris McNab Rob McAnulty et al. 2:28.57
2001 Leica Guv Scott Seamer Jeff McVean R A and Mrs R J Scarborough 2:28.98
2000 Hail Noel Harris Bruce Marsh A J Cunningham & R B Marsh 2:32.27
1999 Hades Vinny Colgan Roger James Mrs F E & R A Dixon 2:27.57

With Katie Lee (Pins) - who has already been crowned 2009/10 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year with an unassailable 38 points - and Zarzuela (Zabeel) both set to take on the boys in the Group 1 Telecom NZ Derby (2400m) this weekend, the Group 1 Wellfield Stud New Zealand Oaks on 20 March looks a wide open affair.

The $70,000 Lowland Stakes on Saturday looks a perfect build-up to the classic with the form out of the race sure to offer plenty of insight into the 2010 NZ Oaks set for Trentham.

Number 1 in the book on Saturday is the Shaune Ritchie trained Keep the Peace (Keeper x Peace of Mind, by Wild Rampage) who has excelled at 1600m, beating Katie Lee in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes two starts ago, before being the unlucky runner of the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic last start over 2000m.

With 13 points in the Filly of the Year Series, Keep the Peace holds second position with a win on Saturday securing 6 points, while 3 points are on offer for second, and 1.5 points for the third place-getter.

The only other filly in the race with points to her name in the Series is Wayne and Vanessa Hillis' Marsh Harbour (Volksraad x Pasithea, by Crested Wave) with the three points she gained after placing a creditable second behind Keep the Peace in the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes. The bay filly looks to make amends at the distance after finishing unplaced at 1800m and 2000m in her past two starts.

Jumping one outside Keep the Peace in barrier 7 is John Sargent's Sirani (Galileo x Sneetch, by Grosvenor). The half-sister to Black Mamba has shown she will relish the 2100m with two wins at 2100-2200m in her past three starts.

Sirani looks the biggest danger to Keep the Peace and from the barrier Darryl Bradley should be able match moves with the Keeper filly in running.

Perennial strong finisher Corsage (Volksraad x Spray, by Entrepreneur) finished a good fifth just three lengths behind Katie Lee last time out in the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic and has always shown class from her juvenile year where she placed at Group 1 level.

Barrier 1 might see the Mark Walker filly settle closer to the pace on Saturday and that could, coupled with her explosive finish, see her right in the finish.

Walker also saddles up Posavina (Tiger Hill x Dance My Dance, by Sadlers Wells) in the race. Bred to enjoy an Oaks distance, Posavina ran a game sixth in the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) at her last start after leading for a majority of the race and kicking on.

Ken Kelso's Miss Sharapova (Ustinov x Young and Free, by Kenmare) and Danica Guy's Poppy Rose (Thorn Park x Ngaio, by Nassipour) have both won at the races on two occasions and have drawn 12 and 10 respectively on Saturday.

Both fillies look set to enjoy 2100m with Poppy Rose winning last time over 1800m and Miss Sharapova solid in the Group 2 2000m event after being hampered 700m from home.

The next three in the book, Lisa Latta's Platinum Princess (Keeper x Merle Park, by Machiavellian), Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen's Southern Heights (Align x Alpine Beauty, by Khozaam), and Peter McKenzie's Bedlum (Exploding Prospect x Maelstrom, by Rosenkavalier) are all Central Districts-based fillies.

All three will step up over 1600m for the first time in the Lowland but have shown tremendous consistency in brief race careers to date.

Another ultra-consistent filly is Ross McCarrol's Irish Rose (Ishiguru x Spring Creek, by Vice Regal) who travels down from Cambridge to contest the $70,000 Hawke's Bay feature after breaking her maiden over a mile at her last start. She has only once finished worse than sixth on seven raceday outings.

Kevin Gray's duo of Gofonze (Golan x Elfonze, by Krasnapolski) and Promenade (Savabeel x River Century, by Centaine), Dave Enright's Crown Gem (Stark South x Mejeiro, by Bigstone), and Mike and Paul Moroney's Sazzana (Savabeel x Bunyah, by Distant View) round out the field of fillies with Oaks aspirations.

The $70,000 Homebush Partnership Masterton Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hawke's Bay is set to jump 4.09pm NZ time on Saturday.

Just over five months ago, Matamata trainer Mark Walker told David Paykel that his three-year-old filly Zarzuela (NZ) (Zabeel x Star Satire by Volksraad) was something special.

Hyphenating Walker's estimation of quality with three subsequent group wins, New Zealand's champion trainer could well be searching for a new superlative to describe the daughter of Zabeel following Saturday's running of the NZ$2.2million Gr.1 Telecom New Zealand Derby.

NZTM spoke with an "excited but nervous" David Paykel during the week, and was given an interesting insight into the Zarzuela story.

"It was at Zarzuela's first start at Te Aroha back in September that Mark Walker told me we had a talented staying type on our hands," Paykel explained.

"She ran home for fifth on a slow9 track and I have to say, Mark was more excited than me - I couldn't see it!"

"Two starts later she won her maiden race at Ellerslie and it was after this race that Mark told me she was a Derby filly," added Paykel.

David Paykel leads Zarzuela and James McDonald back to scale after her Great Northern Guineas-Gr.2 (2100m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

Paykel - who is the son of prominent breeder/owner Maurice Paykel and nephew of iconic Auckland breeders and owners Lady Joyce and Sir Woolf Fisher - had to agree that on this occasion Zarzuela had certainly completed the mile assignment in fine style, but still he was not convinced of Walker's Derby appraisal.

"Initially I was reluctant and thought why take on the boys in the Derby when she could target the Oaks," said Paykel.

Meanwhile it seemed that Zarzuela had a Derby plan all of her own, and continued her rise among the New Zealand three-year-old ranks with a trio of sensational black-type wins.
Showing her wares at group level against the opposite sex, the beautifully packaged bay scored her first black-type win in the Gr.2 ARC Great Northern Guineas (2100m), before dominant victories in the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas (2000m) and the Gr.2 ARC Championship Stakes (2100m).
Such has been her authority in the traditional derby lead-up events, that in her attempt to be the first filly since Popsy in 1993 to win the Blue Riband, Zarzuela is the current $2.20 punters elect.

"We are naturally feeling a little nervous as the weekend draws close, but I think it's healthy to be so," said Paykel.

"Win, lose or draw we know she will try her best and that's all that we can ask," added Paykel.

Paykel is no stranger to the pressures of racing at the elite level, with successful group one forbearers including Alacrity, the winner of the 1996 New Zealand Oaks, and Star Satire, Zarzuela's dam who won the Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA among her five career wins. He also shared in the ownership of Zonda, who claimed the 1997 New Zealand Derby, and the 2001 The Oaks Stud Classic at Ellerslie.
Paykel is also no stranger to the "swings and round-a-bout" ride racing can deal out, and ironically it is through a racing injury striking Star Satire in 2002, that Zarzuela was bred.

"Star Satire was badly galloped on in the Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes at Te Aroha and it ended her racing career," said Paykel.

"We initially sent her to Fusaichi Pegasus, but the subsequent foal died. Her second foal, a colt by Redoute's Choice, died from Laminitis during his yearling preparation," explained Paykel.

"After Zarzuela was born I received and an offer for Star Satire that I couldn't refuse so I sold her."

Star Satire now resides at Cressfield Stud in the Hunter Valley and interestingly has a filly by Flying Spur bound for the Sydney Easter Sales.

"I was always going to keep the filly (Zarzuela) to keep the family line going for me, and she is doing a pretty good job so far," said Paykel.

Paykel, who currently breeds from six mares who are all domiciled at Trelawney Stud in Cambridge, also races the promising So Pristine, who has just returned to the stable of Richard Collett in Pukekohe, and the Peter Moody-trained Fairy Gem, who is entered in Monday's group two Adelaide Cup at Morphettville.

"I've decided that I am going to move my focus more towards racing rather than breeding," said Paykel.

"I will keep my top three mares and will sell the other three.

"Having said that I have Zarzuela, Fairygem, and So Pristine who will eventually be broodmares, so it may be easier said than done!" quipped Paykel.

In the meantime, Zarzuela, who her owner cleverly named by amalgamating the "Z" factor of her sire Zabeel with his love of classical music, will proudly carry Paykel's colours to the start of the New Zealand Derby on Saturday.
"Zarzuela is a Spanish satirical opera and her grand-dam was Satirical so the name fitted her well," explained Paykel.

"George Simon pronounces her name perfectly - I hope he perfectly calls her first past the post on Saturday," added Paykel.

The record breaking ‘NZ Horse of the Year’ Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire) was back to his blistering Gr.1 best yesterday.

Stepping out in the Gr.1 Fully Fledged@Fairdale Stud Classic (1600m) at Otaki, Mufhasa (NZ) felled what was his third Gr.1 win in dashing pillar-to-post fashion.

Driven straight to the front by regular pilot Sam Spratt, Mufhasa (NZ) controlled the tempo throughout and after establishing a 3 length break turning for home, had them all chasing in vain.

Faring best of the rest, Hold It Harvey finished 1.8 lengths in second, with the triple Gr.1 winner Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) holding third 0.3 lengths away.

Canvassing the 1600m trip in a smart time of 1.32.89 under his own steam, Mufhasa finished just 0.29 of a second outside Alamosa’s track record of 1.32.69.

Prior to landing Gr.1 sprinting acclaim in the Telegraph Hcp (1200m) and the Waikato Draught Sprint (1400m), the Stephen McKee-trained galloper had shown his brilliance as a miler with a record breaking 1:32.83 win in the 2008 Gr.2 CJC Coupland’s Bakeries Mile.

Owned by Natalie, David and Simon Archer, in partnership with Diane Wright, the talented 5YO gelding has won 12 of his 31 career starts, effectively reimbursing the bank account with NZ$1,302,387 and A$36,000 in earnings having earlier cost $50,000 at the 2006 Select Yearling Sale.
Bred by John and Colin Thompson of Rich Hill Stud, Mufhasa (NZ) is one of 9 individual Gr.1 winner for resident Rich Hill Stud sire Pentire, with the other leading lights here comprising Zarita, Recurring, Penny Gem, Pentane, Pantani, Sir Pentire, Markus Maximus and Resolution.
Mufhasa’s unraced dam, Sheila Cheval (Mi Preferido) returned to Pentire in 2009 - a mating that has previously produced Mufhasa in 2004 and a colt named Rafhiki in 2007.

The family of the Hallmark Stud and Trevor Hurley-owned mare Miss Jessie Jay just continues to upgrade.
Already in the black-type spotlight this season thanks to the dual group one winning deeds of Katie Lee, the two-year-old filly Banchee (NZ) added a group two accolade to the pedigree page on Saturday, courtesy of her brilliant win in the J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).
Having just her fourth raceday outing, the John Sargent-trained two-year-old claimed her second career win, adding to the two black-type placings she had accumulated in the Gr.3 Eclipse Stakes and the Listed (R) Karaka Million.
Karaka Million heroine Sister Havana (NZ) was game in defeat finishing in second position, with Miss Thorn (NZ) a half-length away in third.
Owned by Sam and Birdie Kelt under the Stampede Ltd banner, Banchee (NZ) (Oratorio) is from the group three winning mare Miss Jessie Jay, whohas done a remarkable job in the breeding paddock to produce the four winners (from four to race) Katie Lee, Eclair Fantastic, My Spec, and Banchee.
Miss Jessie Jay, a half-sister to the Gr.1 winner Gee I Jane, is a daughter of Trevor Hurley’s former “$1000 mare”, Miss Distinction, who he originally raced on lease.

Beyond Miss Jessie Jay, Miss Distinction (Bletchencore) has notably passed on her black-type prowess to daughter Miss Katella – the dam of the exciting Gr.3 winner San Bernardino (Gold Mine).

With all three of the above mares being owned by Hurley and residing at Hallmark Stud in foal share arrangements, there is plenty more to look forward to from the ‘Miss D’ family.

Miss Distinction has a Darci Brahma filly at foot and has visited High Chaparral this season.

Currently In-foal to Pentire, Miss Katella has a brother San Bernardino at foot and sold a brother to the cousin of Katie Lee at this year’s Karaka Select Sale.

Banchee (NZ), a $375,000 at last year's National Yearling Sales at Karaka is likely to have two group one starts in New Zealand before heading to Australia for a Sydney Autumn assault.
Sargent identified The Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on March 13 and the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni, on April 3 as her immediate targets, before crossing the Tasman to contest the AJC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 10 followed by the Champagne Stakes (1600m) at the same venue a fortnight later.

David Paykel’s super filly Zarzuela (NZ) (Zabeel) tightened her favouritism for the New Zealand Derby in two weeks time with a smart win in the Gr.2 NZ Equine Veterinarians Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Since the date for the NZ Derby was shifted in 2006, the Championship Stakes has become the Derby’s main lead-in race and has fashioned a strong record of subsequent success.

In its first two years of running, its winners Wahid and Redoute’s Dancer correspondingly represented the subsequent Derby victors.

In its third year, it was won by Red Ruler. He would place 8th in the NZ Derby but fared significantly better in Australia, when finishing 2nd to Fairdale Stud’s new sire Nom Du Jeu (NZ) in the AJC Derby.

Last year, the Championship Stakes was taken out by Down The Road (NZ), who would go on to finish a nose in second in the Derby to Coniston Bluebird – a horse who had himself placed third in the Championship Stakes.

Beyond her hard fought head margin win over Corporal Jones (NZ) (Pentire) in Saturday’s Champion Stakes, Zarzuela (NZ) takes exceptional form into the Derby courtesy of previous wins in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas (2100m) and the Gr.3 Waikato Guineas (2000m).

Safely through March 6ths Derby, Zarzuela’s trainer Mark Walker has signalled a possible Sydney campaign could go ahead involving April 3’s Gr.1 Storm Queen Stakes (3YOF, 2000m) and April 17’s Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick.
The official result
NZ EQUINE VETERINARIANS CHAMPIONSHIP STAKES
G2 3YO SW 2100m
$85,000

Winner : ZARZUELA, Zabeel - Star Satire (Volksraad)
Owners: D Paykel
Breeders: D Paykel
Trainer: Mark Walker
Jockey: James McDonald

Second: Corporal Jones, Pentire - Assesarose (Conquistarose)
Third : King Raedwald, Red Ransom - Lady Circles (Ascot Knight)

Margins: HEAD, 2 3/4 LEN, HEAD, 1 1/4 LEN, LEN Time: 02:08.35 Track: good

Others: Time Keeper, Military Move, Bone Of Contention, Martial Art, No Emotion, Kullu, Sirani, Joey Massino, Maciano, Jungle Juice, The Suleiman, Amazing Spy

Icepin (Pins x Ice Maiden, by O'Reilly) ran second in the 2010 Karaka Million behind Sister Havana (General Nediym) at his last start (31 January) after winning a fortnight earlier at Ellerslie.

The Mark Walker trained gelding was running left-handed for the second time, the first time at Te Rapa saw him finish fourth behind Cellarmaster and Jimmy Chioux, while jockey Lisa Allpress was aboard for the first time.

Opting to lead with the big striding chestnut, Icepin and Allpress lead a strong ten-horse field which included the duelling duo, Cellarmaster and Jimmy Choiux, as well as a number of promising, lightly-tried juveniles.

Icepin rounded for home at New Plymouth and, with more to give, stretched out further to the concern of opposition jockeys asking their mounts to close down the leader.

They tried hard with Charma (Volksraad) and Cellarmaster (Dubawi) getting closest, but Icepin had the victory and his first black-type success by half a length.

Bred and sold by Waikato Stud who also sponsored the event, Icepin is owned by Herbie Dyke who purchased him from the 2009 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale for $40,000.

With Icepin's success on the track equating to some $220,000 in earnings, Dyke went back to the source at the 2010 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale and paid $40,000 for Lot 23, a filly by Fast n Famous out of Look at Moiye (O'Reilly) from Waikato Stud, who is also Karaka Million nominated.

Icepin's Group 3 win adds to a remarkable tally of results that has emerged from the first two Karaka Million 2YO events. From just 28 individuals are the winners of the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes twice (The Heckler and Il Quello Veloce), the Group 1 Diamond Stakes (Kaaptan), the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas (Katie Lee), the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas (Katie Lee), the Group 2 Royal Stakes (Katie Lee), the Group 2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (Katie Lee), Group 3 Stewards Handicap (San Bernadino), Singapore Juvenile Championship (Mexican Rose), Listed Lion Red Plate twice (Raid and San Bernadino), and the Singapore Kranji Stakes A (twice - Noble Manor).

Clearly a springboard for bigger and better things, entries for the 2011/12 Karaka Million Race Series are NOW being taken. Contact reception@nzb.co.nz soon as entries close Monday, 8 March, at 5pm.

ARC: GR.2 NZ EQUINE VETERINARIANS CHAMPIONSHIP STAKES (2100m)
Joey Massino (NZ) O’Reilly x Rationable by Housebuster
Military Move (NZ) Volksraad x All Night Party by Just a Dancer
Corporal Jones (NZ) Corporal Jones x Assesarose by Conquistarose
Martial Art (NZ) Tiger Hill x Kwan by Sadler’s Wells
King Raedwald Red Ransom x Lady Circles by Ascot Knight
Imabayboy (NZ) San Luis x English Kath by Kaapstad
Time Keeper (NZ) Stravinsky x Organdy by Our Emblem
Amazing Spy (NZ) Danroad x Quasi Stellar by Catrail
Kullu Elvstroem x Way Cool by Royal Academy
Maciano Redoute’s Choice x Popsy by Sir Tristram
The Suleiman King’s Chapel x Monica Hall by Volksraad
Bone of Contention (NZ) Handsome Ransom x Three Card Lu by McGinty
Zarzuela (NZ) Zabeel x Star Satire by Volksraad
Jungle Juice (NZ) Jungle Juice x Shadow Ray by Groom Dancer
Sirani Galileo x Sneetch by Grosvenor
No Emotion (NZ) (E1) Savabeel x Lightning Star by Flying Spur
The Pentagon (NZ) (E2) Pentire x Doublexel by Centro

Black-type races at New Plymouth on Saturday
1:49 PM Friday Feb 19, 2010

There is plenty of black-type flavour within Saturday’s Gr.3 Hooker Pacific Taranaki Cup (2000m) at New Plymouth.

Of the 15 horse field, two carry Gr.1 stripes and another 4 four boast victory at Gr.2 and 3 level.

Saturday’s proven black-type brigade include:

Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Gr.1), Hurrah (NZ) (Gr.1), Pentathon (NZ) (Gr.2), Chettak (NZ) (Gr.2), Valley Chief (NZ) (Gr.2) and Stand Tall (NZ) (Gr.3).

Gr.3 Waikato Stud 2YO Classic (1200m)
The rivalry between the smart New Zealand 2YO’s Jimmy Choux (NZ) and Cellarmaster (NZ) adds a 4th chapter in the Gr.3 Waikato Stud 2YO Classic (1200m) this Saturday.

Currently the score between the two reads 2: 1 in favour of the Thorn Park colt Jimmy Choux (NZ), thanks to previously wins netted in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) and the Formpro.co.nz 2YO Hcp (1000m).

Narrowly beaten by 0.4 length in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes, the Dubawi juvenile Cellarmaster (NZ) demonstrated his raceday superiority in the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes.

Other notable contenders on Saturday include debut winner Big Boy (NZ) (Stravinsky) and the Karaka Million runner-up Icepin (NZ) (Pins).

TTR INC: GR.3 WAIKATO STUD 2YO CLASSIC (1200m)
Cellarmaster (NZ) Dubawi x Oneology by Sound Reason
Jimmy Choux (NZ) Thorn Park x Cierzo by Centaine
Icepin (NZ) Pins x Ice Maiden by O’Reilly
Charma (NZ) Volksraad x Charmaine by Centaine
Big Boy (NZ) Stravinsky x Something Special by Bletchingly
Common Goal (NZ) Johannesburg x Xbert by Bertolini
Taylormade (NZ) Savabeel x Message to My Girl by Straight Strike
Belles Fast Fastnet Rock x Cast Your Fate by Bletchingly
Raffles Miss Catbird x Hello Pamela by Just Awesome
Stravinaki Stravinsky x Afleet Floozie by Afleet
TTRC INC: GR.3 HOOKER PACIFIC TARANAKI CUP (2000m)
Pentathon (NZ) Pentire x Star Royal by Grosvenor
Manonamission (NZ) Kilimanjaro x Arctic Life by Arctic Tern
Six O’Clock News (NZ) Zabeel x Maurine by Harbor Prince
Chettak (NZ) Almutawakel x Filament by Lord Ballina
Irish Opera (NZ) Stravinsky x Acushla Marie by Lord Ballina
Stand Tall (NZ) Zabeel x Grand Archway by Archway
Hurrah (NZ) Bahhare x Shock Attack by Inviting
Valley Chief (NZ) Colombia x Dainty Lace by Alvaro
Il Quello Veloce (NZ) Captain Rio x Nishaani by Gold Brose
Nitty Gritty (NZ) Bahhare x Flying Chance by Centaine
Bruce Almighty (NZ) Deputy Governor x Striking Angel by Straight Strike
Cassini Reset x Mathematical by Honor Grades
Minqar Qaim Zabeel x Marquise by Gold and Ivory
Grand Affair (NZ) Black Tuxedo x Peggy O’Reilly by O’Reilly
Can’t Keeper Down (NZ) Keeper x Ashley Downs by Grosvenor
Madredeus (NZ) (B1) Woodbury Lad x Tahora Lass by Westminster

15/2/2010 Tavistock and Veloce Bella add to Karaka group 1 tally

Group 1 victories by Tavistock and Veloce Bella at Te Rapa on Saturday took the Karaka Group 1 haul to 17 for the season.

These victories have been accumulated by 13 individual Karaka graduates, a tally which again sees New Zealand Bloodstock leading all Australasian auction houses at the highest level.

Tavistock
Tavistock (Montjeu x Upstage, by Quest for Fame) stamped himself as his sire's most gifted sprinter when he claimed his second Group 1 win over 1400m for the season in the Group 1 Waikato Draught Sprint.

The $200,000 contest drew a top class field of 13 runners including last year's victor and Mercedes NZ Horse of the Year, Mufhasa, along with Group 1 winners Vonusti, Ekstreme, and Kaaptan.

There was also the up and coming brigade which was clearly headed by Wealth Princess, and she proved the strongest opposition in the finish.

Tavistock wins the Group 1 Mudgway Partsworld Stakes (1400m)

Rounding into the home bend it was Ruud Van Slaats and Mufhasa who kicked clear with Tavistock and Wealth Princess amongst the tail of the field but improving their positions.

Even 200m from home the pair looked too far off the pace but a powerful turn of foot quickly saw the both of them gobble up the leaders and Tavistock's effort to come from behind Wealth Princess proved him the deserved winner.

Bred by Bloomsbury Stud, Tavistock is a direct descendent of the stud's superior foundation mare, Mrs Moss, herself responsible for over 20 stakes-winners worldwide including Group 1 Japan Cup winner Jupiter Island.

Trainer Andrew Campbell purchased Tavistock from Bloomsbury Stud at the 2007 Karaka Select Sale for $85,000 for Wellington-based owners David Allison, Chris and Johnny Barnao, Bruce Honeybone, Tom Pivac, David Platt, and Tommy Heptinstall.

Though Montjeu no longer shuttles to New Zealand his blood is still available through his four sons including Windsor Park Stud's Guillotine, White Robe Lodge's Gallant Guru, Letham Thoroughbreds' Mettre En Jeu, and the recently retired Nom Du Jeu.

Nom Du Jeu possessed the speed to win his only start as a juvenile and place second in the Group 1 Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m) behind Princess Coup. An imposing individual, Nom Du Jeu will stand at $6,000 + GST at his first season at Fairdale Stud, wonderful value for a Montjeu's highest racetrack earner in the southern hemisphere.

A limited number of shares are still available in Nom Du Jeu through New Zealand Bloodstock. For more information contact Danny Rolston (021 473 209) or Bruce Slade (021 0256 8282).

Veloce Bella
Veloce Bella (Volksraad x Wave to Lottie, by Crested Wave) scored a deserved first Group 1 victory when she produced a whirlwind finish to land the Group 1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes (2000m) two races before Tavistock did much the same in the Sprint.

A four-time Group 2 winner, and three times Group 1 placed, Veloce Bella has raced the best athletes since her classic year where she tussled with Princess Coup and fully deserved her top-flight success for trainer Mark Brosnan.

The six-year-old's usual relaxed running style saw her settle sixth on the fence in the field of nine which included Group 1 winners Tell a Tale, Monaco Consul, and last year's winner, MacO'Reilly.

A good pace set up by the bold front-running MacO'Reilly gave Veloce Bella the perfect opportunity to use her unrivalled finishing burst and she took her chance stylishly to beat Tell A Tale and Passchendaele into the minor placings.

Veloce Bella was offered by John and Karin Hogan's JK Farm at the 2005 Karaka Select Sale and she is now raced by Murray and Margaret Hardy, Paddy and Helen Preston, and Tony and Frances Schramm for whom she has won over $600,000.

Curraghmore Stud offered a Darci Brahma half-brother to Veloce Bella at Karaka 2010 at Lot 236.

Veloce Bella is the eleventh Group 1 winner for her seven times NZ Champion sire Volksraad who also sired Sir Slick to win the same race in 2007.

Making a real name for himself as a broodmare sire already with Zarzuela and Beauty Flash, Volksraad was popular right through the recent 2010 Karaka National Yearling Sale Series where his progeny sold up to $230,000.

The monkey is off the back for New Zealand’s latest boom horse, Wealth Princess (NZ) (San Luis).

With a record reading 5 starts for as many wins, the talented 4YO racemare blotted her perfect copybook with an unlucky 6th in the Gr.1 WRC Telegraph Hcp (1200m) in January.

Keen for recompense, the Brent Gillovic-trained mare returns to the Gr.1 spotlight on Saturday with an intended outing in Te Rapa’s Waikato Draught Sprint (WFA, 1400m).

Although untried at 1400m, the track record of the Victor Ngai bred-and-owned mare literally compels.

In her three 1200m starts at the track, she has won each outing and at last attempt, did so in a track record time of 1:08.59 despite bungling the start.

Wealth Princess’ (NZ) single figure opponents on Saturday comprise of the runaway Gr.1 Telegraph Hcp winner Vonusti (NZ), last year’s Waikato Draught Sprint winner and reigning ‘NZ Horse of the Year’ Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire), and the 2009 Gr.1 Mudgway Partsworld Stakes (1400m) winner, Tavistock (NZ) (Montjeu).

MacO’Reilly (NZ) on track to defend title
Feb 12, 2010

Trainer David Haworth believes MacO’Reilly (NZ) (O’Reilly) is right on track to defend his title in the Gr.1 Darci Brahma International Stakes (WFA, 2000m) at Te Rapa this weekend.

“I’d say he’d be in similar condition coming into the race as what he was last year,’ said Haworth.

“His work has been very good and his rider Hayden Tinsley is more than happy with him.”

Mirroring his International Stakes lead-in last year, MacO’Reilly (NZ) raced home for second in the Listed WRC Anniversary Hcp (1600m) at his last start on January 23.

MacO’Reilly (NZ) beat home Tell A Tale (Tale of the Cat) and Veloce Bella (NZ) (Volksraad) in the International Stakes last year.

Following this he went on to attain further black-type lustre in the Gr.1 ARC New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and in the Gr.2 Manawatu RC Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) before an unsuccessful trip across the Tasman was made.

“Thing’s just didn’t go right for him and he contracted some sort of virus,” said Haworth.

Undeterred, Haworth has not ruled out a possible Australian return to Sydney or Brisbane this year for the 6YO O’Reilly galloper.

New Zealand’s TAB has MacO’Reilly (NZ) on the third line of fixed odds betting for Saturday’s race along with the VRC Derby hero Monaco Consul (NZ) (High Chaparral).

Dominating the fixed odds equation is last weekend’s impressive Skycity Casino Cup (2000m) winner Veloce Bella (NZ).

The Gr.1 galloper, Tell A Tale is the second elect.

As the eighth race in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series the $100,000 event asks the classic fillies to step up to 2000m just a month before the Group 1 NZ Oaks (2400m) on 20 March.

The first three home in the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic will earn 8, 4, and 2 points respectively, especially valuable for those doing their level best to chase down current Series leader Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay) who has accumulated 30 points.

Set to carry the Cambridge Stud colours in the Cambridge Stud sponsored event, Katie Lee will be stepping up to the 2000m for just the second time with a second placing behind Adaline in the Group 2 Royal Stakes the result of her first attempt beyond 1600m.

The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson trained filly will strip fighting fit and from barrier two with Mark Du Plessis aboard she should get every chance of running out the trip solidly.

The next three in the book have all met and beaten Katie Lee home in their past three starts, though the bonny grey has dealt them each a defeat or two also.

Keep the Peace (Keeper x Piece of Mind), who may yet still line up in the Group 1 Darci Brahma International Stakes (2000m) on the same day, won the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) last start with fellow Fillies Classic competitor Marsh Harbour (Volksraad x Pasithea) and Katie Lee filling the placings.

Both Keep the Peace and Marsh Harbour will be trying 2000m for the first time for their trainers Shaune Ritchie and Wayne and Vanessa Hillis with Keep The Peace currently sitting in second place in the NZB Filly of the Year leader-board, 17 points in arrears of Katie Lee.

Veronica Franco (Johar x Crystal Hailey) defeated Katie Lee in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and ran fourth in the Group 2 Royal Stakes. A super consistent filly for her trainers Roger James and Paul Mirabelli, Veronica Franco will be primed for Saturday and jumps from the ace barrier.

Murray and Bjorn Baker's La Collina (Van Nistelrooy x Oenotria) and Frank Ritchie's Obsession (Bachelor Duke x Mystery Creek) have drawn alongside each other in barrier 10 and 11 and both have shown and abundance of ability this preparation.

La Collina ran a strong third over the 2000m trip of the Group 2 Royal Stakes last start, while Obsession fought well for fourth last time out in the Group 3 Desert Gold.

Mark Walker trained Corsage (Volksraad x Spray) has never finished further back than fifth in 12 starts, a considerable achievement considering she has competed in three Group 1 contests, two Group races, and three Listed events including the Karaka Million.

She is set to jump from barrier 5 with Sam Spratt aboard and drawn to her inside is another major player in the field in Richard Collett's November Rain (Stravinsky x Lady Teruko). She was good enough to finish a nose and half a head away from Joey Massino in the Group 3 Wellington Guineas last time out.

Two-time winners in the remainder of the field include Ken Kelso's Miss Sharapova (Ustinov x Young and Free), Donna, Dean Logan, and Chris Gibbs trained C'mon Cuba (Thorn Park x Hecuba), and Mark Walker's Pezzaglia (High Chaparral x Paolino), all of whom are yet to step to 2000m but on previous form look ready for extra ground.

Other winning fillies in the field include Peter Huxtable's Barbara Michelle (Silver River x Summer Star), along with three others who have drawn wide marbles, Anne Herbert and Hadley Searle's Prairie Star (High Chaparral x Maryann Jones) in 14, John Sargent's Utopia (High Chaparral x Joie De Vivre) in 13, and Mark Walker's second Pencarrow Stud owned filly, Posavina (Tiger Hill x Dance My Dance) in 12.

Translated (Traditionally x Traelae) for Graeme and Mark Sanders makes up the field, and though not a winner, she has placed at 2000m or beyond on two occasions.

The $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) is set to jump at 3.00pm at Te Rapa on Saturday.

7/2/2010 Hold it Harvey wins Kiwi group three

Top Australian bred galloper Hold it Harvey made it stakes win number six with a stirring victory in the Group Three White Robe Lodge Stakes (1600m) at Otago in New Zealand on Saturday.

Already a winner of the Group Three Easter Cup and four other stakes events for trainer Terri Rae, Hold it Harvey is one of the most consistent gallopers in New Zealand.

In fact the King Cugat gelding has won or placed in no fewer than 25 of his 37 starts.

Hold it Harvey was purchased by his trainer for just $16,000 at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

He was bred by leading breeder Gerry Harvey and sold through his Baramul Stud draft at the popular Gold Coast based auction.

The quality galloper was sent out the second favourite and in the run to the line he finished too well to beat the favourite Eel Win by a neck.

The result made up for last year when in a thrilling finish Eel Win nosed out Hold it Harvey in the same race.

The latest win for Hold it Harvey is the second in as many starts at black type level for the five-year-old.

On January 30 he beat Transcend and Diamond Skeem to win the listed Timaru Stakes over 1400 metres.

As it stands his impressive record reads out at 10 wins and 15 minor placings from just 37 starts and earnings of over NZ$321,000.

By Kingmambo's top sire son King Cugat, Hold it Harvey is from the lightly raced mare Daly Charm.

A daughter of Best Western, Daly Charm is a half sister to three winners including the stakes performed, nine time winner Chanted.

Daly Charm is from a daughter of the former Champion French juvenile filly Princesse Lida.

The family takes in outstanding international stakes winners including Notting Hill, Prince of Wales, L'Escapade, Lignon's Hero and Quick as Ray.

5/2/2010 The Gr.3 HS Dyke Waikato Guineas (2000m) preview

In the manner of Wahid 4 year’s prior, all bar one horse will look to springboard their way into the New Zealand Derby via the Gr.3 HS Dyke Waikato Guineas (2000m) this Saturday.

Heading the Te Rapa field by way of rating is the Shaune Ritchie-trained galloper Military Move (NZ) (Volksraad).

Whilst yet to score black-type of his own, Military Move (NZ) has thrice been placed at stakes level, with the best of these achieved when finishing 1 length behind Katie Lee in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).

Interest horses in the field also include the winner of his last two outings No Fear (NZ) (Johar), the regally bred Maciano (Redoute’s Choice), the last start Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas winner, Zarzuela (NZ) (Zabeel) and the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes heroine, Jungle Juice (NZ) (Jungle Pocket).

WRC: GR.3 HS DYKE WAIKATO GUINEAS (2000m)

Military Move (NZ) Volksraad x All Night Party by Just a Dancer
Imabayboy (NZ) San Luis x English Kath by Kaapstad
No Fear (NZ) Johar x There’s No Doubt by Pompeii Court
Corporal Jones (NZ) Pentire x Assesarose by Conquistarose
Smokin’ Gun (NZ) High Chaparral x Rapida by Senor Pete
Spirit of Unicorn (NZ) Elusive City x Our Lovely Unicorn by Kaapstad
Tanha Strike Octagonal Strike x Crave by Grand Lodge
Celtic Fantasy Giant’s Causeway x Snowdonia by Peintre Celebre
Maciano Redoute’s Choice x Popsy by Sir Tristram
Tullamore (NZ) Savabeel x Trocair by Flying Spur
Bone of Contention (NZ) Handsome Ransom x Three Card Lu by McGinty
Hezapearla (NZ) Kaapstad x Lustrous Pearl by Star Way
Zarzuela (NZ) Zabeel x Star Satire by Volksraad
Jungle Juice (NZ) Jungle Pocket x Shadow Ray by Groom Dancer

5/2/2010 Daffodil (NZ) resumes

The multiple Gr.1 winning racemare Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) resumes in the Listed Tui Brewery Wairarapa Thorougbred Breeders Stakes (WFA F&M 1600m) at Tauherenikau this Sunday.

Unseen in the 94 days since her outing in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup, Daffodil (NZ) features among the nominations for the Gr.1 Stella Artois Auckland Cup (3200m) on March 10.

Of Melbourne Cup credentials, race rival Nadege (NZ) likewise fronts as a notable entry in Sunday’s Listed feature.

Nadege (NZ) is a Giant’s Causeway daughter of the 1998 Melbourne Cup runner up, Champagne and was successful at last attempt.

Each horse carries the 57kg top weight and will jump from the barrier 4 and 12 respectively. VIEW ALL »Key Runners
Gr.3 Hyderabad Race Club Stakes (1200m)

3/2/2010 NZ Racing Hall of Fame - Lance O'Sullivan an inductee
(courtesy of Aidan Rodley)

Lance O'Sullivan regards his entry into the Racing Hall of Fame as a special honour.

But the jockey great wants the Hall of Fame to retain its aura of prestige and not lower its standards by letting in too many notable - but not elite level - achievers.

"It was a real honour to be one of the first in there," says O'Sullivan, who along with his father, training great Dave O'Sullivan, was among the inaugural inductees in to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame in 2006.

"For me, what I'd hate to see is that just anyone gets in. I'd rather they restrict the entry numbers so only the best of the best get in. It's understandable the first time they did it that they put so many in because to a degree they're playing catch up, but I'd like to see maybe only four or five go in from hereon in.

"I'll be interested to see who gets in this time around, but for me I'd think a trainer or jockey should have to have won at least a premiership to get in. If we go putting too many in, it's in danger of losing its eliteness. I'd like to see them keep it as elite as the Australian and American Halls of Fame."

Racing Hall of Fame officials will induct 10 new members at a lavish dinner ceremony at Ellerslie on 5 March, the day before the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby at the same track.

Thirteen greats of the New Zealand turf have been inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame at each of the past two ceremonies and officials have said fewer thoroughbred racing icons would be inducted in future ceremonies to retain the lofty standard of inductees.

O'Sullivan, 46, retired from riding in 2003 with a record 2,358 New Zealand winners with another 121 achieved offshore in places as diverse as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore and Turkey.

O'Sullivan retired with 12 New Zealand premierships to his credit, having broken Bill Broughton's long-standing record of 11 premierships. He stood out as a complete professional but always retained a bright and chirpy persona which made him a favourite of the media and the racing public alike.

O'Sullivan won 50 Group 1 races, including the 1989 Japan Cup on Horlicks and the 1991 Cox Plate on Surfers Paradise.

Soon after retiring from the saddle, he took over as trainer at the O'Sullivan family's Wexford Stables on his brother Paul's departure to train in Hong Kong and it wasn't long before he saddled Pentane to win the Group 1 Auckland Cup.

Though he has since retired from training, leaving his former junior training partner Andrew Scott in charge at Wexford, O'Sullivan still turns up to ride trackwork at least three mornings a week and he has an interest in more than 20 racehorses in the stable, most ending up sold offshore to clients of Paul's in Hong Kong.

Among the young horses he part-owns is a trial-winning full brother to last weekend's Group 1 Telegraph Handicap winner Vonusti, named Strapping.

He and his wife Bridgette are building a new home on a property they own between Karapiro and Matamata, where they run the Red Barn function centre. O'Sullivan says the facility comfortably seats 150 guests and presently has 17 weddings booked in.

The property includes the site of the former Pairere School, now recognised as a historical place and O'Sullivan says he finds plenty there to keep him busy, such as building stone walls from rocks off the farm and planting trees there. Last month he found a waterfall on the property, the first time he knew one was there in the two years they have owned it.

The principal sponsor of this year's Racing Hall of Fame event is New Zealand Bloodstock, while other key sponsors are Trelawney Stud, Marie Leicester and Paul Kenny, Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing, Dunstan Feeds, TRAC, Canterbury Jockey Club, Auckland Racing Club and Majestic Horse Floats.

An international campaign beckons for Saturday’s Gr.2 Century City Wellington Cup (2400m) hero, Red Ruler (NZ) (Viking Ruler).

Trained by John Sargent, the 5YO gelding has come back this campaign in career best form, indulging supporters a comfortable win in the Wellington Cup and with wins in the Gr.3 Selaks Trentham Stakes (WFA, 2100m) and the Gr.2 Stella Artois City of Auckland Cup (2400m).

Clocking 2.27.42 for Saturday’s 2400m outing, Red Ruler (NZ) crossed the line with a length to spare from Manonamission (NZ) (Kilimanjaro) and Awesome Planet (Giant’s Causeway).

With career earnings now reading approximately NZ$1,246,633 for owners R J Arculli, A R Meehan & G B Sargent, Red Ruler (NZ) is likely to have at least one other start in New Zealand over the next two months before setting off on an international campaign in Hong Kong and Singapore.

“We have nominated him (Red Ruler) for the QEII Cup on April 25, and all going to plan, the horse will head to Hong Kong early April,” Sargent told NZTM.

Sargent also reported that the group one Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji on Sunday 16 May 2010 is also being considered.

“Following his race in Hong Kong, we may head to Singapore for the international group one Singapore Cup over 2000m” said Sargent.

“He’s an experienced traveller and is the perfect type of horse to take away and do the double with” said Sargent.

Bred by J S Cornish & Trelawney Stud, Red Ruler (NZ) is by the Danehill sire Viking Ruler and is from the Red Ransom mare Ransom Bay.Standing at Cambridge Stud, Viking Ruler has to date been best represented by the Gr.1 Queesland Derby winner, Court Ruler (NZ).

Offered by Trelawney Stud at the 2006 Premier Yearling Sale, Red Ruler (NZ) was the second yearling of that year to go under the hammer , successfully secured here by his trainer for NZ$60,000.

In the same vein as his baldy faced stablemate Vosne Romanee (NZ), the Jeff Lynds-trained galloper Wall Street (NZ) (Montjeu) has sanctioned a possible 2010 WS Cox Plate attempt with a superlative Gr.1 win at home.

Previously successful in the Gr.2 Couplands Bakeries Mile, Wall Street (NZ) endorsed the above Gr.1 mission with a gutsy performance in Saturday’s Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham.

Settled three wide and slightly worse than midfield for regular rider Buddy Lammas, Wall Street (NZ) came into the straight 7 wide and when popped the question, dug deep to register a ½ length win.

Chasing hard, the fellow Montjeu galloper Tavistock (NZ) secured second, with Mill Duckie (NZ) (Magic Ring) a game long neck away in third.

Canvassing the Trentham track in a time of 1:33.86, Wall Street improved on his Couplands Bakeries Mile time of 1.34.45.

Now five, Wall Street (NZ) has put together a record of 11 starts for 7 wins and a second and in doing so has rewarded his owners the GG Syndicate Ltd, GKV Holdings Ltd & Michael Head with NZ$333,400 in earnings.

Secured initially by Paul Moroney at the Premier Yearling Sale for $100,000, the Te Mania Thoroughbred graduate rose to prominence in 2009, winning all but one of his 7 outings.

Bred by CW Wong, Wall Street (NZ) embodies the bloodline of Montjeu and the Grand Lodge mare Villa Wanda.

Those interested in the progeny by the mare will see she has had the five foals for the three winners Usage (Octagonal), Wall Street and Wahaha (Stravinsky).

Birchley and Aquanita have targeted the race since its inception with Sarge in Charge (Golan) running second last year, and this year, with Sister Havana (General Nediym x Ultima Vita, by Canny Lad), they represented the only competitor to cross the Tasman.

Drawn 1 her jockey Stathi Katsidis gave her the perfect run on the rail just off the pace set by Hoofit (Mossman) and Sirrio (Captain Rio). On straightening Katsidis lit up the liver chestnut and she scorched to a popular victory with the large crowd gathered at Ellerslie.

Results will show that two $40,000 Karaka graduates quinellaed the race with Mark Walker's Icepin (Pins) running second a length and three quarters away, while Banchee (Oratorio) was superb in running third from the widest barrier.

With Australian buyers providing 32% of last year's Karaka buying bench, the win was just reward for Liam Birchley and his team while providing more fuel for the great Trans-Tasman rivalry.

Their victory and celebrations took place in front of many of the who's who in international thoroughbred racing with New Zealand Bloodstock's Cocktail Party welcoming over 500 international guests who enjoyed an evening of the finest kiwi hospitality.

Sister Havana now has amassed over $550,000 in the 12 months since her shrewd purchase and is owned by Tony Carroll, a schoolmate and friend of Liam Birchley for over 30 years.

Bob and Glenda Skinner's Shelby Park provided two of the fourteen 2010 Karaka Million starters and for their part in the Sister Havana story will recieve a $10,000 bonus cheque from New Zealand Bloodstock. Over the next five days at Karaka Shelby Park will offer 24 yearlings (Premier & Select) through the ring.

New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series (1-8 February) begins at 11am today. Click here to view the live webcast of of the sale.

For more information contact +64 (0) 9 298 0055 or email reception@nzb.co.nz.

The dates for the 84th National Yearling Sales Series are as follows:
· Premier Sale: 1 & 2 February
· Select Sale: 3 - 5 February
· Festival Sale: 7 & 8 February
Visit http://www.nzb.co.nz/ for more information or contact reception@nzb.co.nz.

The class which saw her run second in the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m) was on show again for the first time since the Riccarton feature and, if anything, she seems to be back better after the freshen up.

Racing wide and back for Jason Waddell in a muddling race in terms of pace, Keep The Peace (Keeper x Piece of Mind, by Wild Rampage) appeared boldly down the outside of the field and held tough to defeat Marsh Harbour (Volksraad) and the ever-present Katie Lee who was letting down late.

Keep the Peace proved superior on the day however and the 6 points she earned in victory saw her leap-frog Adaline (Court of Jewels) in the current NZB Filly of the Year standings.

Now on 13 points her effort still saw Katie Lee extend her Filly of the Year Series lead to 17 points, but with three races to go and 47 points still on offer the lead is certainly not unassailable.

The next race in the Series is the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa on 13 February, a nice step up in distance for a stellar group of fillies aimed at the final leg of the Series, the Group 1 NZ Oaks (2400m) on 20 March.

Keep the Peace is trained by Shaune Ritchie for owners Paul Bellingham, and Mick and Luke Dittman and she has now earned over $110,000.

Keeper has proved an exceptional sire for New Zealand since beginning stud duties at Cambridge Stud in 2002 with his stakes winners numbering 12 including Group 1 winners Insouciant, Keepa Cruisin, and Linky Dink.

Keeper is represented by 48 individuals at Karaka 2010 including a three-quarter brother to Group 1 Queensland Derby winner Court Ruler at Lot 413.

The dates for the 84th National Yearling Sales Series are as follows:
· Premier Sale: 1 & 2 February
· Select Sale: 3 - 5 February
· Festival Sale: 7 & 8 February
Visit http://www.nzb.co.nz/ for more information or contact reception@nzb.co.nz.

With outstanding recent form to boast, Red Ruler (NZ) (Viking Ruler) is the clear horse to beat in Saturday’s $250,000 Gr.2 Century City Wellington Cup (Opn Hcp, 2400m) at Trentham.

Confirming the merit of his win in the Gr.2 City of Auckland Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day, the John Sargent-trained 5YO gelding laid down the gauntlet to his Wellington Cup opponents last weekend, racing home on unsuited footing for a dominant win in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes (2100m).

According to New Zealand TAB’s fixed Odd market, the sternest of opposition to the 57kg laden galloper on Saturday should come from the three lightweights : Booming (NZ) (Don Eduardo), Heat Haze (NZ) (Zabeel) and Fiorano (NZ) (Kaapstad).

Each of these will carry 51kg's and is characterised as follows...

Booming (NZ) shot into reckoning on Jan 16 when scoring an impressive back-to-back win in the Farmlands Dow Agri Sciences Hcp (2300m) at Marton.

The Jeff Lynds-trained 5YO gelding boasts a career record of 4 wins (from 2000m-2300m) and 5 placings from 15 outings.

Heat Haze (NZ) too advanced her chances at last start.

The 5YO daughter of Zabeel won the Listed Marton Cup (2200) on Jan 16. Beyond this, she counts 5 additional wins for trainer Paul Jenkins from 1800m-2200m.

Fiorano (NZ) (Kaapstad)struck his last win in October’s at Te Rapa over 1600m but pointed to possessing much staying ability when charging home late for second in the Gr.1 Counties Cup (2100m).

Trained by Roger James and Paul Mirabelli, the 5YO gelding has a career record reading 18 starts for 4 wins and 2 placings.

With last weekend’s unlucky Telegraph outing behind him, the talented galloper Wall Street (NZ) (Montjeu) will hunt out recompense in the $200,000 Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (Opn hcp, 1600m) at Trentham this Saturday.

Forced on to heels at the 300m in the Telegraph, Wall Street (NZ) and rider Buddy Lammas did well not to part ways.

Reunited again this weekend, the pair look the strongest combination by way of established record at the distance.

Trained by Jeff Lynds, Wall Street (NZ) has attained 5 wins from 7 starts at the trip and boasts an overall career record of 6 wins from 1400-1600m, including the Gr.2 Couplands Bakeries Mile.

Other black-type milers of repute in the field include Culminate (NZ), Tell A Tale and La Etoile (NZ).

Successful at Gr.1 level in the Otaki Maori WFA Stakes, Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim) has enjoyed 2 wins at 1600m – the second of which coming in the 2009 Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile.

Trained by Mark Walker, Tell A Tale (Tale of The Cat) finished second to Wall Street (NZ) in October’s Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, but prior to this counted victory of his own with 1600m outings in the Gr.1 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas, the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas and the Listed Canterbury Stakes.

The Thorn Park mare La Etoile (NZ), alternatively, has achieved 3 wins at the trip, one of which coming in January’s Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile

The mile event which is raced on the same course as the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) has attracted 14 competitors looking to improve their positions in the 10-race NZB Filly of the Year Series. Heading the line-up is current Series leader Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay, by Spectacularphantom)) looking to stave off her competition for the crown.

The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson trained filly has raced in five Filly of the Year events thus far, winning both the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas and Group 2 Eight Carat Classic at a mile, and placing in the other three events to take her tally to 28.5 points.

Her nearest rival, Adaline (Court of Jewels x Red Covet, by St Covet), the Stephen McKee trained filly on 12 points, has raced Katie Lee twice with each claiming a win and a second apiece. Adaline beat Katie Lee over 2000m last start in the Group 2 Royal Stakes and her main aim is no doubt the NZ Oaks in March.

Eileen Dubh (Storm Creek x Vingtaine, by Centaine) beat Katie Lee in the first leg of the NZB Filly of the Year Series, the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), when both filled minor placings behind St Germaine, before Eileen Dubh went on to capture the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) for her trainer Francis Finnegan.

She is all class at a mile and, after drawing midfield, she will be looking to sit just off the pace before applying pressure early in the home straight.

Drawn to her outside is fellow Group 1 performer Keep the Peace (Keeper x Peace of Mind, by Wild Rampage) who looked all over the winner of the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas before Katie Lee flew by her outside. The Shaune Ritchie trained filly has been freshened and will be looking for points to add to her tally of seven which currently sees her in third place.

The proven fillies are nicely balanced out by some real up and comers who will be looking to earn black-type after winning well at their last starts.

These include two fillies who have drawn the outside barriers in Vanessa and Wayne Hillis' Marsh Harbour (Volksraad x Pasithea, by Crested Wave), barrier 13, and Obsession (Bachelor Duke x Mystery Creek, by Kaapstad), barrier 14, along with Mark Walker's Pezzaglia (High Chaparral x Paolino, by Housebuster) who has drawn more favourably in 3.

Marsh Harbour is looking to gain her first win at a mile after three wins from 1200m-1400m, while The Oaks Stud's Obsession returned to her best when beating a quality field over 1400m at Ellerslie last start.

Pezzaglia will carry the Pencarrow Stud colours and after two wins at 1200m from three starts the High Chaparral filly will suit the step up in distance after strong runs from the rear of the field in all of her racing thus far.

Graeme and Mark Sanders' The Lady (Stravinsky x Lady Dehere, by Dhere) and Kevin Gray's Gofonze (Golan x Elfonze, by Krasnapolski) have raced in Group and Listed company since their two-year-old season with The Lady a dual Listed winner and Gofonze Listed placed. Both have been consistent this season without landing a major prize and deserve respect.

The remaining five starters are evenly split between Northern and Central Districts trained gallopers.

Roger James and Paul Mirabelli's Pearl Dancer (Danehill Dancer x Kaapture the Heart, by Kaapstad) was excellent last start when flashing for fourth behind gallopers the calibre of No Fear and Maciano at Ellerslie. Drawn 1 she will be handier on Saturday and could give cheek.

John Sargent's A Chance to Dream (Volksraad x Make Me a Dream, by Sadler's Wells) has not finished further back than fourth in three starts including a last start second behind Group 1 Levin Classic placed Green Supreme over 1600m at Ellerslie last start. Drawn 4 she too will be giving plenty on the champagne turf.

The Central Districts trio of Aunt Daisy (Captain Rio x Radio Rocket, by Blues Traveller) for Sylvia Kay, Bedlum (Exploding Prospect x Maelstrom, by Rosenkavalier) for Peter McKenzie, and Shylo (Volksraad x Caserio, by Kaapstad) for Matthew Eales round out the Desert Gold field.

Each is lightly tried with a win on the board and a better line on their ability will be possible post Saturday.

The $70,000 Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes takes place at Trentham at 2.43pm on Saturday with the winner earning 6 NZB Filly of the Year points, second 3 points, and third 1.5 points.

Number Name Breeding Barrier Vendor Sale Price Purchaser Trainer Jockey
1 Big River C.C. General Nediym - Zoilus 2 Whakanui Stud K1 $150,000 Laurie Laxon Mark Walker James McDonald
2 Everlasting CH.C General Nediym - Tristachine 15 Windsor Park Stud K1 $160,000 Waikato B'stock Frank Ritchie Jason Waddell
3 Sirrio B.G. Captain Rio - Lacy Tops 10 JK Farm K2 $15,000 Lance Noble Lance Noble Mark Du Plessis
4 Hoofit B.C. Mossman - Chuckle 4 Shelby Park K1 $60,000 Beamish B'stock Stephen McKee Michael Rodd
5 Icepin C.C Pins - Ice Maiden 6 Waikato Stud K1 $40,000 Herbie Dyke Mark Walker Sam Spratt
6 Aladdin Prince B.C. Volksraad - Grand Princess 13 Windsor Park Stud K2 $50,000 Peter Hurdle Peter Hurdle Lisa Allpress
7 Brave Warrior B.G. Ekraar - Pheroz Flight 9 Twin Pines K3 $36,000 Dean Wiles Keven Hughes & Dean Wiles Hugh Bowman
8 Nacho Man B.G. Mr Nancho - El Coriero 8 Maara Grange K3 $27,000 Esker Lodge Mike and Paul Moroney Craig Grylls
9 Banchee B.F. Oratorio - Miss Jessie Jay 18 Hallmark Stud K1 $375,000 Bruce Perry B'stock John Sargent Leith Innes
10 Sister Havana C.F. General Nediym - Ultima Vita 1 Shelby Park K2 $40,000 Aquanita Racing Liam Birchley Stathi Katsidis
11 Miss Marauder B.F. Falkirk - Kate Lorimer 14 Ainsley Downs Stud K3 $30,000 Matthew Eales Matthew Eales Andrew Calder
12 Irish Jewel B.F. Street Cry - Lowan Behold 5 Twin Pines K2 $125,000 Andrew Scott Andrew Scott Opie Bosson
13 My Cool Jo B.F. One Cool Cat - La Voleur 11 Cambridge Stud K2 $2,500 Paul Belsham Paul Belsham Yet to be confirmed
14 Belles Fast B.F. Fasnet Rock - Cast Your Fate 7 Curraghmore Stud K1 $450,000 Allan Sharrock Allan Sharrock Michael Walker
15 Shekels (E1) B.F. Volksraad - Dosh 16 Leanach Lodge K2 $18,000 Murray Baker Murray & Bjorn Baker Yet to be confirmed
16 Common Goal (E2) C.G. Johannesburg - Xbert 12 Wentwood Grange K2 $20,000 Magus Equine Shaune Ritchie Yet to be confirmed
17 Kallisan (E3) B.F. Stratum - Eloa 17 Little Avondale Stud K1 $220,000 Stephen Gray Kevin Gray Yet to be confirmed
18 She's a Cougar (E4) B.F. One Cool Cat x Smooch 3 Cambridge Stud K1 $50,000 Paul Moroney B'stock Andrew Scott Yet to be confirmed

The 2010 Karaka Million will be broadcast for the first time live on Sky Racing and TVN in Australia, and included on the Penang Turf Club's Sunday racecard that will be simulcast into Singapore.

25/1/2010 Vonusti (NZ) wins Gr.1 The Oaks Stud Telegraph Hcp (1200m)


Vonusti (NZ)

As far as timely fillips go, few come better than Vonusti’s performance in Saturday’s Gr.1 The Oaks Stud Telegraph Hcp (1200m) at Trentham.

Streaking home for top hoop Noel Harris to defy a star studded field by 2 lengths, the 5YO Ustinov gelding provided the utmost of black-type updates for Lot 644 - a full brother who is to be offered by Brighthill Farm at the Select Sale on the 3rd of February.

Like Vonusti - who was the very first foal to hit the ground for the regally bred sire Ustinov, the colt is bred by Brighthill Farm’s secretary Liz Fairweather along with her husband Jeff.

Indulging in the morning tea shout brought in by Liz at the time, Brighthill Farm’s Nick King had this to say about the colt:

“He’s a really correct, sound horse, who is very good looking and a great walker. He should attract interest at Karaka,” said King.

“There are definite similarities with Vonusti. They both have good temperaments but this guy has a bit more range and scope about him.”

Having previously stood the Vonusti’s sire Ustinov, King was full of praise for the patience exhibited by Vonusti’s trainer’s Tim and Margaret Carter.

“Ustinov tended to throw a wonderful type that had great natures. He was a quality horse himself and he gave the inclination that given time, his progeny would do well.

“After showing some ability early, Vonusti’s trainers have just been so patient. They’ve really bided their time and have come away with a fantastic result,”

All told, Vonusti has raced on 18 occasions and has returned $733,088 for owners Phillip & Thomas O'Shea and Ramesh Patel as a result of 8 wins and 5 placings.

Usurping Ustinov’s Gr.1 performed daughter Antarctic Miss, Vonusti could potentially extend his number one offspring status with a pending start in the Gr.1 Waikato Draught Sprint (WFA, 1400m) at Te Rapa on February 13.

Interestingly, despite his sire’s win over ground in Moonee Valley’s Gr.2 AAMI Vase (2040m) and his paternal grand dam’s Melbourne Cup win, Vonusti (NZ) has clearly picked up on the brilliance of his paternal grand sire Seeking the Gold and from his dam Reasonably

By Sound Reason, Reasonably was a winner at 1200m in Australia and beyond counting 4 winners from 6 to race, counts an important connection to such Gr.1 and 2 winners as Omnicorp, Pharostan and Crimson.

Reasonably has a Perfectly Ready filly at foot and is back in foal to the same Gr.1 winning More Than Ready sire.

The 2010 Wellington Cup Carnival kicks off in fine fashion this Saturday with the running of the much anticipated NZ$1 million Gr.1 The Oaks Stud Telegraph Hcp (1200m) at Trentham.

Dominating discussion in the build up to the most valuable open age sprint race in New Zealand, has been the questions:

Can the Gary Portelli-trained Aussie raider A Gold Trail back up from his NZ win in the Gr.1 Railway?

Can New Zealand’s reigning 'Horse of the Year', Mufhasa (NZ) return to the form that saw him win the event in 2009?

Will the second Gr.1 race of 2010 be lifted by another Australian trainer in the form of Danny O’Brien with his NZ-bred charge Keano (NZ)?

Can Wall Street (NZ) land Gr.1 success (and his 6th consecutive win) by emulating Mufhasa’s prior Gr.2 Couplands Bakeries Mile (1600m) success?

Will the exciting 5 from 5 winner Wealth Princess (NZ) be up to the Gr.1 task? ; and similarly... Can the talented South Island sprinter Coup Align (NZ) frank his trainer Mick Pitman’s unswerving Gr.1 regard?

Whilst the answers to these questions cannot be known until shortly after 5:42 pm (NZ Time) on Saturday, interesting reflections can be gained when comparing the 2010 contingent against the Telegraph Hcp’s quickest ever winner, Bawalaksana (NZ).

Holding sway as the fastest 1200m horse ever at the track, the Dave O’Sullivan-trained Straight Strike gelding rewrote the history books in 1999 with a firm track Telegraph win of 1:06.51

So who bears mention on Saturday if we draw a line through the horse whose name was Indonesian for Brave Bull?

Bawalaksana Telegraph Characteristic: 2010 Equivalent

Four Year Olds: Tavistock (NZ) (Montjeu), Keano (NZ) (Pins), and Wealth Princess (NZ) (San Luis)
Gr.1 Railway Lead-Up: A Gold Trail (Hussonet) and Atapi* (Last Tycoon)
*Bawalaksani failed to peg back Dantelah (the dam of Vengeance of Rain) but was promoted to first after stewards upheld their own protest.
52Kg Weight Impost: Attackum (NZ) (Pins) and Wealth Princess
Four last start wins: Wall Street (NZ) (Montjeu) and Wealth Princess (NZ) both boast 5 last start ticks to their name.
Last Start Win Form: A Gold Trail, Tavistock, Wall Street, Coup Align and Wealth Princess.
Established Gr.1 Form A Gold Trail, Mufhasa (NZ) (Pentire) and Tavistock (NZ) (Montjeu).
Mr Prospector Sire Line A Gold Trail and to a lesser extent Vonusti (NZ) (Ustinov).

Jimmy Choux (NZ) poised to put best foot forward in 2YO black-type feature
11:46 AM Friday Jan 22, 2010

With two wins and two placings achieved in only four career outings to date, the John Bary-trained Jimmy Choux (NZ) looks set to put his best foot forward in Saturday’s Gr.2 Westbury Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) at Trentham.
The talented son of the Windsor Park-based sire Thorn Park, was narrowly denied black-type acclaim at his most recent outing in the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes at Te Rapa, when he was beaten by Cellarmaster (NZ) right on the line.
Jimmy Choux (NZ), who has already posted a win on the Trentham track earlier this season, will meet the Wentwood Grange Stakes victor once again on Saturday.
Cellarmaster (NZ) (Dubawi), who similarly brings an impressive formline of five starts for three wins and one placing into the race will look to complete a black-type treble, with a last start win in the Gr.3 Newstalk B Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie, following his success in the aforementioned Wentwood Grange Stakes at Te Rapa.
Should Cellarmaster (NZ), who is owned by his breeder Judge Clapham, be successful in his stakes-three-peat attempt this weekend, the son of Dubawi will afford a further pedigree update for his half-sister by Keeper (Lot 587) bound for the Karaka 2010 Select Sale.

Red Ruler (NZ) completes Wellington Cup prep.
Jan 22, 2010

New Zealand’s latest equine millionaire Red Ruler (NZ) (Viking Ruler) completes his Gr.2 Wellington Cup (2400m) preparation on Saturday at Trentham in the Gr.3 Selaks Trentham Stakes (WFA, 2100m).
Making a sensational return to winning form on January 1st 2010 at Ellerslie in the group two City of Auckland Cup over 2400m (WFA), Red Ruler rubber-stamped his membership into the elite “equine millionaires” club. His career earnings to date total NZ$1,099,758.
The talented six-win galloper had not saluted the judge since his victory in the group two Championship Stakes also at Ellerslie in February 2008, but even so had remarkably earned over NZ$750,000 in race stakes with multiple placings in group one, two and three races in New Zealand and Australia.
Trained by John Sargent, Red Ruler will head to the Wellington Cup (2400m) at Trentham on January 30 and is likely to have at least one other start in New Zealand over the next two months before setting off on an international campaign in Hong Kong and Singapore.
“He will head to the Wellington Cup on January 30, then on to the group one Darci Brahma Stakes at Te Rapa on February 13” reported Sargent to NZTM.
“We have nominated him (Red Ruler) for the QEII Cup on April 25, and all going to plan, the horse will head to Hong Kong early April” added Sargent.
Sargent also reported that the group one Singapore Airlines International Cup at Kranji on Sunday 16 May 2010 is also being considered.
“Following his race in Hong Kong, we may head to Singapore for the international group one Singapore Cup over 2000m” said Sargent.
“He’s an experienced traveller and is the perfect type of horse to take away and do the double with” said Sargent.
The Gr.3 Selaks Trentham Stakes has drawn a quality field of weight-for-age stayers, with eight of the 13 acceptors holding a nomination for the Wellington Cup in two weeks time. (Pentathon, Red Ruler, Willy Smith, Sterling Prince, Stand Tall, Butch James, Conquistador, and Awesome Planet.)

Derby hopes run high
Jan 22, 2010

A host of NZ Derby hopefuls greet the starter in the Gr.3 Grant Plumbing Wellington Stakes (3YO, 1600m) this Saturday.

Of the 12 horse field, no less than 7 hold nominations for the Classic feature on the 6th of March and to this, an additional 2 horses are bound for the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks on March 20th.

Heading these Derby entrants by way of current rating is the Shaune Ritchie-trained Military Move (NZ) (Volksraad).

Successful on debut last September, Military Move (NZ) has fashioned a smart stakes record since.

His three subsequent starts read a 2nd in the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes; a 3rd in the Wellington Guineas (1500m); and a 2nd placed effort in last November’s Gr.1 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m).

Those posting the sternest proven black-type opposition to Military Move (NZ) on Saturday include the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (1600m) winner, Joey Massino (NZ) (O’Reilly); and the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) winner, Veronica Franco (NZ) (Johar).

Trained by Andrew Scott at Wexford Stables, Irish Jewel (Street Cry x Lowan Behold, by Umatilla) currently sits tenth in the Karaka Million order of entry with $9,375 in prize-money, a position which assures the filly a start in the $1,000,000 race.

Irish Jewel is owned by Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, along with Sir Michael Fay who was on-course to see his filly gallop this morning. By leading international sire Street Cry, Irish Jewel is a quality type who fetched $125,000 from the 2009 Karaka Select Sale draft of Twin Pines.

The Mike and Paul Moroney trained Nacho Man (Mr Nancho x El Coriero, by The Jogger) is in position 15 with $6,250 and would currently make the 14 horse field with the defection of Encosta Diablo (Encosta De Lago).

Nacho Man, like Irish Jewel, carries the Twin Pines brand and, testament to his powerful type, is the fact that he brought $27,000 at the 2009 Festival Sale to the bid of Tom and Shelley Murtagh of Esker Lodge. The Murtaghs now share the ownership with Singapore trainer Michael Clements, Chris Grace (Hamilton), and Paul Pang.

Galloping together, Irish Jewel (Lance O'Sullivan) on the rail and Nacho Man (Craig Grylls) on her outside, the pair pleased onlookers when hitting the line together in a strong gallop with the rail out 9 metres.

Irish Jewel (inside) and Nacho Man (outside) in action in the Ellerslie straight

Upon their return to the birdcage both O'Sullivan and Grylls were extremely happy with their respective charges. For Nacho Man connections it was now a nervous wait and see if their gelding could maintain his place in the KM field over the next three days.

Dangers to the strapping brown son of Mr Nancho include Kylemore Abbey (One Cool Cat x Blackrock College, by Volksraad) who, with a win today in the Taranaki, would take Nacho Man's place in the field with $6,350 in earnings.

A favourable result for Nacho Man today would then see connections focussed on the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) at Trentham on Saturday. Although in the field, Paul Moroney has confirmed that Nacho Man will not start, which leaves five Karaka Million eligible runners in the $85,000 event.

This is where the mathematics begin, remembering that leading non-KM juveniles Cellarmaster (Dubawi) and Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park) also take their place in the 14 horse field at Trentham.

Peter Hurdle's Aladdin Prince (Volksraad) looks to have already guaranteed a start with $8,000 in prize-money which puts him ahead of Nacho Man in the order of entry.

Murray and Bjorn Baker's Shekels (Volksraad x Dosh) and Mark Walker's Likeapins (Pins x Lisa Kay) have $3,850 and $3,450 in the bank respectively and both would need to at least run fourth ($4,000) on Saturday to leap-frog Nacho Man for a position in the Karaka Million.

Dick and Chris Bothwell's Blinding (Black Minnaloushe x Dazzling Walk) and Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen's Vital Choice (Stratum x Queens Move) make up the remainder of the KM nominated juveniles and both would need to run at least third ($8,000) in the Group 2 feature to put themselves in the Karaka Million.

After this morning's gallop both Irish Jewel and Nancho Man look primed for a start in the third running of the $1,000,000 Karaka Million which is set to jump at 7.23pm at Ellerslie (31 January) on the eve of the Karaka National Yearling Sales Series (1- 8 February).

The sponsor of this year's race, New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance, has stepped up to the plate with the generous support of its UK Underwriters.

NZB Insurance Manager Jim Bruford said the Underwriters are delighted to be supporting their New Zealand clients by sponsoring at this exciting event.

"NZB has an excellent, longstanding relationship with the London Insurance Market insuring bloodstock all over the world, insuring many of the star racehorses in New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"Our staff here at NZB have many years of experience in the bloodstock insurance market, and we've developed a reputation for excellence in placing difficult risks, and paying claims, in a discerning market where client confidence in quality of service and security of cover is paramount. Our Underwriters are key to us providing that superior service and we're thrilled to have them on board at the Karaka Million Twilight Meeting."

The first $200,000 Karaka 3YO Mile has drawn some of New Zealand's leading three-year-olds, as well as some promising up-and-comers.

The field, which is based on NZTR ratings with the lowest ratings being eliminated until a maximum field of 18 is determined, will be headed in 2010 by Stephen McKee's Group 1 winning juvenile Kaaptan (Kaapstad). He has 85 rating points and will head the field after the defection of Katie Lee (Pins) who will focus on the NZB Filly of the Year Series.

Following closely behind this pair is Peter McKay's Group 2 Avondale Guineas (1600m) winner Joey Massino (O'Reilly) who will race this weekend in the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) before backing up into the Karaka 3YO Mile in just under a fortnight.

Fellow Group 2 winner Keyora (Bachelor Duke) will also take his place in the field for John Wheeler if fit and well, while Mike and Paul Moroney's star Bachelor Duke three-year-old Prince of Wales will line up after being pipped at the post in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas at his last start.

A decision on Peter Moody's trans-Tasman assault with Encosta Belief (Encosta De Lago) will be made later in the week after the gelding easily dispatched of his rivals again on Saturday in Melbourne. The win now gives Encosta Belief a Melbourne option as a lead up to the $2,000,000 Group 1 Telecom NZ Derby on 6 March.

The Mark Walker stable is well represented with two probable starters including Group 1 placed juvenile Corsage (Volksraad) and promising staying type Martial Art (Tiger Hill). Opie Bosson has been confirmed as the rider for Corsage while Martial Art will be partnered by James McDonald.

The John Sargent stable has confirmed last start Ellerslie mile winner Pure Cruising (Pure Theatre) and Group 2 Eight Carat Stakes placed Blonde Bombshell (Towkay) as starters, while No Emotion (Savabeel) will also be nominated with the hope of making the field.

Promising fillies Loviste (Black Minaloushe) and November Rain (Stravinsky) are both possibles rather than probables, while NZ Derby bound Tanha Strike (Octagonal), a last start Ellerslie winner for Bruce Wallace, and Time Keeper (Stravinsky), placed in the Group 2 Great Northern Guineas, are both set to be a part of the 18-horse field.

At this stage 70 rating points looks a possible cut-off which should see Yves Seguin's Group 1 Levin Classic placed Green Supreme (Oasis Dream), Richard Yuill's Kilkenny (Volksraad), Roger James and Paul Mirabelli's Shigeru (Ishiguru), Karen Fursdon and Gemma Sliz's Walk Away (Van Nistelrooy), Dean, Donna Logan and Chris Gibbs' C'mon Cuba (Thorn Park) and Allan Sharrock's Ballybit (Spartacus) get runs if they decide to target the 1600m event.

Likely on the cusp of a start are Bejewelled (Pins), Belle De Jeu (Not a Single Doubt), Bewitch (Bachelor Duke), The Party Stand (Thorn Park), and Volgus (Volksraad) who all currently have 69 rating points.

The $200,000 Karaka 3YO Mile is Race 3 on the six-race card, and should prove the perfect stepping stone towards the Group 1 NZ Derby for many.

The Group One New Zealand Oaks, held each season on the Champagne Turf at Trentham will benefit from a new major sponsor, with the race now to be known as ‘The Wellfield New Zealand Oaks’ in a potential three year deal completed between the Palmerston North thoroughbred Nursery and RACE, the organisation managing racing at the Lower North Islands premier racing venue.
“ We are delighted to associate ourselves formally with the New Zealand Oaks” commented Wellfield Principal Bill Gleeson. “The Oaks is unquestionably the race we all aim for to test our best fillies and our female families, and as breeders on a significant scale, it is a great marriage. Our Aim is to see the Wellfield brand develop into one of the strongest in our industry, and obviously our association with one of the countries’ most important races is a part of that strategy”
“ We can now play our part in ensuring the profile of this great race is maintained, not only here in New Zealand, but also in Australia, our key market place. The record of so many of the recent winners and place getters when they have crossed the Tasman has been sensational, and over time, the importance of the race has been a key feature in the pedigrees of some now dominant broodmares.”
“The Wellfield Oaks is one of the key races held in our region, and as Central Districts breeders, it feels right to not only be supporting our Breeding Industry nationally, but also our Racing Industry local level.”
RACE Chief Executive, Matt Reid, said “ We are very pleased to have such a reputable name and organisation partnering us for one of our most prestigious events in 2010 and are confident both parties will sign off a three year partnership in the coming weeks”

Trainer Danny O'Brien said Keano safely negotiated the trip across to Auckland on Sunday to prepare for the Group 1 sprint.

Leith Innes has been booked for the ride, with Keano weighted at 52.5kg for the 1200m event.

"We think it's do-able. He arrived at Waikato Stud on Monday and we will float him down on Thursday night," O'Brien said of the entire's travel plans to get to Wellington for the race.

"There's a couple of New Zealand connections and he's very well bred, so a Group 1 would look great on his CV."

Keano, a $A450,000 yearling purchase at the Sydney sales, is by Waikato Stud's sire Pins out of O'Really, a daughter of Centaine and champion mare Courtza.

Among the stallion's owners are Waikato Stud's Garry Chittick and Little Avondale Stud's Sam Williams.

O'Brien declared Keano "the best three-year-old in Australia" a year ago but he's mixed his form since.

Keano has five wins from 14 starts, with his best victory coming in the listed Lightning Handicap (1000m) on a heavy track at Eagle Farm on June 6. He was also group three placed at the Brisbane winter carnival.

He won the Red Tempo Sprint (1000m) at Flemington on December 19 but failed at his last start in the group three Standish Handicap (1200m) on the same track on New Year's Day.

"He missed the start by four lengths and they went slow in front that day," O'Brien said.

"He's not a Group 1 winner and he's still got to step up, but it's a handicap and he's got a light weight."

Keano shortened to $16 on the NZ TAB's fixed odds market when O'Brien confirmed the trip.

The puzzle that is January’s 30th’s Gr.2 Wellington Cup (2400m) took on a whole new complexity on Saturday.

Injecting the field with the Zabeel Cup horse ‘x’ factor, Heat Haze (NZ) catapulted herself into second line betting recognition behind Red Ruler (NZ) and Booming (NZ) with a barn storming performance in the Listed Gallagher Group Marton Cup (2200m) at Awapuni.

With only a few behind her rounding the bend, the 5YO daughter of Zabeel responded gamely to the urges of rider Lisa Allpress, bounding down the outside to reel in the breakaway pacemaker Cassini (Reset) by a half length.

Filling third 2 ½ ;engths away was Tittsgitten (NZ) (Danske).

The win represented the Paul Jenkins-trained galloper’s 6th win in a lightly raced career spanning 20 starts.

Patiently handled, Heat Haze (NZ) impeded her development as a yearling, when rearing in the float and smashing her poll. According to the NZPA, further interruption was to be incurred as a spring 3YO, when surgery was required to remedy chipped fetlocks.

Safely through her intended Wellington Cup assignment, Gr.1 honours could be in the reckoning by way of a start in the Auckland Cup (3200m).

Success here would represent the second Zabeel mare to shine for Jenkins and the horse’s breeder/part-owner Lorna Moore, with success previously landed with Bazelle (NZ).

Co-owned with Gary Moore and Andrew and Dawn Hutson, Heat Haze (NZ) combines the bloodlines of Zabeel with the American Zafonic mare Western Flame.

Serving as an extremely timely fillip, a 5/8th mirroring of these bloodlines is to be offered by Loch-Haven Thoroughbreds at Karaka in 2010, when a Darci Brahma half-sister to Heat Haze (NZ) is presented at the Select Sale on February 4.

As expected the race was hotly contested from the get go with a fast race pace dictated by Icepin (Pins x Ice Maiden, by O'Reilly) and Belles Fast (Fastnet Rock x Cast Your Fate, by Bletchingly), with race favourite and debutant Mr Spock (Starcraft x Impulsive Rhythm, by Rubiton) stalking the pair in third on the fence.

Sam Spratt on Icepin and Michael Walker on Belles Fast kicked for home immediately after straightening and the two matched strides down to the 50m mark before Icepin on the outside got the upper hand, eventually scoring by a long head.

It was a big-hearted performance considering he had worked hard to share the lead from a wide barrier and he fully deserved the $9,000 winner's cheque which took him to eighth position in the current Karaka Million Order of Entry.

Mark Walker trained Icepin is thus guaranteed a spot in New Zealand's richest juvenile race which will see him race in the $1,000,000 event on Sunday, 31 January.

Owner Herbie Dyke has had plenty to do with the Karaka Million since it's inception in 2008 with Raid (Pins) running third for him in the inaugural event, and Tossed and Turned (Secret Savings) just missing a start in 2009.

Dyke said post race, "I had three runners today but this is the race I really wanted to win. This is the greatest feeling, winning a race at Ellerslie is the ultimate and I cannot wait to be on course again for the million dollar event".

Interestingly, Icepin is similarly bred to Raid being by Pins out of an O'Reilly mare, a real Waikato Stud flavour in the cross and it was of course the Chittick family who sold Icepin at Karaka Premier last year for $40,000.

Also the sire of Katie Lee, El Segundo, and Waikato, Pins is an established leading sire through Australasia and South East Asia and at Karaka 2010 he will be represented by 61 yearlings - Premier, Select, and Festival.

Five yearlings in the Premier Session represent the successful Pins/O'Reilly cross including a full sister to Raid (Lot 228), a colt out of a half-sister to Ugachaka and Country Rose (Lot 261), the first foal of stakes-winner Ballymore Lass (Lot 285), a half-brother to this season's Listed Soliloquy Stakes winner Masquerade (Lot 374), and a filly from a full-sister to Group 1 Manikato Stakes and Group 1 Goodwood Handicap placed The Big Chill (Lot 411).

Allan Sharrock trained Belles Fast, in running second to Icepin yesterday, also looks to have guaranteed herself a start in the $1,000,000 Karaka Million with her $8,125 in accumulated earnings placing her in tenth position on the current KM Order of Entry.

With only two remaining juvenile races, Maiden 2Y0 at Taranaki (21 January) and Group 3 Wakefield Challenge Stakes at Trentham (23 January), that look as though they could change the current KM order, connections will be following the progress of their competitorss closely. Here is what we know currently:

1. Big River (Mark Walker): Has recovered well after running fourth in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and will race next in the Karaka Million.

2. Encosta Diablo (Mark Walker): Has resumed from a spell and will not take his place in the Karaka Million.

3. Everlasting (Frank Ritchie): Has recovered well from his third place finish in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes and will contest the Karaka Million next.

4. Banchee (John Sargent): Has recovered well from her second place finish in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes and will contest the Karaka Million next.

5. Sirrio (Lance Noble): Good fifth at Ellerslie yesterday. All set for the Karaka Million in a fortnight.

6. Sister Havana (Liam Birchley): Ran fourth in the $50,000 QTIS 2YO Handicap (1000m) in Brisbane yesterday. I decision on travelling to New Zealand to contest the Karaka Million will be made early next week.

7. Hoofit (Steve McKee): Done well since his win at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and will race next in the Karaka Million.

8. Icepin (Mark Walker): Superb effort to win yesterday which bodes well for his next start, the $1,000,000 Karaka Million.

9. Miss Marauder (Matthew Eales): Has come through her win at Manawatu well and has been working right handed in preparation for the Karaka Million.

10. Belles Fast (Alan Sharrock): Strong effort for second yesterday which bodes well for her next start, the $1,000,000 Karaka Million.

11. Irish Jewel (Andrew Scott): Will gallop at Ellerslie next Thursday with the Karaka Million set as her next race-day assignment.

12. My Cool Jo (Paul Belsham): Has done well after racing a touch greenly when third at Woodville on Saturday and, after a week at the beach, will race next in the Karaka Million.

13. Aladdin Prince (Peter Hurdle): Trialled well to win right handed at Paeroa on 6 January after a short let-up. The Karaka Million is his next assignment.

14. Brave Warrior (Kevin Hughes and Dean Wiles): Won well last start and will race next in the Karaka Million.

15. Nacho Man (Mike and Paul Moroney): Won well last start and will race next in the Karaka Million.

16. Kallisan (Kevin Gray): Filly has done well since last start second placing behind Nacho Man. May race in $6,000 maiden 2YO race at Taranaki on 21 January to secure herself a place in the Karaka million field.

The dates for the 84th Karaka National Yearling Sales Series are as follows:

· Premier Sale: 1 & 2 February
· Select Sale: 3, 4, and 5 February
· Festival Sale: 7 & 8 February
To request a catalogue contact reception@nzb.co.nz.
For assistance with your trip to New Zealand please contact Hospitality Coordinator Victoria Vela at victoria.vela@nzb.co.nz or phone +64 9 298 0055.

The 2009 Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) hero Court Ruler (NZ) continues his nominated path towards Jan 30's Gr.2 Wellington Cup (2400m) and March 10’s Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) on Saturday.

Heading out in the Listed Gallagher Group Marton Cup (Opn Hcp, 2200m), the John Wheeler-trained 4YO is poised to encounter 15 opponents with 55 kg’s and the services of Matthew Cameron on his back.

Drawn barrier 2, the Viking Ruler gelding will be having just his second start in this term but given the line taken through his 2400m Derby win and his victory in the Gr.3 Trentham Stakes over 2100m, he has the class to see Saturday’s 2200m trip out with distinction.

With proven form at the 2200m distance, opponents Jowka (NZ) (Towkay) and Under And Over (NZ) (Danasinga) similarly look well suited.

The grey galloper Jowka (NZ) won the Trentham Cup (2200m) 6 starts back, whilst the 5YO mare Under And Over (NZ) showed her penchant at the trip at last start, winning the More FM Hcp at Manawatu on Boxing Day.

Strong recent form and course specialist honours also recommends the competitive chance of Manonamission (NZ) (Kilamanjaro).

Victorious at Awapuni on 7 occasions, Manonamission (NZ) was third to Red Ruler (NZ) at his last start in the Gr.2 City of Auckland Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day.

The field for the Listed Gallagher Group Marton Cup

# FORM HORSE DRAW RTG WGT JOCKEY TRAINER
1 X2123 Manonamission (NZ) 5 102 57 Opie Bosson Lisa Latta (Kilimanjaro x Arctic Life)
2 30221 Titsgittin (NZ) 17 102 57 Lance Robinson Ross Beckett (Danske x Showplace)
3 9X095 Hurrah (NZ) 14 100 56 Jonathan Riddell John Kiernan (Bahhare x Shock Attack)
4 120X8 Stand Tall (NZ) 7 99 55.5 Chad Ormsby John Wheeler (Zabeel x Grand Archway)
5 051X8 Court Ruler (NZ) 2 98 55 Matthew Cameron John Wheeler (Viking Ruler x Free Court)
6 70456 Butch James (NZ) 13 96 54.5 Robert Hannam Adrian Bull (Volksraad x Gillygate)
7 58X25 Jowka (NZ) 4 92 53.5 Mark Sweeney Mark Oulaghan (Towkay x Jovita)
8 13851 Biggles (NZ) 16 90 53 Masa Tanaka (a) Ian Adams (Bertolini x Shahzamani)
9 11331 Regal Governor (NZ) 1 90 53 Kelly Myers Joanne Moss (Deputy Governor x Little Vel)
10 27102 Heat Haze (NZ) 6 85 53 Lisa Allpress Paul Jenkins (Zabeel x Western Flame)
11 28852 Kaapeon Way (NZ) 8 85 53 Darryl Bradley Grant Searle (Kaapstad x Leontyne)
12 73321 Cassini (AUS) 10 84 53 Rosie Myers (a) Mark Oulaghan (Reset x Mathematical)
13 45685 Our Showboat (NZ) 15 83 53 Craig Grylls Ken McDonald (Monolith x Reckless Spirit)
14 2181 Under And Over (NZ) 9 78 53 Paul Taylor David Haworth & Matt Dixon (Danasinga x Quiescent)
15 12262 Ranginui (NZ) 12 77 53 Noel Harris Paul Reid (Montjeu x Hinewai)
16 4601 Black Fox (NZ) 11 75 53 Buddy Lammas Kevin Dell (Foxbay x Black Chill)
17 59495 B1 Almuta Wawho (NZ) 3 65 53 Janelle Millar

14/1/2010 NZTR introduces industry standard training track bylaws

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has introduced industry standard bylaws for training venues in New Zealand.

This initiative has been developed following a recommendation from the Jockey's Safety Review Group (JSRG). It was agreed that NZTR should obtain training track guidelines from the 12 major training venues with a view to standardising guidelines for those tracks as well as other venues.

The Matamata Racing Club's bylaws were used as the template and starting point for developing these industry standard bylaws.

NZTR, together with Rick Lanigan from the Department of Labour and the Matamata Racing Club, drafted the first set of training track bylaws. These have been further improved in consultation with industry experts.

It is acknowledged that many training centres already have adequate bylaws. These bylaws created by NZTR can be used at venues that either have out of date bylaws or no bylaws at all.

In terms of compliance, these bylaws will be added to the National Venue Guidelines checklist.

NZTR and the NZTR Integrity Committee will review the bylaws every six months.

A copy of the training track bylaws is available at http://www.nzracing.co.nz/Downloads/Training Track Bylaws1.pdf

Competition heating up for New Zealand's richest race

The competition for New Zealand's richest race, the $2.2 million Telecom New Zealand Derby, is heating up with top names from across New Zealand and Australia making appearances in the latest order of entry.

Zarzuela, Time Keeper and Prince of Wales head the order after scoring exemption from ballot as the first three home in The New Zealand Herald Great Northern Guineas which took place on Boxing Day.

VRC Derby winner, Monaco Consul is next on the order with over $1.28 million in winnings across the season to date. The impressive colt is followed by New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series leader, Katie Lee, with fellow filly series competitors St Germaine and Blonde Bombshell also in the top 20.

Australians Umatain, trained by Clinton McDonald, and Encosta Belief, trained by Peter Moody, are high on the order and will be looking to make the trip across the Tasman while compatriots Finishing Card and Pheromone sit at places 22 and 24 respectively so still have some dollars to earn.

"We're still over seven weeks out from the Derby and with just $15,500 between 15th and 25th places on the order, the competition will be fierce. There are still plenty of opportunities to improve positions on the order as well as ballot exemptions available to the first four home in the Group 2 Championship Stakes here at Ellerslie on 20 February," said Auckland Racing Club Director of Racing Andrew Castles.

An updated order of entry will be available at http://www.nzracing.co.nz/ each Monday between now and the Telecom New Zealand Derby on 6 March.

This is the latest order of Entry for Karaka Million 2010 - Updated on 5 January 2010.

Currently leading the entry table is the Mark Walker trained Big River (NZ), a colt by General Nediym who was purchased at the 2009 Premier Sale by Laurie Laxon from the draft of Whakanui Stud for $150,000.

NAME TRAINER SALE PRICE VENDOR STAKES EARNED

Big River Mark Walker K1 $150,000 Whakanui Stud $33,025
Encosta Diablo Mark Walker K1 $600,000 Pencarrow Stud $32,225
Everlasting Frank Ritchie K1 $160,000 Windsor Park Stud $20,150
Banchee John Sargent K1 $375,000 Hallmark Stud $19,550
Sirrio Lance Noble K2 $15,000 JK Farm $19,025
Hoofit Stephen McKee K1 $60,000 Shelby Park $11,975
Miss Marauder Matthew Eales K3 $30,000 Ainsley Downs Stud $10,500
Sister Havana Liam Birchley K2 $40,000 Shelby Park A$8,000
Irish Jewel Andrew Scott K2 $125,000 Twin Pines $9,375
Aladdin Prince Peter Hurdle K2 $50,000 Windsor Park Stud $8,000
My Cool Jo Paul Belsham K2 $2,500 Cambridge Stud $7,985
Brave Warrior Keven Hughes & Dean Wiles K3 $36,000 Twin Pines $7,700
Belles Fast Allan Sharrock K1 $450,000 Curraghmore Stud $5,325
Twilight Savings Murray Baker K2 $20,000 Twin Pines $4,200
Shekels Murray & Bjorn Baker K2 $18,000 Leanach Lodge $3,850
Patsy O'Reilly Eamonn Green K2 $30,000 Seaton Park $3,750
She's a Cougar Andrew Scott K1 $50,000 Cambridge Stud $3,750
Likeapins Mark Walker K2 $16,000 Brighthill Farm $3,450
Kallisan Kevin Gray K1 $220,000 Little Avondale Stud $3,000
Condescender Mike & Paul Moroney K2 $60,000 Chesterfields Ltd $2,850
Sweet Suitor Graeme and Debbie Rogerson K2 $12,000 The Oaks Stud $2,800
My Lead Bruce Wallace K2 $22,000 Lyndhurst Farm $2,650
Kylemore Abbey John Wheeler K1 $85,000 Cambridge Stud $2,600
Icepin Mark Walker K1 $40,000 Waikato Stud $2,450
Trapiche Richard & Chris Otto K3 $25,000 Archer Park $2,350
Shamabelle Donna & Dean Logan & Chris Gibbs K2 $25,000 Haunui Farm $1,800
Blinding Dick and Chris Bothwell K2 $17,000 Haunui Farm $1,750
Rio Negra Don Dwyer K3 $15,000 Twin Pines $1,650
Change of Heart Mark Walker K2 $34,000 The Oaks Stud $1,400
Macau Mark Walker K1 $260,000 Kendayla Park $1,200
Fastnet Lady Graeme & Mark Sanders K1 $82,500 The Oaks Stud $1,000
Common Goal Shaune Ritchie K2 $20,000 Wentwood Grange $875
Beam Me Up Mark Walker K2 $21,000 The Oaks Stud $750
Reason and Rhyme Mark Walker K1 $300,000 Esker Lodge $600
San Leonardo Stephen McKee K1 $160,000 Trelawney Stud $600
Savilhro Mark Walker K1 $50,000 Haunui Farm $550
Versailles Terry Wenn K3 $22,000 M. W. McIlraith $550
Lamrighini Graeme and Mark Sanders K3 $2,250 Hallmark Stud $500
Grande Rosso Peter McKay K1 $50,000 Shelby Park $450
Denmark Stephen McKee K1 $32,500 The Oaks Stud $400
Lady Brunnhilde Graeme & Mark Sanders K1 $220,000 Cambridge Stud $400
Fleches d'Amour Rachael Frost K3 $1,750 Te Runga Stud $375
Jungle Cat Bruce Wallace K1 $100,000 Haunui Farm $350
Miss Thorn Mark Walker K2 $56,000 Windsor Park Stud $300
General Georgi Mark Walker K1 $200,000 Cambridge Stud $250
Black Berry Punch Richard Collett K3 $28,000 Berkley Stud $200
Atomic Road Mark Brosnan K3 $8,000 Ashford Park Stud $200
Big Ace Mark Walker K1 $240,000 Pencarrow Stud $200
Gijima Mark Walker K1 $130,000 Curraghmore Stud $200
King Rangi Graeme and Mark Saunders K2 $6,000 Windsor Park Stud $200
The Needle Patrick & Trent Busuttin K2 $37,000 Haunui Farm $200
Vital Choice Guy Lowry & Grant Cullen K2 $47,500 Haunui Farm $150

Carrying 58.5kg Encosta Belief (Encosta De Lago x Plaisir d'Amour, by Danehill) secured his second victory, with his nine career starts to date showing tremendous consistency with four second placings, two fourths, and a fifth, on top of his wins.

Adding further strength behind his bid to take on some of New Zealand's leading three-year-olds including Katie Lee, Joey Massino, and Prince of Wales, is Encosta Belief's form around some of Australia's leading athletes of the same age.

At his second start as a juvenile Encosta Belief ran second, two-and-a-half lengths behind Denman (Lonhro) who two months later won the $1,000,000 Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m).

On three separate occasions Encosta Belief also finished immediately behind Stoneblack (Danzero) who has been three times stakes-placed behind Extra Zero (Danzero), the horse who put in a huge effort to finish second behind Monaco Consul (High Chaparral) in the Group 1 VRC Derby.

With Derbys in mind, Moody has every intention of using the $200,000 Karaka Million 3YO Trophy (1600m) as a stepping stone for Encosta Belief's tilt at the $2,200,000 Telecom New Zealand Derby (2400m) on 6 March.

The Group 2 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie on 20 February has also been indicated as a likely start for Encosta Belief a fortnight prior to the Telecom Derby.

Moody has an eye for a Derby runner at Karaka and testament to this is the fact that at the 2008 Karaka Premier Sale the leading Victorian trainer signed for two Encosta De Lago colts at $150,000 apiece.

One is of course Encosta Belief, the other is Hanks (ex Sister Fromseattle) who won the Group 2 AAMI Vase (2040m) this season before being spelled in preparation for the Group 1 AJC Derby in the Autumn.

Encosta Belief was purchased from Denny and Mark Baker's Hallmark Stud who this year will offer nine yearlings at Karaka Premier including a bay colt by Encosta De Lago.

Lot 361 - Bay Colt - Encosta De Lago x Danzanta (King of Kings) - Hallmark Stud

A colt from a strong international family that includes his Group 1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes winning grand-dam Love Lock (Silver Ghost).
Mark Baker says of the colt, "He ticks every box. He is a great mover and has a great attitude; you can't fill him up and you can't keep him up."
The $200,000 Karaka Million 3YO Trophy is set to join the $1,000,000 Karaka Million (juveniles) for the very first time at Ellerslie's twilight race-meeting on 31 January.

With entry based on NZTR ratings, which Australian entrants will be attain when arriving in New Zealand, there has been plenty of movement in the Karaka 3YO Trophy Order of Entry over the Christmas - New Year period with over 10 eligible victors in under two weeks.

Last year Birchley staged his Karaka Million assault with his $110,000 Karaka Select Sale purchase, Sarge in Charge (Golan) who finished second behind The Heckler.

Again combining with Aquanita Racing, Birchely looks to have serious ammo this year in Sister Havana (General Nediym x Ultima Vita, by Canny Lad) who destroyed a maiden field of two-year-olds in Brisbane on 2 January, winning by four lengths over Celestial Charger (Charge Forward), and ten lengths ahead of third placed D'Jet (Jetspur).

The win took her earnings to A$8,000 (approx NZ$10,000) and looks to have guaranteed her a spot in New Zealand's richest juvenile race set for Ellerslie on 31 January.

Purchased by Aquanita from Bob and Glenda Skinner's Shelby Park for $40,000 at the Karaka Select Sale, Sister Havana's only other start was her debut performance for seventh behind highly rated Gybe (Fastnet Rock) in the 13 horse Listed Gimcrack Stakes field.

From a well noted fast and precocious family, Sister Havana is half-sister to Group placed Hong Kong sprinter Tchaikovsky (Snippets) with further family relations including 2009 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Reward for Effort (Exceed and Excel) and stakes winning juvenile fillies Catnipped, Chuckle, and Miss Prospect.

Sister Havana is set to run again in Australia before making her way to New Zealand where she will be based, like Sarge in Charge, at Pukekohe Park.

Apart from Sister Havana moving into eighth position in the Karaka Million order of entry, other top 14 movement came from solid performances in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) on New Year's Day.

Banchee (Oratorio x Miss Jessie Jay, by Spectacularphantom) finished fast for second in the event which jumped her to fourth position in the overall standings with $19,550 in earnings.

Third and fourth place-getters in the Group 3 Eclipse, Everlasting (General Nediym x Tristachine, by Sir Tristram) and Big River (General Nediym x Zoilus, by Maroof), both strengthened their positions with Big River the current top earner with $33,025, and Everlasting in third spot with $20,150.

Click here for the latest standings in the 2010 Karaka Million Order of Entry with just six two-year-old events left on the New Zealand racing calendar between now and 31 January, 2010.

Ill-fated leading sire General Nediym, with three of the top 10 Karaka million entrants, has proven again that he is a superior juvenile producing stallion and has his last couple of yearling crops selling over the next two years.

Karaka 2010 will see five colts by 'The General' offered, four in Premier and one in the Select Session.

Amongst these are a colt out of stakes-winning mare Candy (Lot 313), colts out of well related Danehill mares Miss Debonair (Lot 51) and Entrust (Lot 392), the first foal of Penny Gem's (Pentire) six time winning full-sister Gemstone (Lot 418), and from Bluegables, a three-quarter brother to Au Chocolat (General Nediym) and Isurava (General Nediym) at Lot 828.

Red Ruler
Good enough to run second three times at Group 1 level on both sides of the Tasman including the Group 1 AJC Derby, Red Ruler (Viking Ruler x Ransom Bay, Red Ransom) capped off strong recent form with a solid length and a half victory in the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup on Friday.

Ridden by Mark Du Plessis, Red Ruler enjoyed the box seat for much of the 2400m journey before sprinting to the lead shortly in the home straight, a lead he maintained all the way to the line to beat Fazza (I Conquer) by a length and a half in 2.27.22.

The win took Red Ruler's earnings over the $1,000,000 mark after being purchased by his trainer John Sargent for $60,000 out of the Trelawney Stud draft at Karaka Premier.

Raced by NZTR Chairman Guy Sargent, former Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman Ron Aculli, and Andrew Meehan, Red Ruler has international travel plans in the pipeline with his trainer declaring a start in the Group 1 Hong Kong Queen Elizabeth II Cup on 25 April a distinct possibility.

Red Ruler is the second Group winner for his sire Viking Ruler this season following Kroner's Group 2 STC Premier Stakes win for Bart Cummings in August.

Viking Ruler, who is proving exceptionally versatile with stakes performers in Australia, England, Singapore, and New Zealand, is represented by 20 yearlings at Karaka 2010 (Premier, Select, and Festival) with Cambridge Stud selling five of these in the Premier Session.

Red Ruler's closest relative at Karaka 2010 will be offered by Dormello Stud at Lot 584. Their bay colt by Duelled out of Notawordtomary (Black Minnaloushe), a half-sister to Red Ruler, is set to sell on day one of the Karaka Select Session, 3 February.

La Etoile
Windsor Park Stud's young sire Thorn Park took his number of individual stakes winners to an impressive eight, 7% stakes winners to runners, when gifted La Etoile (Thorn Park x Desert Wine, by Deputy Governor) stormed home from last to win the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile.

The four-year-old mare who placed third in the Group 3 Queensland Guineas last season pierced a wall of horses in the final 50 metres of the $100,000 event to score by a long head over Mill Duckie (Magic Ring).

A grand-daughter of Group 1 NZ Oaks and Group 1 AJC Oaks winner Domino (Grosvenor), La Etoile was purchased by her trainer Roger James for $70,000 from Chequers Stud at the 2007 Karaka Premier Sale.

Raced by The Skews Family Trust, La Etoile has now won five from 16 starts with close to $200,000 in earnings just reward for the class of horse the mare has now beat.

La Etoile will get her shot at Group 1 level later in the month when she travels to Trentham to contest the Group 1 Thorndon Mile on 30 January.

Her sire Thorn Park is amassing a tidy record for a stallion with his oldest just four year olds. A Group 1 winner from the famous Denise's Joy family, Thorn Park is represented by 36 yearlings at Karaka 2010 (Premier, Select, and Festival) with plenty of selection through every session of the Series.

The highlight on paper looks Lot 129, a bay half-brother to tough triple Group 1 winning mare Miss Potential offered by Richfield Thoroughbred Farm.

The first race past a mile in the Series, the Royal Stakes annually highlights the fillies capable of moving through to a Group 1 NZ Oaks campaign and this past Friday Adaline (Court of Jewels x Red Covet) proved her staying prowess when asked to sit handy to the pace in the New Year's Day fillies feature.

Her versatility in being able to work early earned her a handy position one back and one off the rail, and, as the field swung into the home straight, her placement by Leith Innes' proved the winning advantage over well performed fillies like Katie Lee (Pins) and Veronica Franco (Johar).

The winning margin was half a length over Katie Lee, who sat last in running and sprinted hard late, while La Collina (Van Nistelrooy) held on for third over Veronica Franco to gain her first two points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series.

Katie Lee, with four points for second, took her leading tally to 28.5 points and took her a step closer to the Filly of the Year crown, especially when considering her tally has only been bettered by one three-year-old filly, Princess Coup's 39 points in 2006/07, over the past four racing seasons.

Adaline was purchased by Trevor McKee from Seaton Park at the 2008 Karaka Select Sale. Outlaying $28,000 for the grand-daughter of Group 2 Great Northern Challenge Stakes winner Soleil Rouge (Red Tempo), Trevor McKee races the filly on his own account in which over $100,000 has been deposited over an eight start career.

With four events left in the race to be crowned New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year, Adaline still has a chance to run down Katie Lee's 16.5 point lead.

Blandford Lodge will offer three colts from the same family as Adaline at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale this coming February. All three are from daughters of Soleil Etoile (Star Way), a half-sister to Soleil Rouge who has produced Group 2 winner Silky Red Boxer and Group 1 Australasian Oaks placed Star of Gretchen (dam of Lot 434) on the track to date.

Lot 193 - Brown Colt - Darci Brahma x Staryn Glenn (Montjeu)

Lot 205 - Bay Colt - Oratorio x Tarzie (City On a Hill)

Lot 434 - Bay Colt - Royal Academy x Gretchen (Bahhare)

The next race in the NZB Filly of the Year Series is the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) set for Trentham on Saturday, 30 January.

As part of a quality packed race-card at Ellerslie on New Year's Day the $100,000 event for three-year-old fillies is one of five Group races on the card highlighted by the running of the Group 1 Railway Handicap (1200m).

The NZB Royal Stakes is the sixth event in the ten-race New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series and in the past 50 years it has been won by superior fillies the calibre of La Mer, Kindled, Noble Heights, Shagolvin, Solveig, Royal Heights, Plume, Alacrity, Arletty, Tycoon Lil, Savannah Success, Sarwatch, La Bella Dama, Shikoba, and Satinka.

This race has the ability to give the Filly of the Year table a real shake-up as it is the first Series race contested past 1600 and like last week's Eight Carat Stakes, eight Series points are awarded to the winner, four for second, and two points for third.

The unstoppable current Series leader Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay, by Spectacularphantom) backs up into the 2000m event after proving victorious in the Group 2 Eight Carat Stakes (1600m) on Boxing Day.

A dominant leader with 24.5 points, 17.5 points ahead of Keep the Peace (Keeper), Katie Lee won't be setting records like her Guineas double if she backs up for victory as Satinka (Stravinsky) achieved the Eight Carat - Royal Stakes double just two years ago.

Drawn seven in the 12 horse field with regular hoop Opie Bosson aboard, Katie Lee should find a handy spot in running and will again take all sorts of beating providing she sees out the trip for her trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson.

Veronica Franco (Johar x Crystal Hailey, by Greinton) is the only filly to beat Katie Lee in her past five starts, and the Roger James/Paul Mirabelli trained filly looks the Series leader's biggest danger again on Friday from barrier nine.

The big filly finishes off her races strongly and the step up to 2000m now looks ideal after her past three victories at a mile.

Stable-mate Adulterer (Traditionally x It's My Sin, by Success Express) looks to also appreciate more ground with strong late finishes her past four starts including third in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes, two and a half lengths behind Veronica Franco.

Owned by Patinack Farm, Adulterer will have the services of Michael Rodd on Saturday from barrier six.

Bar Veronica Franco, Stephen McKee's Adaline (Court of Jewels x Red Covet, by St Covet) got the closest to beating Katie Lee in the past three months when she closed within a head of the bonny grey this past Saturday in the Group 2 Eight Carat Stakes.

With Leith Innes aboard from barrier five the two-time winning filly should receive a handy trip in running and prove tough to get past in the home straight.

Father-son training combination Murray and Bjorn Baker saddle two chances in the race in which they trained last year's pre-post favourite Alagant Satin (Al Akbar) to finish sixth.

This year the Baker's start Alagant Satin's full sister Fyra Satin (Al Akbar x Glowing Satin, by Noble Bijou) and last start winner La Collina (Van Nistelrooy x Oenotria, by O'Reilly).

Fyra Satin won at a mile before producing a gutsy effort for sixth when caught wide in the Listed Great Northern Guineas (2100m) at Ellerslie last start. Jockey Michael Coleman will be hoping for better luck from barrier 11 on Saturday.

La Collina has won twice right-handed and hails from Group 1 Victorian Oaks performer Our Lafite (Sovereign Edition). Hugh Bowman takes the mount on the filly who has drawn one inside her stable-mate in 10.

Pencarrow Stud have the privilege of starting two promising staying fillies in the Group 2 Royal Stakes, a race which they have won with their breed twice in the past ten years with Sarwatch and Lafleur.

Mark Walker trains the Pencarrow duo which includes two fillies certainly bred to get the trip in Posavina (Tiger Hill x Dance my Dance, by Sadler's Wells) and Via Veneto (Cape Cross x Shopping Spree, by Sadler's Wells).

Posavina, who has drawn the outside barrier, won last start over 1600m at Ellerslie and New Zealand's leading rider James McDonald has chosen to stick with the lightly tried filly on the first day in 2010.

Via Veneto, like Posavina, is by an internationally proven Group 1 producing sire, and out of a mare by the influential Sadler's Wells. Having won by a length on debut, Via Veneto produced a solid second behind older horses at her last start and looks capable of figuring in the finish from barrier two with Vinnie Colgan aboard.

Janelle Millar's La Marina (Golan x In the Vain, by Vain), along with Katie Lee, are the only two $200,000 Karaka 3YO Mile eligible fillies in the race with La Marina's strong work late for sixth in the Group 3 Eulogy encouraging for next assignment in the Group 2 NZB Royal Stakes.

The remainder of the Group 2 field is made up of promising fillies in search of more ground to show their best including John Wheeler's Royal Spin (His Royal Highness x Sylvie's Way, by Blues Traveller), Lance Noble's Mercury Mistress (No Excuse Needed x Flytaine, by Centaine), and Robert Priscott and Clayton Chipperfield's Rivereena (Savabeel x Riveryev, by Irish River).

The Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie is set to jump at 4.25pm on New Year's Day.

Hoofit
The $15,000 Bayer 2YO (1100m) was run at Ellerslie on Boxing Day and it was Hoofit (Mossman x Chuckle (Danehill) who prevailed ahead of four other Karaka Million eligible runners including Sweet Suitor (Bachelor Duke), Condescender (Black Minnaloushe), My Cool Jo (One Cool Cat), and Jungle Cat (Tale of The Cat).

In the same ownership as 2009 Karaka Million winner The Heckler (Lucky Owners), Sir Patrick Hogan, Alistair Sutherland, Tony Timpson, and Peter Walker, Hoofit drew two in the 11 horse field and was positioned just behind the pace by his jockey Trudy Thornton.

As the whips started cracking in the home straight Hoofit took gaps on the inside of the field before kicking away in impressive fashion to hold out the fast finishing Sweet Suitor by half a length.

Bred to be precocious as a son of stakes winning juvenile Chuckle, Hoofit, who cost $60,000 from Shelby Park at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale, has improved in each of his four outings with his latest win coming at the same venue where the Karaka Million will take place on 31 January.

His stakes earnings of $11,975 for trainer Stephen McKee places Hoofit fifth in the current KM Order of Entry and guarantees the strapping bay colt a place in the $1,000,000 Karaka Million field.

Sweet Suitor's placing brings him inside the current Top 20 while fourth-placed My Cool Jo claimed her fourth collect from as many outings to jump her ninth position with $7,985 in earnings.

Belles Fast
Sunday saw the running of the $8,000 Boof Fleming Memorial 2YO (1000m) and it was Karaka Million eligible Belles Fast (Fastnet Rock x Cast Your Fate (Bletchingly)) who made all the running on the Good rated New Plymouth track.

Fittingly, the filly is raced in partnership by the Estate of the Late Boof Fleming with the eye-catching four and a half length victory in the hands of Michael Walker. She carries the same yellow and black colours as Group 2 Wellington Guineas and Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas winner Keyora (Bachelor Duke).

The Allan Sharrock purchased and trained filly was secured for $450,000 from Curraghmore Stud at the 2009 Karaka Premier Sale and her only two starts have secured $5,325 in prize-money which sits the filly in position 12 on the current KM Order of Entry.

With eight races left before 31 January on the juvenile program, the possibility of Australian entrants, and a minimum of $9,000 required to make the field in the past two runnings of the Karaka Million, it looks likely that Belles Fast will be required to start again to ensure a spot in the final 14 horse field.

Brave Warrior
Yesterday's meeting at Ellerslie saw an 11 horse field contest the $10,000 Countdown to Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) over the same course and distance as the $1,000,000 feature just over a month away.

The Kevin Hughes and Dean Wiles trained Brave Warrior (Ekraar x Pheroz Flight, by Straight Strike) started favourite and delivered with a powerful surge down the outside of the field to beat fellow Karaka Million hopefuls My Lead (Dubawi) and Shekels (Volksraad) in 1.11.19.

In tenth position in the KM Order of Entry with $7,700, Brave Warrior was purchased by Dean Wiles from Twin Pines at the 2009 Karaka Festival Sale for $36,000.

Racing over the next week will illustrate more clearly Brave Warrior's possible place in the Karaka Million field, though his $7,700 might just be enough to give the bold gelding his chance at New Zealand's richest juvenile event.

Juvenile races at Ellerslie and Hastings on New Year's Day will be the next opportunity for KM eligible two-year-olds to cement their place in the 2010 field.

Ellerslie's $70,000 Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1200m) has attracted 11 nominations, eight of which are Karaka Million eligible, including current top 15 players Big River, Everlasting, Irish Jewel, and Banchee.

The bonny grey, who claimed both the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas and Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas in November, proved best over the mile distance once again when shaking of all her female opposition with a brilliant burst of acceleration in the final 300m.

Adaline (Court of Jewels) and Blonde Bombshell (Towkay) gave Karaka the trifecta in the prestigious fillies race with Adaline tracking Katie Lee (Pins x Miss Jessie Jay, by Spectacularphantom) throughout and closing within a head, and Blonde Bombshell, having led, holding on for third two and a half lengths away.

Targeted by trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, the Group 2 Eight Carat was the fifth leg of the 2009/10 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series which culminates in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) on 20 March.

Katie Lee, having won the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas and placed in both the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, with eight points for victory in the Group 2 Eight Carat took her tally to 24.5 points, some 17.5 points ahead of second placed Keep the Peace (Keeper).

Though mathematically possible it seems as though the Cambridge Stud owned filly might have an unassailable lead in the Filly of the Year Series at the halfway mark given the great depth of classic fillies set to compete in the remaining five legs, with Katie Lee herself included in this group looking to collect further valuable points.

The Series 'backs-up' this Friday with the running of the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day, this coming Friday.

Katie Lee is one of a number of successful grey coloured progeny by her sire Pins with others including 2009 Group 2 Wellington Cup winner Megapins and Listed Lion Brown Sprint winner Raid.

Of Pins' 61 yearlings (Premier and Select) at Karaka 2010 two are grey in colour including:

Lot 168 - Grey Colt - Pins x Singasong (Danasinga) - Waikato Stud

· This colt from winning mare Singasong is a direct descendent of supreme grey mare Emancipation, a Champion 3YO & 4Y0, and named the 1984/85 Australian Horse of the Year.

· A three quarter brother to Raid this colt's family has left a host of smart greys including Group sprinter Virage De Fortune, and Group 1 HK Derby placed Jackpot Delight (Hamlet's Ghost).

Lot 451 - Grey Colt - Pins x Iman (Zemindar) - Kendayla Park

· This colt is a half-brother to five winners including Group 1 Railway Handicap winner Imananabaa (Anabaa) and Group 2 STC Tea Rose placed Ms Bowie (Amabaa).

· This is also the family of last season's leading 2YO Rostova (Testa Rossa).

As the winner of the Group 1 Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m), New Zealand's finest weight for age contest in the spring, Vosne Romanee (Electronic Zone x Madison Avenue, by Morcon) was let go by punters somewhat on Saturday with the presence of four other Group 1 winners in the field including last start Group 1 VRC Derby winner Monaco Consul (High Chaparral) and last start Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes winner Ekstreme (Ekraar).

As a noted back marker is was surprising to see Vosne Romanee settle midfield on the fence in the hands of Matthew Cameron who had the baldy faced chestnut 'travelling' underneath him as the field, led out by Mandela, galloped into the Ellerslie home stretch.

In a cleanly run race the gaps appeared for the seven-year-old one off the fence and in an instant Vosne Romanee quickly established himself as clearly New Zealand's best middle distance athlete when running away to score by two and a quarter lengths.

His winning time was 2.00.60, the final 600m in 34.07, with fellow Karaka graduate Red Ruler (Viking Ruler) filling second place, and Tell a Tale (Tale Of The Cat) three lengths away in third.

Owned by Ian and Alana Smart who operate the Alana Estate vineyard in Martinborough, Vosne Romanee has carried his distinctive yellow colours with purple grapes to eight victories and over $1m in prize-money.

Vosne Romanee's sire Electronic Zone (Rahy), a winner of seven races in Hong Kong and placed second in the Group 2 Sha Tin Vase (1600m), has done a sterling job at stud with limited opportunities.

Currently the sire of 56% winners to runners (31 winners) and a decent 5% stakes winners to runners, Electronic Zone is also the sire of Group 3 BTC Premiers Cup winner Rezone, and last season's Listed Levin Stakes winner Elcee's Gold.

Further, Electronic Zone's progeny average 2.6 wins apiece which shows they train on with his current multiple winners including Possum, Electronic Socks, Waitui Zone, Electriclite, and Swipe.

Electronic Zone has stood at John and Sue Trumper's Cheveley Stud for the past three seasons. The Te Aroha-based operation will offer the only two Electronic Zone yearlings catalogued at Karaka 2010.

Lot 1393 - Bay Colt - Electronic Zone x Whispering Willow (Roughcast)

This colt is a half-brother to six-time winner The Boy Can Sing with their dam Whispering Willow herself a half-sister to Joseph (Starjo) who claimed seven wins including the Listed Winter Classic.
Lot 1565 - Chestnut Colt - Electronic Zone x Grand Coulee (Woodman)

This colt out of a Woodman mare is direct descendent of stakes winners Bank Burst, Dam Burst, and Rainburst. This is the same family as 2009 Group 1 Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder (Redoute's Choice).
John Trumper describes the colt as "typical of his sire; a deep coloured chestnut with plenty of quality and athleticism".