From the race itself, onlookers could not help but be impressed that this was her seventh consecutive win – a victory just seven days after her Gr.2 Cambridge Travis Stakes (2000m) triumph at Te Rapa, and with the sheer grit shown when holding out the late cluster of challengers.

The super talented racemare Katy Keen (NZ)
From a training perspective, the successful preparatory efforts of Tauranga trainer Stu Manning also surprise. Unlike many of her raceday rivals, Katy Keen (NZ) does all her work away from track along the Matapihi Harbour at Mount Maunganui.

Further, having never worked the mare in company, Manning’s own judgement is the only guide used as to the mare’s readiness for each outing.

Katy Keen’s (NZ) breeding also warrants a degree of fascination.

Bred and owned by Manning in conjunction with his partner Kaye Durrant, Katy Keen’s (NZ) dam Tangelo made her way to Zorro’s Lad only after twice failing to get in foal to Cheval Stud’s other resident sire Rainbow Myth.

Now deceased, the striking son of Danehill was sent to the Te Awamutu stud after the combination of a pin hole lesion and some colty behaviour had curtailed his racing career after start three.

Victorious on debut over 1250m, Zorro’s Lad had his final outing when third in the VRC Listed Sutcliffe Stakes (1400m) but his career outlook did not get any brighter upon arrival at stud, where he would experience fertility issues.

"He had served 53 mares in his first round here at the stud and got none of them in foal. I knew what his problem was - every time he saw a horse he would get so excited in the paddock - by the time he got to mares he was pretty well spent,” reported Cheval Stud’s Frank Drummond to the NZTBA.

"I could see it happening, so I talked the owners into letting us run mares with him to see if it would help him get over his behaviour. One of the mares that was in season at this time was Tangelo.

"I wanted to put only in-season mares with him. I rang Stuart and Kaye to see if it was alright to put them in together and Stuart's response was 'no, he's infertile'. So I said, 'well, so is your mare!'

Since Katy Keen's resultant 2003 arrival, the path to success has continued to be far from plain sailing for Manning and Durrant.

“She’s a lady like creature now, but she dropped quite a few riders early. It was only out of insecurity, but if she got you unseated you were in trouble,” said Manning.

It is this fighting spirit that Manning now credits as being the key factor behind her success.

"If you had a fight with her, you'd come off second best," he said.

"It takes two to saddle her [on raceday]. You'd lose an arm and a leg if you didn't.”

Given her breeding and innate fighting characteristics, Katy Keen (NZ) is ironically reported as being beautifully mannered at home, where she can often be found eating tangelos or sleeping under the tree in her paddock.

With this ability to relax also featuring in her racing style, Manning is confident his smart racemare will be at her best over 3200m, giving rise to a possible tilt at the 2008 Melbourne Cup after her more immediate target, the Kelt Capital Stakes in October.

In the mean time, the mare named after a comic heroine will enjoy a well deserved spell and will receive representation by way of a ¾ Chianti sibling at May’s National Weanling and Broodmare sale at Karaka (click here to view).

The result of the Gr.3 $150,000 First Sovereign Trust Rotorua Cup (2170m)
Place Horse Breeder Owner Trainer
1st Katy Keen (NZ) (Zorro's Lad x Tangelo by Exploding Prospect) Mrs L K Durrant & R S Manning Mrs L K Durrant & R S Manning Stuart Manning
2nd Altesino (More Than Ready x Maraness by Marauding Vinery Australia NSW Pty Ltd Inglewood Partnership Ltd Roger James
3rd Shining Light (NZ)(Star Way x Nuccina by Danehill) Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate John Sargent

Ististar (NZ) Enjoys Twilight Success in Listed BOP Stakes
A great training feat by Ardmore-based Stephen McKee saw Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad x Marlanda Star by Star Way) pick-up additional black-type success in the twilight of her racing career, in Saturday's $75,000 Listed Ingham-Sears Mercedes-Benz Bop Stakes (1400m).

Ististar (NZ) had not saluted the judge since winning the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) in June last year, but McKee had deliberately kept her in work to target Saturday's Tauranga feature and had her tuned to the minute.

McKee admitted it had been a long time between drinks for the mare but, given her ability to handle soft tracks, it was worth keeping her in work for the Tauranga race.

"It is always important to get some black-type on the board before they go to stud and there are not many black type options around at this time of the year," McKee said.

Ististar (NZ), who cost just $2700 as a weanling, has now won $191, 225 and has a record of seven wins, two seconds and a third from 29 starts.

The result of the $75,000 Listed Ingham-Sears Mercedes-Benz Bop Stakes (1400m) Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer
1st Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad x Marlanda Star by Star Way) Mrs M L & S P Clark Fun All Round Syndicate Stephen McKee
2nd Twinkling (NZ) (Star Way x Limitless by Sir Tristram) Mrs U L Ancell J R Ancell Royce Dowling & Linda Laing
3rd Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) R W E Moore R W E Moore Stephen McKee

It was the Flight Points (NZ) consecutive success at black-type level following his last start win in the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) on April 12.

Coming from off the pace, Flight Point (NZ) found another gear in the home straight and was able to race away over the final stages to post a one-and-a-half-length victory at the line over race favourite Balmuse (NZ) (Lord Ballina x Musing by Music Maestro), with O'Reilly Rose (NZ) (O'Reilly x Rose World by Grosvenor), a length back in third.

Trained by Brian and Shane Anderton and owned by Michael Casey, Michael McVicar, and Gary Sutton, Flight Point (NZ) has now registered 10 wins and ten placings from 35 starts.

Future racing plans for Flight Point (NZ) may well include a career over the fences, with the Pins (AUS) gelding already showing talent in this discipline.

"He's done a lot of jumping," said co-trainer Shane Anderton.

"He's the kind of a horse that would be good enough to take over to Australia later on and have a crack at some of those better races." he said.

Flight Point (NZ) is one of 21 individual stakes-winners for the Waikato Stud based stallion Pins (AUS), who will stand at a fee of $50,000 + gst this season.

The result of the S$100,000 Gr.3 Coca Cola Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m)Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer NZB Sales Details
1st Flight Point (NZ) (Pins x Flight to Fortune by Random Chance) M D Casey, M J McVicar, E W & G E Sutton M D Casey, M J McVicar & G E Sutton Brian & Shane Anderton Null
2nd Balmuse (NZ) (Lord Ballina x Musing by Music Maestro) J N Wallace P M Connor, K T Myers & D A O'Leary Kevin Myers B: D O'Leary, S: 2001 Festival Sale, V: Ardsley, P: $30,000
3rd O'Reilly Rose (NZ) (O'Reilly x Rose World by Grosvenor) Mrs E M & R H Rutherford R P Davis, Mrs M Hutton, R H Rutherford & M J Willetts Peter & Dawn Williams Null

In very wet conditions, Kylie Williams and the lightly-tried filly pulled away down the inside of the straight to finish four-and-a-half lengths ahead of Vickezzchardonnay (Don Eduardo x Our Rosalee by Conquistarose) and Anzali (Zabeel x Danasia by Danehill).

Belmont Cat winning the Listed NZB Warstep Stakes. Photo: Annie Studholme

Belmont Cat is trained at Washdyke by Michael Daly giving him his biggest win to date, being his first stakes victory. Coming into the race the consistent filly had already secured six points from placings in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Airfreight Stakes and the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Stakes at Wingatui. Securing seven points for Saturday's win, she finished on 13 points, six ahead of NZB Airfreight Stakes winner The Pearler, NZB Insurance Stakes winner Thimble and NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes winner Cherry Creek who all finished with seven points.

During her racing career, Morgan Glory won four races from 1200 to 1400 meters and was stakes placed on three occasions including the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes, like her daughter. She is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Morgan Bay (Kingdom Bay) and Group 2 Matamata Breeders Stakes winner Lodore Magic (Kingdom Bay), who is the dam of Group 2 MVRC Crystal Mile winner Sonic Quest (Quest For Fame).

Bred by Mr & Mrs Joseph Thomson from Timaru, Belmont Cat is by former Selwyn River Stud sire Felix The Cat (Storm Cat). He is now the sire of three stakes-winners in New Zealand as well as the outstanding Macau galloper, Warcat. In 2005 he was sold to Queensland.

Belmont Cat will now head out for a spell with connections confirming there are no immediate plans for the direction of her next campaign.

Set to jump as race seven at 2.25pm, a field of 16 will vie for the Warstep's $55,000 purse, with seven points on offer for first, three for second and one for third.

Two winners of previous races in the Series, The Pearler (Volksraad x The Freckle by Grosvenor) and Thimble (Pins x Exposed by Exploding Prospect) are starters on Saturday. Both have seven points from their respective wins while Belmont Cat (Felix the Cat x Morgan Glory by Justice Prevails) has six points from two second placings and Dream By Day (City On A Hill x Russian Slice by Godswalk) also has a chance with a point from her third placing in the NZB Airfreight Stakes on April 19th.

Fourth in the NZB Airfreight Stakes, Anzali (Zabeel x Danazia by Danehill) could be a threat, having already placed over the 2000 metres with wins over a mile and 1800 metres. She is trained by Mark Walker and will be ridden by Jamie Bullard. Walker will also saddle Fleur De'Here (Dehere x Fleur de Chine by Centaine) to be ridden by Leith Innes.

Mandy and Matt Brown's hope, Copybook (Anabaa x Calm Smytzer by Zabeel), finished almost three lengths off The Pearler for fifth in the NZB Airfreight Stakes and has the services of Michael Walker from barrier six.

After a successful day's racing at Trentham last week with three winners, Lisa Latta is represented by the highly regarded Princess Annaliese (Van Nistelrooy x My Funny Face by Marscay). Already stakes-placed, the filly was fourth in the Group 1 NZ Oaks, just one-and-a-half lengths behind Boundless, who was the closest of seconds in the Group 1 AJC Oaks on Wednesday.

Fifth in the NZ Oaks and from the stable of last week's Group 1 AJC Australian Derby winner Nom du Jeu, the Murray Baker-trained Vickezzchardonnay (Don Eduardo x Our Rosalee by Conquistarose) will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley. More than capable over the 2000 metres, she raced well last week for a second at Te Rapa over this trip.

Also proven over the distance is the Michael Pitman-trained Governor Bay (Deputy Governor x The Essence by Voltage Park). Starting from barrier 16, she will be ridding by Danielle Johnson.

Kelly Myers will ride the winner of two, Kerrina (Lord Ballina x Naiades by Beufort Sea), for this year's NZ Derby winning trainer, Kevin Myers. She won her last start on 24 April at Blenheim and carries more wet track form than most in the race.

The field is completed by Princesa (Don Eduardo x Pines Princess by Bluebird), Music City (City On A Hill x Right Tune by Green Desert), Josie Rules (Viking Ruler x Mary Josephine by Random Chance), Summer Heights (Stark South x Fairy Heights by Tristrams Heritage) and Keep It Quiet (Keeper x Royal Sirt by Sir Tristram).

Last year the Steve Anderton-trained Grace Park (Danske x Stella Stargazer by Volksraad) took out the prestigious Series title with a win in the NZB Airfreight Stakes and a second in the NZB Insurance Stakes. The 2005-06 winner, Ombre Rose (O'Reilly x Lady Chanele by Citidancer) has had a successful season this year, heading North to record placings in the Group 1 First Sovereign Trust NZ Stakes and the Group 1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes.

The revitalised New Zealand Jump Racing season kicks off tomorrow, Wednesday 30 April, in the North Island and on the following day in the South Island under a new management structure, with increased funding (to prize money, marketing support and jump riding fees) and an improved race programme.

Tomorrow's Waikato Racing Club's fixture is the first of 33 days in the calendar for jump racing over the next five months.

Two new sponsored initiatives will further boost jump racing this season: The Ballantine's Whisky Jump Stars of the Season competition and The Dormello Stud Amateur Riders' Series.

The Ballantine's Whisky Jump Stars of the Season is a points-based competition in which all starters in New Zealand jump racing events will score points for their performances. The top Steeplechaser, Hurdler, Trainer and Jockey will each win a two day holiday in Queenstown, with flights from anywhere within New Zealand, staying at a luxury lodge with $1,000 spending money. All top 10 finishers in each division will receive a bottle of Ballantine's Finest Whisky.

Race
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Unplaced

Prestige Jump Race Tier 1
150
90
38
23
15
6

Prestige Jump Race Tier 2
100
60
25
15
10
5

Prestige Jump Race Tier 3
80
48
20
12
8
4

Open
40
24
10
6
4
3

Restricted Open
30
18
8
5
3
2

Maiden
15
9
4
2
2
1

Amateur Riders will be recognised this year with the first 10-race Dormello Stud Amateur Rider Series, beginning at Paeroa in two weeks, on 16 May, and finishing on the last day of the Jump Season on 28 September. Riders taking part in the Series will accumulate points for finishing in the first six places as follows: 1st Place - 10 points, 2nd Place - 6 points, 3rd Place - 4 points, 4th Place - 3 points, 5th Place - 2 points and 6th Place - 1 point.

The overall Series winner will be presented with a gold bracelet, namely the ‘Duelled Bracelet,' after Dormello Stud's stallion Duelled, a son of Champion Redoute's Choice. Duelled was a winner of the AAMI Vase and placed second in the 2005 Victoria Derby. Every winning Rider in the Series will be presented with a trophy.

Martini Red, who has now won six of her nine starts, arrived at Trelawney as a foal at foot in 2004 with her dam, the former outstanding racemare Pernod (NZ) (Centaine), who is owned by the stud.

Trelawney Stud's flying filly Martini Red

Pernod (NZ) was the winner of eight races, including the Gr.1 MRC Invitation Stakes (1400m), and the Gr.3 Tristarc Stakes (1400m), and in her 19 start career amassed over A$600,000 in stakes earnings.

Martini Red displayed much of her dam's talent and speed with a gutsy win that saw her prevail by a long-head from Bow Lane (NZ) (Russian Hero x Mary Le Bow by Prince of Praise) with Run Roxy Run (Rock of Gibraltar x Nuance by Dehere a further half-length margin back to in third place.

Pernod (NZ), who is currently in foal to Pins (AUS), has produced three foals to date with additional progeny comprising of a Zabeel (NZ) yearling colt and a filly by the same sire at foot.

Beyond looking to have clearly inherited her dam's will to win, Saturday's dead track victory also suggested a shared ability to cope on an array of underfoot conditions.

Having enjoyed success with Pernod (NZ), Australians Craig Coghlan and Warren Huntly were invited to partake in a similarly lease arrangement with her daughter and so appear as the current owners of Martini Red along with her Cambridge trainer Ross Elliot and her breeders Brent Taylor, his mother Faith and wife Cherry.

“She is certainly a valuable filly,” said Taylor.

"We are hoping to get a lot more enjoyment out of racing her before she is retired to the broodmare paddock,” he said.

“It is also great to race the filly with some of the people who were also involved in Pernod and of course my Mum has a share along with trainer Ross Elliot,”

“We get a lot of enjoyment of racing horses with people and to get results like this is just the icing on the cake,” he said.

The result of the Gr.3 NZ$85,000 Windsor Park Stud Breeders Stakes (1200m) Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NZB Sale details
1st Martini Red(Red Random x Pernod by Centaine) Trelawney Stud Ross Elliot C Coghlan, R N Elliot, W Huntly, B M, Mrs C N & Mrs F P Taylor Null
2nd Bow Lane (NZ) (Russian Hero x Mary Le Bow by Prince of Praise) Mrs B E, D W E & R W E Moore Stephen McKee Mrs B E, D W E & R W E Moore Null
3rd Run Roxy Run (Rock of Gibraltar x Nuance by Dehere G W Henderson Frank Ritchie Southern Ventures (Karaka) Ltd Null
B: Buyer, V: Vendor, S: Sale, P: Price

Sweet Success for Juice (NZ) in Listed NZB Fillies Stakes

Tenacious Bertolini (USA) juvenile Juice (NZ) (ex Call Minder by Christmas Tree) went one better than her last start second in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie to score the first win of her career in the Listed NZ$55,000 NZB 2YO Fillies Stakes (1200m) at Avondale on Friday.

The John Wheeler-trained two-year-old was settled mid-field by jockey Leith Innes, and when asked to sprint inside the final 300 metres, she strode up to the leaders and cleared away to post a comfortable one-and-a-half length victory.

Winner of the Listed NZB 2YO Fillies Stakes Juice (NZ)
Second at the line was the favoured Bankside Belle (NZ) (Volksraad x Chianina by Super Imposing), with Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City x Our Diva by Oregon), a similar margin back in third position.

Bred by renowned Matamata veterinarian Jim Marks, Juice (NZ) is the third winning foal from as many to race for her dam Call Minder (NZ) herself a Listed winner who was successful on eight raceday outings.

Call Minder (NZ) has since produced a 2006 filly by Captain Rio (GB), and a 2007 colt by Chianti (IRE).

Juice (NZ) represents the 10th individual stakes winner for the former Rich Hill Stud sire Bertolini (USA).

Bertolini (USA) will be represented by three weanlings at the NZB National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale. To view click here.

Fittingly the loyal sponsors of the race, New Zealand Bloodstock also celebrated success with both Juice (NZ) and Bankside Belle (NZ) being graduates of their 2007 NZB Carnival Sale.

The result of the Listed NZ$55,000 NZB 2YO Fillies Stakes (1200m)Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NZB Sale details
1st Juice (NZ) (Bertolini x Call Minder by Christmas Tree J F Marks John Wheeler G J & J G Kissick B: John Wheeler, S: 2007 Carnival Sale, V: Seaton Park, P: $20,000
2nd Bankside Belle (NZ) (Volksraad x Chianina by Super Imposing) Mrs J Broome Mark Walker Northern Club No.8 Syndicate B: Michael Otto Bloodstock, S: 2007 Carnival Sale, V: Windsor Park, P: $46,000
3rd Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City x Our Diva by Oregon) Fairdale Stud Ltd & J S Otway K W, B W Hawtin & S R Autridge P H P Bayly Null
B: Buyer, V: Vendor, S: Sale, P: Price

Shamrock Star (NZ) Back in Winners Circle
The Mark Oulaghan-trained Shamrock Star (NZ) (Germano x Foreign Coin by Amyntor) returned to the winners enclosure for the third time in five starts, following his one-length victory in the Listed NZ$60,000 Storming Home @ Stoney Bridge Anzac 1600 at Feilding on Friday.

Relishing the rain affected track conditions, Shamrock Star (NZ) cleared away over the final stages of the mile feature to cross the line one-length in advance of Taatyana (NZ) (Faltaat x Clear Advantage by Stark South), with race favourite High Octane (NZ) (Towkay x Trendy and True by Prince True), a nose away in third.

Bred by IJ Cunningham and Colin Waller, Shamrock Star (NZ) has saluted the judge on nine occasions, with previous success at stake level counted in the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m).

Owned by Eamon Cleary, Peter Johnston, and Ron Lockwood, Shamrock Star (NZ) is the seventh winning foal to race for his dam Foreign Coin (8 wins), and is a half-brother to the champion internationally preformed jumper Rand (NZ).

The result of the Listed NZ$60,000 Storming Home @ Stoney Bridge Anzac 1600 Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NZB Sale details
1st Shamrock Star (NZ)(Germano x Foreign Coin by Amyntor) I J Cunningham & C Waller Mark Oulaghan E J Cleary, P K Johnston & R J Lockwood Null
2nd Taatyana (NZ)(Faltaat x Clear Advantage by Stark South) Westbury Stud Ltd John Sargent Keltern Bloodstock Ltd B: Bruce Perry Bloodstock, S: 2005 Premier Yearling Sale, V: Westbury Stud, P: $225,000
3rd High Octane (NZ) (Towkay x Trendy and True by Prince True) R K & Mrs R M Wylie Gregor Robson Mrs D M & G J Robson & Mrs I J P Stewart Null
B: Buyer, V: Vendor, S: Sale, P: Price

25/4/08 Increase in riding fees across the board

The NZTR Board has approved increases to both flat and jump riding fees from the start of the 2008/09 season. Flat riding fees will increase to $111.50 (from $106) and jump riding fees to $163 (from $148).
The Board has also agreed to establish a Minimum Riding Allowance of $45 from the start of the 2008/09 season. This will be paid to senior jockeys that have two or less rides in flat races on the programme, and to jumps jockeys that have one jumping ride on the programme
(where there is a minimum of four jump races programmed). The Minimum Riding Allowance will only be paid to jockeys who are members of the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association (NZJA).
Increases were also approved for Trial Riding Fees, to $40 (from $35), and Trial Riding Fees for Apprentices to $26 (from $23) effective from the start of the 2008/09 season. The current Rider Engagement Fee paid to riders engaged to ride a horse that is subsequently scratched and that rider being unable to gain another ride in the race will remain at $50.
Paul Bittar, NZTR Chief Executive, in explaining these increases commented: “We have worked closely with the NZJA and the Jumping Advisory Committee (JAC) on a number of rider related issues. This includes the ongoing Jockeys’ Safety Review and changes to the
structure of Jumps racing to provide greater opportunities for riders. In addition, we continue to recognise the need to minimise Owners’ costs – for example, the industry now bears the bulk of riding fees instead of the Owner. These most recent increases to riders’ fees
recognise our desire to ensure we reward riders in accordance with the difficult nature of their roles and ensure their returns are internationally competitive.”
“The Board has supported jockeys by increasing flat riding fees in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 5% and jump riding fees by 10%. This differential takes into account Jump Riders limited opportunities and the need to attract more riders to this difficult element
of the sport.”
“NZTR is committing significant industry funding to improving the opportunities for riders, in particular those who support the industry stakeholder group, the NZJA.”
”When considering the introduction of a minimum riding allowance for senior jockeys, the Board considered the need to help offset travel expenses and encourage less active riders to stay in the system. We’re confident that in establishing this $45 payment it will be welcome
news to those less active riders. The fee broadly equates to 40% of the riding fee and is line with a similar payment successfully implemented overseas.”
All of these fees have been fixed by the Board for a period of two seasons (commencing 1 August 2008) with the next review to be completed by May 2010.

23/4/08 Horse Imports from Australia To Resume
MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has issued an Import Health Standard (HIS) for horses from Australia, lifting the suspension on imports that has been in place since August last year.

Horse imports from Australia were halted after MAFBNZ received confirmation from the Australian Government of equine influenza outbreaks in New South Wales and Queensland.

The IHS sets out following requirements:
(1) Horses must be vaccinated against equine influenza between 42 and 120 days prior to export.
(2) Horses must be held for at least 21 days immediately prior to export to New Zealand in approved Pre-Export Isolation (PEI) premises, where they will undergo two PCR tests, at least five days apart, for equine influenza.
(3) Upon arrival in New Zealand, horses must remain in a transitional facility for at least 14 days, where they will undergo a PCR test for equine influenza.
(4) Horses must have resided on properties free of equine influenza for three months prior to export.

The draft Import Health Standard for Horses from Australia is available at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/animals/standards/horaniic.aus.htm

21/4/08 The Veep (NZ) Chalks Up Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Cup
Consistent galloper The Veep (NZ) (Deputy Governor x Love Proposal by Spectacular Love) bounced back to winning form and chalked up the biggest win of his career in the NZ$130,000 Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Gold Cup (2200m) at Hastings on Saturday.

Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Cup winner The Veep (NZ) (inner)

Revelling in the rain affected track conditions, the Deputy Governor five-year-old raced away to record his ninth career win by a neck from race favourite Shining Light (NZ) (Star Way x Nuccina by Danehill) with The Piper (NZ) (Kingfisher Mill x Breathless by Victory Dance) a further 1 &1/2 lengths away in third position.

Trained by Tim Symes, The Veep (NZ) is the second winning foal to race from the Spectacular Love mare Love Proposal (NZ), and was bred by Symes and his son Wilfred, who also race the talented galloper.

The result of the $130,000 Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Gold Cup (2200m) Horse Breeder Trainer Owner
The Veep (NZ) (Deputy Governor x Love Proposal by Spectacular Love) T W M & W E Symes Tim Symes T W M & W E Symes
Shining Light (NZ) (Star Way x Nuccina by Danehill) Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate John Sargent Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate
The Piper (NZ) (Kingfisher Mill x Breathless by Victory Dance) N Evans Karen Zimmerman The Piper Syndicate

Jurys Out (NZ) Claims Fourth Black-Type Success
Jurys Out (NZ) (Faltaat x Tarantia by Kaapstad) added a fourth black-type win to his race resume following his success in the Gr.3 Christchurch Casino Easter Cup Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

The David and Sarah Haworth-trained eight-year-old proved too smart in a fresh-up state and claimed the Riccarton feature by a long neck ahead of Fiscal Madness (NZ) (Volksraad x Belle Nuite by Balmerino), with Al Farouk (NZ) (Cape Cross x Temptation by Deputy Governor) further back in third place.

Jurys Out (NZ), who is raced by Haworth in partnership with Marton-based brothers Ken and Douglas Duncan, counts the Gr.1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) among his 12-win career record.

The result of the $75,000 Gr.3 Christchurch Casino Easter Cup Stakes (1600m)Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NZB Sale details
1st Jurys Out (NZ) (Faltaat x Tarantia by Kaapstad) W R Crampton, Mrs L J & W L Sullivan D McK, Mrs J G & K M Duncan & D R Haworth David & Sarah Haworth B: Stuart Hale & Co, S: 2001 Select Colts, V: Sedgmere Lodge, P: $13,000
2nd Fiscal Madness (NZ) (Volksraad x Belle Nuite by Balmerino) Mrs J M Wilding John Sargent The Fiscal Madness Syndicate Null
3rd Al Farouk (NZ) (Cape Cross x Temptation by Deputy Governor) J W Campin Peter & Dawn Williams D L Aitken B: P Williams, S: 2004 Ready to Run Sale, V: Chequers Stud, P: $92,500
B: Buyer, S: Sale, V: Vendor, P: Price

The Pearler (NZ) Prevails in Listed NZB Air Freight Stakes
The well-related three-year-old filly The Pearler (NZ) (Volksraad x The Freckle by Grosvenor) stamped her pedigree page with further black-type print on Saturday, following her win in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Air Freight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton.

Storming down the outside of the track with a late run the Dennis brothers-trained galloper grabbed Belmont Cat (NZ) (Felix the Cat x Morgan Glory by Justice Prevails) on the line to score by a long neck, with Dream by Day (NZ) (City on a Hill x Russian Slice by Godswalk) a similar margin back in third.

The Pearler (NZ) stems from the famous South Island family of Gr.1 performers, The Phantom (NZ), The Phantom Chance (NZ), The Jewel (NZ), and The Twinkle (NZ), and is the third winning foal from as many to race for her dam The Freckle (NZ).

The Pearler (NZ) will now head to the Listed Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton on May 3, a race that has been claimed on two previous occasions by family members in The Fantasy (NZ) and The Dimple (NZ).

The result of the $55,000 Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Air Freight Stakes (1600m)Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner
1st The Pearler (NZ) (Volksraad x The Freckle by Grosvenor) A G, K J, M C & P R Dennis Dennis Bros Dennis Bros
2nd Belmont Cat (NZ) (Felix the Cat x Morgan Glory by Justice Prevails) Mrs B & J E Thompson Michael Daly M P Daly, A D & Mrs K J Mayne & Miss D L Williamson
3rd Dream By Day (NZ) (City on a Hill x Russian Slice by Godswalk) G R Cunningham & J R Langridge Kevin Hughes B R Bunting, R F Hughes, K B & T A Rhodes, Mrs D L Templeton & G S Wilkinson

Sweeping down the outside, Pasta Post (NZ) bounced back to the form that saw him win seven from eight, officially crossing the wire ½ a length in advance of Sterling Prince (NZ) (Colombia x Sterling Princess by One Pound Sterling), with a similar margin back to Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) in third.


Brilliant winner of the Gr.1 First Sovereign Trust Easter Handicap Pasta Post (NZ)

Pasta Post (NZ) had previously enjoyed success at black-type level in the Gr.2 City of Auckland Cup (2400m) and the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m), but had failed to see out the 3200m trip at his last start in the Gr.1 Wellington Cup.

Unseen for nearly three months, the Te Awamutu partnership of Graeme and Mark Sanders achieved a notable training coup with Saturday's win, freshening the four-year-old to win over half the distance.

Pasta Post (NZ) will now head to the spelling paddock for 6-8 weeks before commencing a New Zealand spring campaign which includes the Hawke’s Bay triple crown at Hastings, a series that culminates with the country's richest race, the $2 million weight-for-age Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m).

Future assignments mooted beyond this could include a possible tilt at the 2008 Gr.1 Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

Bred by Fayette Park Stud, Pasta Post (NZ) is out of the Centaine mare Blue Heaven and is owned by Sapphire Bloodstock Ltd in partnership with Frank Wade and Gary Williams.

Successful at 1200m, Blue Heaven (NZ) is the dam of three foals to race and should have further racetrack representation to come with her Zenno Rob Roy weanling filly and with the Perfectly Ready foal she carries.

In a significant siring feat, Pasta Post (NZ) represents the second Gr.1 winner from the first crop of the exciting young Stoney Bridge sire, Postponed (USA).

By Summer Squall, Postponed (USA) had previously been distinguished with the dual Gr.1 winner Dorabella (NZ).

Standing at Stoney Bridge Karaka for NZ$20,000 plus GST this season, Postponed (USA) lays claim to the additional stakes winners Naturo (NZ), Post Thyme (NZ) and Farson (NZ) and has produced 40 winners since commencing stud duties in 2002.

The result of the NZ$200,000 Gr.1 First Sovereign Trust Easter Handicap (1600m)Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer NZB Sales Details
1 Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed x Blue Heaven by
Centaine) Fayette Park Stud Ltd Sapphire Bloodstock Ltd, G F Wade & G J Williams Graeme & Mark Sanders B: Sanders Racing Stables, S: 2005 Select Yearling Sale, V: Little Avondale Stud, P: $22,000
2 Sterling Prince (NZ) (Colombia x Sterling Princess by One
Pound Sterling) M J Armstrong M J Armstrong Vanessa & Wayne Hillis Null
3 Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) R W E Moore R W E Moore Stephen McKee Null
*B: Buyer, S: Sale, V: Vendor & P: Price

Sufficient (NZ) Seals Black Type Success in Champagne Stakes
Royally-bred colt Sufficient (NZ) (Zabeel x Fleur de Chine by Centaine) sealed his first black-type victory at Ellerslie on Saturday when he raced away with the Listed Network Visuals Champagne Stakes (1600m).

The royally-bred 2YO colt Sufficient (NZ)

The striking bay made it all look too easy as he claimed the feature race for two-year-olds by 3/4 of a length ahead of Juice (NZ) (Bertolini x Call Minder by Christmas Tree), with Spontaneous (NZ) (Spartacus x Solanto by Grosvenor) a similar margin back in third position.

Having just his second race-day start, the Bruce Wallace-trained colt went one better than his debut run for second at Ellerslie on March 24 behind the promising I Robot (NZ) (Ishiguru).

Raced by Wallace in partnership with Mark Wyborn, Sufficient (NZ) is sixth winning foal to race for the Centaine mare Fleur de Chine (NZ), making him a half-brother to the Gr.1 winner Tully Thunder (NZ) (Thunder Gulch), and the promising Gr.1 placed filly Fleur De’Here (NZ) (Dehere).

Sufficient (NZ) will now head to the spelling paddock and will return to the track as a three-year-old with Derby aspirations secured in his future racing targets.

The result of the Listed Network Visuals Champagne Stakes (2YO 1600m) Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer NZB Sales Details
1 Sufficient (NZ) (Zabeel x Fleur de Chine by Centaine) Plowman Bloodstock Ltd B J Wallace & M J Wyborn Bruce Wallace B: Wallace Thoroughbreds, S: 2007 Premier Yearling Sale, V: Windsor Park Stud, P: $120,000
2 Juice (NZ) (Bertolini x Call Minder by Christmas Tree J F Marks G J & J G Kissick John Wheeler B: John Wheer, S: 2007 Carnival Sale, V: Seaton Park, P: $20,000
3 Spontaneous (NZ) (Spartacus x Solanto by Grosvenor) Karreman Bloodstock Ltd D Karreman Robert Priscott Null
*B: Buyer, S: Sale, V: Vendor & P: Price

Katy Keen (NZ) Does it Again
Talented staying mare Katy Keen (NZ) (Zorro's Lad x Tangelo by Exploding Prospect) added to her picket-fence form line with another dominant galloping display in the Listed Hansome Ransom Manawatu Breeders' Stakes (2000m) at Manawatu on Friday.

Securing her fifth consecutive victory the Stuart Manning-trained four-year-old added a second black-type success to her race resume to go alongside her win in the Listed Skinforme New Zealand St Leger (2500m) at Trentham in March.

With seven career successes now counted from 2000m - 2500m Katy Keen (NZ) has cemented her reputation as being one of the most exciting staying finds on the recent New Zealand racing scene.

Katy Keen (NZ) will attempt to make it six wins in a row when she steps out in the Gr.2 Davmet Hawke's Bay Gold Cup (2200m) at Hastings on Saturday.

The result of the Listed Hansome Ransom Manawatu Breeders' Stakes (2000m) Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer
1 Katy Keen (NZ) (Zorro's Lad x Tangelo by Exploding Prospect) Mrs L K Durrant & R S Manning Mrs L K Durrant & R S Manning Stuart Manning
2 Shining Light (NZ) (Star Way x Nuccina by Danehill) Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate Mapperley Stud Partnership Syndicate John Sargent
3 Altesino (More Than Ready x Maraness by Marauding) Vinery Australia NSW Pty Ltd Inglewood Partnership Ltd Roger James
*B: Buyer, S: Sale, V: Vendor & P: Price

All In Brawl (NZ) Delivers Knock-Out Run in Listed Selwyn River Stud Stakes
All In Brawl (NZ) (Bertolini x All in Grace by Prized) claimed the South Island black-type spoils on offer on Saturday, delivering a knock-out run in the Listed Selwyn River Stud Champagne Stakes (2yo 1200m).

The Kevin Gray-trained juvenile recorded the victory by 1 & ½ half-a-lengths ahead of Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad x Cat Shema by Felix the Cat) with Volkarrie (NZ) (Volksraad x Harriet by Kaapstad) safely held in third.

Coming into Saturday's assignment All in Brawl (NZ) had run fourth to Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio) in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at his last start on March 29, with his three raceday outings prior to this resulting in two wins.

All In Brawl (NZ) is the first foal from the three-win mare All In Grace (NZ) who is a half-sister to the phenomenal dual Gr.1 winning galloper All In Fun (NZ) (17 wins).

The result of the Listed Selwyn River Stud Champagne Stakes (2yo 1200m)Plc Horse Breeder Owner Trainer NZB Sales Details
1 All In Brawl (NZ) (Bertolini x All in Grace by Prized) Mrs M O & P J McDonald Daniel, Fraser, Oliver, Ryan & Vicky McDonald Kevin Gray Null
2 Velocitea (NZ) (Volksraad x Cat Shema by Felix the Cat) Mrs S L Frost & Mrs R A Ramage Mrs S L Frost & Mrs R A Ramage Shane Kennedy Null
3 Volkarrie (NZ) (Volksraad x Harriet by Kaapstad) Bloomsbury Stud Fortuna (No 1) Syndicate (Mgr Mr J E Galvin) Mark Walker B: DC Ellis, S: 2007 Select Yearling Sale, V: Bloomsbury Stud, P: $95,000
*B: Buyer, S: Sale, V: Vendor & P: Price

Already successful in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic on Boxing Day and the First Sovereign Trust New Zealand Stakes in March, Sir Slick (NZ) could become the first horse to register success in three Ellerslie Gr.1 features during a single season, if he can assert his dominate ways in the Group 1 First Sovereign Trust Easter Handicap (1600m).

Several horses have captured a Group 1 double with the most recent being Xcellent (NZ) (Pentire) in 2004/2005, however the Group 1 treble has proved elusive.

The clear top-weight in the event, victory on Saturday would also seal Sir Slick’s (NZ) place in the Ellerslie history books as being the first horse since the great Grey Way (NZ) in 1977 to successfully carry 60.5kg to the line.

Runners tipped to benefit most from this weight impost include Pasta Post (NZ), Sterling Prince (NZ), Ginga Dude (NZ) and Culminate (NZ).

Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed x Blue Heaven by Centaine) failed to stay the 3200m trip in the Wellington Cup in January, but with Gr.2 success at the track and seven wins from his eight previous starts, he understandably poses as the sternest challenger to Sir Slick (NZ) on Saturday.

Last start Gr.2 First Sovereign Trust Japan/NZ International Trophy winner Ginga Dude (NZ) (Istidaad x Clatitude) similarly deserves respect and will be after a win hat-trick in the final New Zealand Gr.1 of the season.

Sterling Prince (NZ) (Colombia Prince x Sterling Princess by One Pound Sterling) featured ½ a head in arrears of Ginga Dude (NZ) in the Tauranga Gr.2 feature, and is sure to make a bold account of himself having netted a consistent career record of four wins and eight placings from his 14 raceday outings.

The Stephen McKee trained Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) will be out to right her narrow last start miss in the Gr.1 NZB Breeders Stakes (1600m) and receives the ideal trip and barrier to do so.

Mention need also go to last year’s winner Floydeboy (NZ) (Mellifont x Fleche’ d’Or by Northerly Native) who will have his chances enhanced should rain come into play.

Safely through Saturday’s test, Sir Slick (NZ) will gear up for his international debut in the $HK14 million Queen Elizabeth Cup (2000m) on April 27, before going on to the $S3 million Singapore International Cup (2000m) on May 18.

Dick Karreman's Racing Manager, Rick Williams, indicated a provisional programme of races for Seachange's visit to Britain this summer after her close sixth in the Dubai Duty Free. These are:

Saturday 17 May - Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes (Gp1) for 4YO 1600m NZ$500,000 at Newbury (Southern England).
Tuesday 17 June - Queen Anne Stakes (Gp1) for 4YO 1600m NZ$625,000 at Ascot (5-day Royal Ascot meeting).
Wednesday 9 July - UAE Hydra Properties Falmouth Stakes (Gp1) for 3YO Fillies & Mares 1600m NZ$500,000 at Newmarket (Eastern England).

It is anticipated that Ted Durcan, who rode Seachange at Nad Al Sheba, will keep the ride on the Ralph Manning-trained five-year-old, who will be stabled at Geoff Wragg's yard, which sits on the edge of The Jockey Club Estate's 2,800 acres of training grounds at Newmarket. This stable will also provide a home to South African Trainer Mike de Kock's British-based string.

Winning Edge Series - Jowka continues to lead

The current leading points earners in the Winning Edge Championship Series are listed below. The Championship Final will be run at Tauranga on Saturday 19 April, over 1600m, for a stake of $60,000. The final Qualifying Race is the Rating 80 1900m race to be run at Racing Rotorua's meeting at Taupo on Wednesday 9 April.

31 Jowka
28 Taking The Mickey
21 Bean Rock
20 Dashing Donna, That's My Char
19 Jumeriah Jaide
17 Spirits Bay, Mill Vinnie
16 Balben
15 Dutyful, Merchandise, Sir Fortriss, Ginga Dude*, Benedict, Mynewbestfriend, Cape Fear, Capacia
13 Envee
11 The Skull, Zealandia, Spikesmatecharlie, Grabbit

* With a current Rating of 96, Ginga Dude will be ineligible to compete in the Championship Final.

The Peter McKay-trained filly has reportedly pulled up well following her resolute effort which saw her become the first 3yo since Ebony Belle in 1984 to take the fillies and mares feature event, and will take her place in Ellerslie’s field in pursuit of the group one quinella.

The Gr.1 winning Towkay filly Special Mission (NZ)

Ridden to the line by 16-year-old apprentice James McDonald, Special Mission (NZ) staved off a late challenge from the McKee stablemates Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) and Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper x Just Cruising by Broad Reach) to claim the victory by a ½ head.

Special Mission (NZ) gave early indication of her galloping ability when winning on debut as a two-year-old by seven-and-a-half lengths, before posting consecutive Listed victories in the Levin RC Ryder Stakes (1200m) and the Wanganui JC Carters-Gib Stakes (1200m).

With a further three wins counted this season, Special Mission (NZ) boasts an enviable race record of six wins and two placings from her 12 starts.

Special Mission (NZ) was bred at Te Akau Stud by David Ellis and Dr Charles Yau, and is raced by Frances and Ralph Maxwell.

Equally delighted with the performance of Special Mission (NZ) was the team at Little Avondale Stud, who stand her sire, Towkay (AUS).

Special Mission (NZ) became Towkay’s third individual group one winner, and was the second stakes success for the stud’s resident sire this weekend. (see story below)

The result of the Gr.1 New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders' Stakes (1600m)Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner
1st Special Mission (NZ) (Towkay x Te Akau Trek by Khozaam) D C Ellis & Dr C Yau Peter McKay Mrs Frances & Ralph Maxwell
2nd Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau) R W E Moore Stephen McKee R W E Moore
3rd Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper x Just Cruising by Broad Reach) Karreman Bloodstock Ltd Stephen McKee Karreman Bloodstock Ltd

Twinkthaat (NZ) Seals Success in Listed South Island Breeders' Stakes
A gutsy performance by the honest five-year-old mare Twinkthaat (NZ) (Faltaat x Jamia by Jacinto) sealed her success in the Listed Valachi Downs South Island Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Friday.

Responding to the urgings of jockey Lisa Cropp down the long Riccarton straight Twinkthaat (NZ) fought determinedly, and was duly rewarded with victory in the feature race of the day by a long-head.

Bred and originally owned by Sue Broughton, Twinkthaat (NZ) has recorded three wins and 11 placings in her 30-start career.

The former North Island-trained galloper is now leased by a syndicate of racing enthusiasts, Bruce Johnstone, Mathew Lyn, Corey James, Gary McConchy, Jason Barber, Stu Cross and co-trainer Michael Stokes, who prepares the daughter of Faltaat in partnership with his wife Tarsha.

Twinkthaat (NZ) is the third winning foal from as many to race for her dam Jamia (NZ), herself a winner of three races.

The result of the Listed Valachi Downs South Island Breeders' Stakes (1600m)Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner
1st Twinkthaat (NZ) (Faltaat x Jamia by Jacinto) Mrs S A Broughton Tarsha & Michael Stokes J Barber, S Cross, C James, B Johnstone, M Lyn, G McConchie & M C Stokes
2nd Sila Jasak (NZ) (Cullen x Grand Archway by Archway) M S Hotchin & Westbury Stud Ltd Russell Cameron & Gareth McRae M S Hotchin & Westbury Stud Ltd (Mgr E J Watson)
3rd Lots and Lots (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit x Luskin Lass by Star of Luskin) E A P Howarth & H S R Saunders John & Karen Parsons J E Brooks, A D, B D & Mrs V M Galvin, H A Gerritsen, G P & L P Vinsen & A H Williamson

Thimble (NZ) Stitches Up Listed Win
Promising Pins (AUS) filly Thimble (NZ) (ex Exposed by Exploding Prospect) stitched-up the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on Sunday, racing away with the black-type feature by a convincing one-and-three-quarter-lengths.

The John and Karen Parsons-trained three-year-old made it look all too easy as she stormed home down the centre of the track to record her second career victory from just eight starts.

Owned by Barbara Wigley, Thimble (NZ) collected seven points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Southern Filly of the Year Series and now sits at the top of the series leader board alongside Cherry Creek (Monashee Mountain x Stage Flash).

The next race in the series is the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Canterbury on April 19.

The result of the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Stakes (1400m)

Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner
1st Thimble (NZ) (Pins x Exposed by Exploding Prospect) Mrs C J & P H Brown John & Karen Parsons Mrs B J Wigley
2nd Belmont Cat (NZ) (Felix the Cat x Morgan Glory by Justice Prevails) Mrs B & J E Thompson Michael Daly M P Daly, A D & Mrs K J Mayne & Miss D L Williamson
3rd Gin Dartre (NZ) (Volksraad x Rapida by Senor Pete) D Courtney-O'Connor Craig Thornton D Courtney-O'Connor, T Loewensohn & Mrs G Parker

Imananabaa (Anabaa x Iman by Zemindar) is one of two Group 1 winners in the race, having won the Group 1 Waiwera Mineral Water Railway Handicap (1200m) on New Year's Day. The sensitive four-year-old has won on five occasions and placed on eight. With the retirement of her former trainer Jim Gibbs, she now races from the Don Sellwood stable and will be ridden by Opie Bosson on Saturday from barrier 15.

Stephen McKee's Ardmore stable accounts for five hopes in the race to make up almost a third of the field, including the Group 1 winning three-year-old Keepa Cruisin (Keeper x Just Cruising by Broad Reach). Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud principal Dick Karreman, the half-sister to Seachange is already a Group 1 winner over a mile and ran on well for second in her last start on 22 March at Tauranga.

The McKee, Richard Moore and Samantha Spratt combination that took out last year's event with Captivate reunite this year with hopes for Culminate (Elnadim x Solstice by Marceau). Both mares were bred, and are raced, by Soliloquy principal Moore with the Stud also sponsoring current apprentice premiership leader, Spratt.

Five time winner Pams Pompallier (Volksraad x Kaapentyne by Kaapstad), Listed winner Ististar (Istidaad x Marlanda Star by Star Way) and Sardonyx (Ebony Grosve x Go Minstrel by Kreisler) complete the McKee-trained quintet.

Starting from a wide draw is the ultra-consistent Irlanda (O'Reilly x Cenphic by Centaine) who ran second here last year behind Captivate. Trained at Matamata by Lance Noble, the multiple stakes-winner will be ridden by Michael Coleman.

Noble is also represented by the Group 3 WRC Cuddle Stakes winner Kirra Sand (O'Reilly x Plentiful by Kinjite) who will be shooting for her seventh career win.

Vercors (Catbird x Alpine by Zabeel) is a Listed race winner over a mile, and a half-sister to the talented Pins filly Huluava. The Mark Walker trained five-year-old will be ridden by Michael Walker from barrier five and comes off the back of a last start second to fellow Breeders Stakes runner, Sent to Sea (Crested Wave x Address by Karioi Lad).

The stakes-placed six-year-old Sent to Sea, trained by Karyn McQuade, has drawn barrier 13 and will be ridden by Cameron Lammas in what will be her 31st race-day start.

Fresh from recent Group 1 juvenile success with Il Quello Veloce in the Ford Manawatu Sires Produce, John Sargent has the four-year-old Taatyana (Faltaat x Clear Advantage by Stark South) looking to continue the Matamata-based stable's recent success. Taatyana won her last start, a rating 80 event over a mile at Otaki on 27 March, by a decisive three lengths.

Speedy filly Special Mission (Towkay x Te Akau Trek by Khozaam) burst onto the scene at the end of last season to win her first three starts including two Listed events. Since then she has recorded a further two wins including one two starts ago when she downed Irlanda and Ebony Babe (Ebony Grosve x Regaletta by Vice Regal) by one-and-a-quarter lengths in the Westbury Classic over 1400m. Trainer Peter McKay has kept apprentice jockey James McDonald on the filly, who will have to overcome a wide barrier.

Ebony Babe also starts on Saturday, representing the Richard and Chris Otto training partnership. The lightly tried four-year-old has raced on nine occasions for four wins and a third placing.

My Hangover (My Halo x Hangover Street by Whiskey Road) will be ridden by South African hoop Jason Jago for Tim Carter. In her last start she finished fourth, almost three lengths behind Sent to Sea, Vercors and last year's Group 1 Champions Mile winner Floydeboy.

Roger James is looking to get some black-type for the five-year-old mare Altesino (More Than Ready x Maraness by Marauding) and has booked apprentice rider Craig Grylls for the ride. From the family of five-time Group 1 winner Zedative and Greys Inn, Altesino comes off the back of a last-start win at Trentham over 1400 metres. She has already proved she can get the distance, having won over 1800 and more in four of her six wins to date.

Completing the field, and with the widest barrier, is Lady Cavalier (Towkay x Malahide by Kings Island), a winner of four of her 30 raceday outings. Trained by Cambridge-based Graham Thomas, apprentice Troy Harris takes the mount and goes head to head with father Noel who has the ride on Pams Pompallier.

New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance also feature as a sponsor on the day, with the fourth race on the card, the New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance 1400 for three-year-olds.

Noble produced Irlanda (NZ) to finish second to Captivate (NZ) (Stravinsky) last year and has long had the $200,000 fillies and mares' showpiece as his target for the mare.

Irlanda (NZ) will be ridden as always by Michael Coleman with Jason Waddell set to partner Kirra Sand (NZ).

-Supplied by NZ Racing Retro

31/3/08 Il Quello Veloce (NZ) Records Scintillating Gr.1 Win
Captain Rio’s first crop filly Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (ex Nishaani by Gold Brose) turned the tides on lady luck on Saturday, quelling earlier fortune with a scintillating win in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (2YO, 1400m) at Awapuni.

Ridden quietly by Noel Harris, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) was pulled widest of all in the straight and upon seeing the light of day, flew past rivals to gap her nearest chasers Captain Fantastic (NZ) (Fantastic Light x Regal Ash by Green Desert) and San Bernardino (NZ) (Gold Mine x Miss Katella by The Commender) by 2 ¼ lengths and a short head at the line.

Il Quello Veloce (NZ) winning Saturday's Gr.1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (1400m).

Saturday’s success not only sealed Gr.1 honours for the chestnut filly, but ensured her distinction as the 2008 winner of the prestigious Ford 2YO Series (see table below).

An unlucky sixth in the Karaka Million, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) faired marginally better next up in Gr.2 Matamata Breeders Stakes, recovering from interference to finish second and later complemented this record with a third placing in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m), after covering extra ground.

Purchased by trainer John Sargent at the 2007 Select Yearling Sale for $50,000, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) has returned $170,350 in stakes earning for her owners, the Flying Fillies Syndicate and looks to have much more in-store when she returns from a spell.

A true Westbury Stud product, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (which fittingly is Italian for ‘the swift one’) is the first foal from the unraced Gold Brose mare Nishaani, who returned to Captain Rio last season.

Saturday’s win was one of five racetrack successes affiliated with the stud, with last night’s Hong Kong winners Sight Winner (NZ) (Faltaat) and The Goodies (NZ) (Singspiel) adding to the Ellerslie win efforts of Better On Top (NZ) (Kilimanjaro) and Jolly Talented (NZ) (Faltaat).

Not surprisingly, Westbury Stud’s Chief Executive Officer Russell Warwick was thrilled with the Gr.1 outcome.

“It is very satisfying to see Il Quello Veloce finally get a good black type victory after good efforts (without much luck) in the Karaka Millions, Matamata Breeder’s Stakes, and Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie.

“She looks to be a filly that will make good natural progress from two to three and she should be good candidate for further honours next season. John Sargent has done a great job with the filly and I am delighted she has not let him down”.

Since commencing stud duties at Westbury Stud in 2004, Captain Rio (GB) has registered 39 individual winners, with the best of these previously being the Gr.3 winner Philario and the stakes placed runners Capt Chaos and Rioka.

Captain Rio (GB), a son of Pivotal, won the Gr.2 Criteriumde Maisons-Laffitte, the Listed Waterford Testimonial Stakes and the Redcar 2yo Gold Trophy during his racing career.

Interestingly, the young sire covered Regal Ash-dam of the runner up Captain Fantastic last season and counts a connection to the pre-race favourite Fully Fledged, having earlier sired a yearling half-sister to the Gr.1 galloper

Unplaced at his previous start in the Gr.2 Japan New Zealand International Trophy (1600m), Sir Slick (NZ) went onto auto pilot to take the lead up after the jump and defied all challenges in the straight to score back-to-back wins in the event by 1 3/4’s of a length.
Five-time Gr.1 Winner Sir Slick (NZ)

Doing the best of the rest, Chettak (NZ) (Almutawakel x Filament by Lord Ballina) rallied strongly for second with the ever consistent Butch James (NZ) (Volksraad x Gillygate by Grosvenor) was a ½ head away in third.

Bred by Paul and Cushla Smithies of Monovale Farm in Cambridge, Sir Slick (NZ) fetched NZ$48,000 at the 2003 Karaka Select Colts Yearling Sale.

With over NZ$1.3 million in earnings to date, this modest estimation of worth has long since been reassessed by his lucky owners, Barry Brown and Graeme Nicholson.

The pair had first laid eyes on Sir Slick (NZ) during a Windsor Park Stud yearling parade.

“I saw lot 673 and I said to Barry, that’s the best one Nelson’s (Schick) got,” said Nicholson.

“Barry asked me why, so I told him ‘he walks with authority, that horse’”.

Sir Slick (NZ) has since rewarded the pair with 19 career wins, including five at Gr.1 level.

The gutsy son of Volksraad’s (GB) Gr.1 tally now looks for an international flavour with plans afoot for a tilt at the $HK14 million Queen Elizabeth Cup (2000m).

Since its inception in 2001 as a Gr.1 race, every winner of the Queen Elizabeth Cup has been a descendent of Northern Dancer, a stallion regarded as the most successful sire of the 20th century.

Converse to the maternal connection of the previous New Zealand-bred winner Vengeance of Rain (NZ) (Zabeel), Sir Slick (NZ) carries the Northern Dancer bloodline through his sire Volksraad (GB) (Green Desert).

In total, Volksraad (GB) has attained a 66.2% winners-to-runners ratio and counts Zola, Vinaka, Clifton King, Star Satire, Willy Smith, Sir Slick, Dantelah and One Under among his eight Gr. 1 winners.

Safely through the QE II Cup, the iron-horse of NZ racing will aim to complete a difficult double by way of the $S3 million Singapore International Cup (2000m) on May 18 and having received an invitation to compete at the Breeders Cup turf meeting at Santa Anita, he could well add a passport stamp to America in the new year.

The result of the NZ$100,000 Gr.2 Lawnmaster Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NBZ Sales History
1st Sir Slick (NZ) (Volksraad x Miss Opera by Paris Opera) Monovale Holdings Ltd Graeme Nicholson B N Brown & G A Nicholson Purchased by Nicholson racing Stables at the 2003 Select Colts Sale for $48,000 from the draft of Mapperly Stud
2nd Chettak (NZ) (Almutawakel x Filament by Lord Ballina) Mrs A S J & J W Goddard & Meehan Bloodstock Trust Stephen Marsh Ms R R des Barres, P C & Mrs S M Holden, R I Johnson, Ms J Kinnear, P A McDougall, A H B & M M Smith & P G Williams
3rd Butch James (NZ) (Volksraad x Gillygate by Grosvenor) Huntington Bloodstock Ltd Adrian Bull A M & Mrs R E Bull Sold to Hale/Marsh for $55,000 at the 2004 Select Yearling Sale from the draft of Wellfield Lodge

Vintage Win for Valpolicella (NZ) in Manawatu Classic
Beautifully bred three-year-old, Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom x Riesling by Last Tycoon) showed why she is a filly with a big future following her vintage win in the $100,000 Gr.3 The Oaks Stud Manawatu Classic (3YO 2000m) at Awapuni on Saturday.

Settling midfield in the hands of Gavin McKeon, the striking daughter of Red Ransom (USA) (Roberto) produced a brilliant turn of foot in the home straight to effortlessly race past the field and cross the line three-quarters-of-a-length in advance of Nom du Jeu (NZ) (Montjeu x Prized Gem by Prized), with Thumbs Up (NZ) (Shinko King x Regelle by Exploding Prospect) a further length back in third.
Beautifully bred three-year-old filly Valpolicella (NZ)

Franking the two-old form which saw her take out the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie, the Roger James-trained filly has now recorded three wins from 11 starts.

Valpolicella (NZ) was purchased at the 2006 Premier Yearling Sale by Mrs Cathy Franich, who has retained a racing interest in the filly together with Garry Cranny, Mrs Maureen Duncan, Haunui Farm Ltd, Haunui Farm Racing Syndicate No 1, Garry Madill & Provincial Club Racing Stables Syndicate.

Bred to stay, Valpolicella's (NZ) dam Riesling (NZ) (Last Tycoon) was a winner of four races, with her grand dam Dopff (NZ) (Tights) a winner of eight races, including a Gr.2 victory in the Auckland Racing Club Bluebird Foods Trophy at Ellerslie.

Riesling (NZ) has since produced two fillies by Cambridge Stud’s champion sire Zabeel (NZ) and returned to the stallion again last year.Valpolicella (NZ) may be seen across the Tasman later in the year at the Brisbane winter carnival with races such as the Doomben Roses (2020m) and the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) mooted as potential targets.

The result of the NZ$100,000 Gr.3 The Oaks Stud Manawatu Classic (2000m) Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NBZ Sales History
1st Valpolicella (NZ) (Red Ransom x Riesling by Last Tycoon) G J Clatworthy, Haunui Farm Ltd & G H Madill Roger James G J Cranny, Mrs M J Duncan, Mrs C Franich, Haunui Farm Ltd, Haunui Farm Racing Syndicate No 1, G H Madill & Provincial Club Racing Stables Syndicate Sold at the 2006 Premier Yearling Sale for $150,000 to Ms C Franich from the draft of Haunui Farm
2nd Nom du Jeu (NZ) (Montjeu x Prized Gem by Prized) Mrs W M Morton M Baker Mrs W M Morton Null
3rd Thumbs Up (NZ) (Shinko King x Regelle by Exploding Prospect) Miss S A Hale, N W Johnstone & R M Stent S Ritchie C S Leung Null

Tipulater (NZ) Claims Listed Flying Handicap
Talented South Island galloper Tipulater (NZ) (Truly Vain x Allez Tramp by Palatable) capitalised on recent solid form to claim the NZ$75,000 Listed Fairdale Stud Howbaddouwantit Flying Handicap (1400m) at Awapuni on Saturday.

Quickly assuming the role of pacemaker, Tipulater (NZ) led all the way to register his second success at black-type level by three-quarters-of-a-length from Happy Harry (NZ) (Volksraad x Princess Kura by Western Symphony), with The Georgian (NZ) (Towkay x Aglow by Noted), a half-head away in third.

With three wins and two placings counted from his previous six raceday outings, the Sandy Cunningham-trained gelding has now recorded a total of nine wins and seven placings from 25 starts.

The fourth winning foal to race for his dam Allez Tramp (NZ), Tipulater (NZ) was bred by Cunningham together with her husband Steve, who own the honest seven-year-old in partnership with Barry and Heather Gray, and Adele and Derek Jones.

The result of the Listed Fairdale Stud Howbaddouwantit Flying Handicap (1400m) Place Horse Breeder Trainer Owner NBZ Sales History
1st Tipulater (NZ) (Truly Vain x Allez Tramp by Palatable) S D & Mrs S J Cunningham Sandy Cunningham S D & Mrs S J Cunningham, B J & Mrs H A Gray, D N & Mrs A C S Jones Null
2nd Happy Harry (NZ) (Volksraad x Princess Kura by Western Symphony) J Bull Adrian Bull J Bull OBE Null
3rd The Georgian (NZ) (Towkay x Aglow by Noted) Little Avondale Trust Ian Adams J K Bruce Null

Align (AUS), himself the Champion Australian Two-Year-Old of 1999, earned a reputation as one of New Zealand's most exciting young sires last season after his son Nightlign (NZ) assumed the champion NZ 2YO mantle following an emphatic win in the aforementioned juvenile feature.

If the money train is any guide, no sire boasts a stronger chance of success on Saturday.

Represented by the flashy chestnut Fully Fledged (NZ) (ex Fledged by Bluebird), Align’s son burst into favouritism for the Manawatu feature after a brilliant last start win in the only other NZ Gr.1 feature for 2YO’s, the Gr.1 Ellerslie Ford Diamond Stakes (1200m) in March.

Impressive in his last two Ellerslie starts, Fully Fledged (NZ) will be reverting to the left way of going tomorrow, a direction that saw his wayward effort in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m).

With previous Listed wins in the CJC Welcome Stakes (1000m) and the Waikato RC Fairview Stakes (1100m) both stemming from left-handed tracks, San Bernardino (NZ) (Gold Mine x Miss Katella by The Commander) posts as a significant danger in the field.

San Bernardino (NZ), who currently leads the Ford 2YO Championship series, is one of two runners for the first crop Mr. Prospector sire Goldmine, so victory by ‘Bernie’ or the last start winner Sherborne (NZ) (ex Our Thumbs Up by Spectacular Love) would ensure a dream start to his stud career.

With 20 points on offer for the win, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio x Nishaani by Gold Brose), Captain Fantastic (NZ) (Fantastic Light x Regal Ash by Green Desert) and Raid (NZ) (Pins x Vanilla Sky by O’Reilly) are all still capable of throwing their hat into the ring for the Ford 2YO series honours.

Like Gold Mine, the first season sire Captain Rio (GB) (Pivotal) will receive his chance of an impressive start to his breeding career courtesy of the speedy filly Il Quello Veloce (NZ).

An unlucky 6th in the ARC Karaka Million, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) flew home at her last start for third in the ARC Diamond Stakes on March 8, effectively franking her previous start second in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders Stakes (1200m).

The Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) winner Captain Fantastic (NZ) will need to overcome an outside barrier, but is thought to be in peak form by co-trainer Paul Moroney, so will surely make his presence felt.The third of the other kiwi fancies to take the Ford 2YO title is the speedy grey Pins (AUS) (Snippets) filly Raid (NZ).

Raid (NZ) looked to have the Gr.1 Ellerslie Ford Diamond Stakes (1200m) at her mercy when hitting the lead early in the straight, but was overtaken in the closing stages, crossing a long neck in second.

At earlier attempts, Raid (NZ) had registered victory in the ARC Countdown to Karaka Million (1200m), was a narrow third in the ensuing feature and backed up from this with a similar placing in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders Stakes (1200m).

In a field full of interest Waikato Stud’s sire No Excuse Needed (GB) (Machiavellian) is strongly represented by his Karaka Million winning son Vincent Mangano (NZ) (ex Rationable by Housebuster) and could conceivably seal additional Australian Gr.1 honours on the day with Grand Dancer (NZ).Spartacus (IRE) (Danehill) is another sire looking for a Gr.1 wi