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"I am very happy with her work today," commented Stanley. "We worked her against her normal pattern as she likes to come from the back but she was right alongside Ockham's Razor for the hit-out. The Karaka Million Twilight Meeting will be held at Ellerslie Racecourse this Sunday 29 January from 5pm. For tickets visit www.ellerslie.co.nz.
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Sister Havana become the first Australian trained two-year-old to win the Karaka Million in 2010 |
Sell in May will be out to emulate the deeds of a previous Australian raider, the Liam Birchley trained Sister Havana (General Nediym), who became the first filly to win the race in 2010. Sell in May is one of four fillies currently in the top ten on the Order of Entry.
A $100,000 purchase by Balmerino Racing Partnership from Highview at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale, Sell in May will go into the Karaka Million with just the one start to her name and will be ridden by Australian jockey Ben Melham.
Ockham's Razor is one of two Any Suggestion two-year-olds currently in the top 14 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. The colt made his race debut in the Thomas North Plate at Caulfield earlier this month and was forced to settle for second with an eye-catching finish after a tough run in transit.
"It was a good sound run on debut," commented Lee Freedman, Anthony Freedman's brother. "He was a bit green and didn't have everything go his way but it was a good performance."
"The horse is coming along very well since his run and he will have his first look at Ellerslie next Tuesday. The million dollar stake is pretty substantial so we will be there to have a good crack at the race."
The Thomas North Plate carried a stake of A$70,000 and Ockham's Razor's second placing saw him earn NZ$16,575, enough to take him to fifth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
A $170,000 purchase by Bahen Bloodstock from Rich Hill Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Premier Sale, Ockham's Razor also has a full sister in the 2012 Select Sale at Lot 1034.
Nominations for the Karaka Million close Tuesday 24 January at noon and, with just three races to go before nominations close, there will be a number of two-year-olds lining up in New Zealand over the next few days with juvenile races in Tarakani ($5,000 stake) tomorrow and Counties ($10,000 stake) on Saturday.
Saturday will also see the running of the Group 2 Little Avondale Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes with Karaka Million hopes Deakes (Shaft), Liberating (Iffraaj), Hogwarts Express (Elusive City), Mt Eden (Edenwold) and On Yer Feet (Snitzel) all in the field.
With first place taking home $50,000, second $16,000 and third $8,000 in the Group 2 event, these horses all have a live chance of gaining late entry into the Karaka Million.
The Karaka Million Order of Entry is based on prize money earned and the field is limited to a maximum of 14 starters. To view the current Order of Entry, click here.
With every horse in the field eligible for the 2012 Karaka Million as the country's two-year-olds hunt a coveted start in the million dollar event, Green Wings was the lucky one to race his way into Karaka Million contention in Saturday's Countdown to Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie.
Trained by Graham Richardson, who saddled three winners at the meeting, Green Wings (Dr Green x My Fairy Wings) took up the pace after jumping well from barrier two for jockey Masa Tanaka who also took three wins on Saturday.
In a solid performance, the son of Dr Green was too quick for his opponents as he headed the field into the straight and held his one-and-a-quarter-length margin to the post.
A horse that looks very much on the up, Green Wings came into the race with just two starts under his belt, running second on debut at Counties and then taking his first win at Taranaki on 27 December, beating Hogwarts Express (Elusive City) who won her first race at Te Rapa last week.
The victory has taken Green Wings' stakes earnings to $11,725 putting him in eighth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. With the Karaka Million field limited to a maximum 14 runners, nominated horses will be selected according to prize money won.
Graham Richardson confirmed that should everything go to plan, Green Wings will be back in two weeks to contest New Zealand's richest race.
Bred by Queensland-based Jim Buchanan, Green Wings was purchased by his trainer Graham Richardson from Leanach Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Festival Sale for $30,000.
Running second in Saturday's two-year-old event was the Murray Baker trained Testamonial Mak (Testa Rossa x Donna Sienna) who raced near the tail of the field and ran on well in the finishing stages. Unplaced on debut in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes, he is now in 28th place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $2,700 in stakes.
The Stephen McKee trained Freedom (O'Reilly x Captivate) looked in deep trouble on the turn, dead last and well off the pace, but the colt showed a good turn of foot and put in a good bid down the outside to claim third. He moves to 10th place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $10,000 in stakes and looks another likely starter on 29 January.
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run at a Twilight Meeting on Sunday 29 January at Ellerslie. There are just five two-year-old events remaining in New Zealand before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including Saturday's Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.
Currently sitting in first place on New Zealand's Trainers' Premiership with 51 race wins, 17 wins clear of his nearest rival, Matamata trainer John Sargent is preparing a big team for the $1 million Karaka Million (Res.L) on January 29.
A race that will boast a number of international entries and jockeys in 2012, Sargent could have as many as five horses in the race with his contenders currently headed by the General Nediym filly Marechal (ex Zalika).
A $70,000 graduate of the 2011 Karaka Premier Sale, the filly is eighth on the Order of Entry with $12,800 in stakes after winning her second start at Otaki in late November, and running a close fourth after a luckless run in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes.
Marechal is owned by former All Black Mark Carter with other family members, all of whom are also first-time clients of Ladbrook Park Stables.
Ninth on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $9,375 in stakes is the grey colt Taoist Master (Any Suggestion x Skara Brae) who put in a dominant performance when winning on debut at Trentham in early December. Purchased by Sargent at the Karaka Select Sale for $62,500, Taoist Master is co-owned by Shanghai businessman Li Tong who found Sargent over the internet.
Li Tong is the co-owner of another Sargent trained runner in Magic Shaft (ex Adaptable Lass), a son of first season sire Shaft who was purchased by Sargent for $60,000 at the Karaka Select Sale. The two-year-old ran a good third on debut in the Group 3 Eclipse Stakes earning $6,650 and fifteenth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Completing the line-up for Sargent's Karaka Million attack are Choice Bro (12th with $8,900 in stakes) and Deakes (13th with $7,450 in stakes).
Choice Bro (Choisir x Ladidi) has shown that he has plenty of talent when running second on debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier at Awapuni. A $50,000 Karaka Select Sale purchase by Sargent and bloodstock agent Gary Mudgway, the colt then broke his maiden when winning the Countdown to the Karaka Million at his next start at Ellerslie.
Purchased by Gary Mudgway Bloodstock for $60,000 at the Karaka Select Sale, Deakes (Shaft x Long Walk) shows the same form line as his stable mate Choice Bro, running second on debut before winning at his next start at Wingatui by two-and-three-quarter-lengths.
Choice Bro and Deakes are raced by an Australian group of owners who Sargent met at last year's Karaka Million Twilight Meeting at Ellerslie. Perth-based syndicate organiser Kelda Jones was a guest of New Zealand Bloodstock at the 2011 Karaka Million when introduced to Sargent in its hospitality marquee.
"She told me 'I've got to have a runner in this race - this is a fantastic atmosphere," says Sargent.
"So we went to the Sales that week with [bloodstock agents] Gary Mudgway and Brad Spicer and picked out Choice Bro and Deakes for them.
"We only bought two yearlings and it looks like they'll have two of the 14 runners in the Karaka Million."
Sargent purchased six yearlings from the National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka in 2011 and all but one looks to have a good chance of making the Karaka Million field on January 29. His other purchase La Vitesse (Darci Brahma x Naturo), a $80,000 graduate of the Karaka Premier Sale, will miss the Karaka Million but will be aimed at stakes races later in the season.
"You don't have to spend a lot; just find a nice running type that looks like it will take the pressure," says Sargent.
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John Sargent trained Banchee racing away with the Karaka 3YO last year, she ran third in the |
"I can't really split any of them at this stage - you've just got to try and get them there in a happy frame of mind, and then it's all down to luck."
Sargent has gone very close to winning the $1 million prize since its first running four years ago with Il Quello Veloce (Captain Rio) in 2008 and Banchee (Oratorio) in 2010. Both went on to take Group 1 races as two-year-olds and were crowned Champion NZ 2YOs.
Last year Sargent saddled Savabill (Savabeel) who flew home late, Dollario (Captain Rio) and Super Easy (Darci Brahma) who raced three wide and was only caught in the final 50 metres of the race.
"Banchee and Il Quello Veloce were knocked from pillar to post but that's what this race is, it's a very high-pressure race and decided by luck on the day.
"You can draw 14, or one, it all depends on whether you get a clear run."
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run on Sunday January 29 at Ellerslie and is limited to 14 starters. There are just seven two-year-old events remaining in New Zealand before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including the Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.
Click here to view the current Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Two new youngsters have placed themselves firmly in Karaka Million contention this weekend, with good performances on each side of the Tasman putting them amongst the current top 10 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry.
Racing at Woodville on Saturday saw the son of Ishiguru, Mai Guru (NZ) (Ishiguru x Everglow), shoot up the Karaka Million Order of Entry with a professional winning performance in the Bambry's Water Treadmill Juvenile (1100m).
Trained by Kevin Hughes and Dean Wiles, Mai Guru went straight to the lead with jockey Hayden Tinsley aboard and the pair led throughout, racing hard up against the rail to win by one-and-a-half-lengths in a hands and heals ride.
The win takes Mai Guru's stakes earnings to $9,050 and puts him in tenth place on the Karaka Million Order of Entry which is based on prize money earned.
Mai Guru ran second in his race debut at his last start at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, putting in a big display when taking the lead at the 250 metre mark, only to be run down late by the O'Reilly colt Freedom.
Bred by Jim Campin and owned by the Elaine Chen Stable, Mai Guru was purchased by Ben Foote Racing Stables from Jim Campin at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Select Sale for $47,500.
The gelding was re-offered at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds in November last year and was purchased by David Kok of Singapore from Esker Lodge for $60,000.
Jim Campin will be offering eight yearlings at the Karaka Yearling Sales including a half-brother to Mai Guru by Europe's champion first season sire Iffraaj at Lot 720 of the Select Sale. His other entries include:
In Australia on Saturday, the Anthony Freedman trained Ockham's Razor (NZ) (Any Suggestion x Shadow Ray) has gone straight to fifth on the Karaka Million Order of Entry when running a strong second on debut in the Thomas North Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
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Any Suggestion (above) and General Nediym both |
Bred by Jungle Pocket Pty Ltd, Ockham's Razor was purchased by Bahen Bloodstock from Rich Hill Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $170,000.
With his oldest progeny only two-year-olds, Any Suggestion has two horses in the top 10 on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with Taoist Master winning at Trentham on debut in December for John Sargent.
A sister to Ockham's Razor will be offered by Rich Hill Stud at the Karaka Select Sale at Lot 1034.
New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, will be run on Sunday January 29 at Ellerslie and is limited to 14 starters. There are just seven two-year-old events remaining before race nominations close on Tuesday 24 January, including the Group 2 Little Avondale Wakefield Challenge Stakes which carries a stake of $85,000.
Click here to view the current Karaka Million Order of Entry.
The Jason Bridgman trained Warhorse (NZ) raced into the Karaka Million spotlight with a brilliant performance in the Group 3 Stella Artois Eclipse Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
Ridden by top Australian jockey Nash Rawiller, Warhorse (General Nediym x Rathlin Island) came into the Group 3 as a maiden and had to overcome a tough trip after racing wide in transit. In the straight he quickened well on the wet ground and raced past fellow Karaka graduate and Bridgman trained Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer) to win by two-and-a-half-lengths.
Warhorse came into the race after running sixth to Travino and Oasis Rose in the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes and now heads the kiwi contingent on the Karaka Million Order of Entry with $44,000.
Bred by Hope Bloodstock and owned by prominent Singapore owner Mr Tang Weng Fei, Warhorse was purchased by David Ellis from Trelawney Stud from New Zealand Bloodstock's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale for $100,000.
A half-sister to Warhorse by the champion sire Zabeel will be offered at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale by Cambridge Stud at Lot 393.
3/1/2012 Chicharita (NZ) Oaks BoundA storming run down the Ellerslie straight has seen Chicharita (NZ) cast her name into Oaks contention with a big win in the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m). |
The hot combination of trainer Lisa Latta and owner Lincoln Farms continues to deliver and struck again yesterday when Platinum Princess (NZ) proved too tough in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.
Ridden by jockey Kelly Myers, Platinum Princess (Keeper x Merle Park) was well back in transit and produced a determined performance, weaving her way through the field to run down Smoulder in the final strides to win by a head at the post.
A winner of the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile two starts ago with 53 kilograms, the five-year-old mare ran below par when unplaced in the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes but showed that she is all class with yesterday's performance carrying 57 kilograms to victory.
The mare has had a busy campaign and connections have nominated her for the Group 1 Thorndon Mile next month at Trentham and will now have to decide whether to push on or give her a break.
Bred by Karreman Bloodstock, Platinum Princess was purchased by Lisa Latta from The Oaks Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Karaka Select Sale for $115,000.
Trans-Tasman triumph … Nash Rawiller scores on Atomic Force in the Railway Stakes at Ellerslie, Auckland. Rawiller also won the Eclipse Stakes earlier on the card. Photo: Getty Images
ATOMIC FORCE outclassed his New Zealand rivals in the $200,000 group 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie over 1200 metres yesterday.
Atomic Force last year gave trainer Darren Smith his first group 1 win when he claimed out the Galaxy at Randwick in April. ''This is a great thrill. I did not think anything would equal the Galaxy as it was my first group 1,'' Smith said. ''But to bring a horse all the way from Newcastle to New Zealand and win a group 1 is special. There is no doubt this is the best horse I have ever trained. Early in my career I had Varikos, but I was on my P plates training a Ferrari in those days.
''Then Court Command and Madame Pedrille came along. They were both super, potential group 1 horses but they did not get that big win. This bloke has done that and done it well.''
Smith is contemplating more group 1 success in New Zealand. ''The Telegraph is their biggest sprint, and that is in three weeks,'' he said. ''I will send the horse to Shane Treweek's brother Mark's property, which is five minutes from Ellerslie.
''Atomic Force can have four or five days in the paddock there, and then we will see if he is ready to have another go at them over here.''
For now, Smith will enjoy the moment. ''I couldn't be prouder of the horse,'' Smith said. ''He's done Newcastle proud. Now the Kiwis know what sort of horse we can produce at Broadmeadow.
''We all knew he was a top-class 1100 metre sprinter but today he went to another level. I am just so happy for the horse and all my staff, who have done such a great job with my horses.''
Smith said he was worried when Atomic Force was slowly away and back fifth last at the start of the sprint. From the 12 barrier after the emergencies were scratched, he was always going to race wide.
''I was feeling average early on,'' Smith said. ''But to his credit Nash [Rawiller] did not panic. He let the horse balance up, and even though he was so wide at the home turn, he looked to have them in his sights a fair way out.
''I thought he might run away with it but The Hombre really dug and chased our horse.''
Atomic Force went from winning a welter at Canterbury on November 26 to yesterday's success. ''Not many horses are good enough to go from welter company to winning at the elite level,'' Smith said. ''That shows how good this horse is.''
Smith has taken a cast-off from several Sydney stables to winning the Galaxy at Randwick over 1100m as well as the Railway Stakes.
Atomic Force was tried by Chris Waller, John Hawkes and Kevin Moses without much success.
''Dean Watt from Dynamic Syndications rang one day and said he needed help,'' Smith said. ''He said he had a horse which he thought had ability but wasn't producing on race day.
''I looked up Atomic Force's form, and he was beaten in an average ratings 70 race at his last start at Wyong. To be honest, I thought he might be a country horse but all he has done is improve since he got to our stable.''
And what was the magic formula of turning around Atomic Force?
''All I can say is that he is a happy horse,'' Smith said. ''He is enjoying the racing, and the fact he has now raced successfully in Sydney, Melbourne and New Zealand shows that nothing bothers him.''
Smith said he was expecting a big run from Atomic Force after he saw the gelding when he arrived in New Zealand on Friday.
''Shane Treweek, who is in charge of him over here, had the horse bristling in fitness and health,'' he said. ''I took one look at him on Friday and said to Shane, 'These Kiwis will want to be good to beat this bloke.' He lived up to his looks today.''
Smith completed a rare double yesterday. As well as his win in New Zealand, he was also successful at Port Macquarie.
Smith's stayer Gallant Spur made it two straight wins when he took out a 2012m benchmark 67 handicap.
Matured ... Atomic Force. Photo: Jenny Evans
HE'S one of Australia's fastest sprinters, he's in peak form and he loves wet ground, so don't let the wide alley put you off Atomic Force in today's $200,000 group 1 Railway Stakes at Ellerslie.
If he'd had his way, Newcastle trainer Darren Smith would have been on his way back from taking on the world's best sprinters in the Hong Kong Sprint rather than preparing to tackle New Zealand's best.
But Smith now sees the chance to pluck another group 1 race from much more modest opposition as compensation for missing selection for Hong Kong. And if the weight scale wasn't enough to make Smith smile, the poor weather forecast certainly did, as Atomic Force is at his competitive best when it's wet.
Given the six-year-old has won 10 of his 35 starts, including the group 1 Galaxy (on a heavy track) and earned nearly $1 million, he looks thrown into the Railway just one kilogram above boom Kiwi Durham Town, which boasts just five wins and $107,000 in stakes.
Smith rates Atomic Force at least on the same level as earlier Railway winners from across the Tasman in Recurring (2005) and Gold Trail (2010). His travelling foreman, Shane Treweek, who has looked after the horse since his arrival 10 days ago, goes further.
''Apart from Black Caviar and Sepoy, he'd be the best 1100-metre horse in Australia,'' Treweek said. ''And while 1100 metres is his pet distance, he's won a couple at 1200 metres and has been very competitive in the group races.''
Smith has had Atomic Force for two preparations now after he lost form and went through four previous trainers with a succession of unsoundness issues.
But Smith said he had matured out of his niggles and, trained on his farm, he had performed consistently at the highest level. So much so that his sole concern is that Atomic Force has been up a long time, his latest campaign having started in mid-July.
''But we've spaced his races, kept him happy and he's handled everything we've thrown at him,'' he said.
New Year's Day racing at Ellerslie will host the sixth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m), with 11 fillies shooting for the eight points on offer.
The Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes will see a number of three-year-olds contest the race after lining up on Boxing Day for the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic, including the race winner and current Series leader Planet Rock.
Leading throughout the Boxing Day contest in a bold front-running display, Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) make it two consecutive victories after winning the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She has a clear lead in the Series for her trainers Peter and Dawn Williams with 20 points and judging by her trainers' comments, the 2000 metres should hold little concern. She has drawn barrier three with Hayden Tinsley aboard.
Also backing up from Boxing Day, the Graeme & Debbie Rogerson trained Dowager Queen (Savabeel x Dower) comes into the contest having been tested over 2000 metres when running second to the Bart Cummings trained Gliding in the Listed Ethereal Stakes in Melbourne. She was unplaced in the Eight Carat Classic and has a tough draw to contend with in barrier 10 with Jonathan Riddell booked to ride.
The stable will also see the blue-blood filly Joy's Choice (Redoute's Choice x Tricia) make her second appearance in the Series. She had a tough trip in transit when unplaced in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes in her last start but has the wide barrier of 11 to contend with.
Currently sitting fourth equal with six points in the series, the Shaune Ritchie trained Zurella (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) was impressive when winning the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and has won three of her four race day starts. She has improved with every start and, being by Zabeel, the extra ground looks tailored to suit and she looks a very exciting filly.
The Michael Moroney and Andrew Clarken trained Chicharita (Towkay x Trisynd) and Our Famous Eve (Fast 'n' Famous x Expoeve) from Glenn Old's stable come into the race off the back of winning performances. Our Famous Eve has claimed two wins over the mile, her last at Te Rapa in mid-December, and Chicharita comes into the race after winning at Ellerslie in early December over 1600 metres.
Postponed will have two runners in the race with the Stephen Marsh trained Divine Spice (ex Lady Gesine) and Poste Restante (ex Little Tee) who both come into the race after running second at their last starts. They have both drawn wide with barriers seven and nine respectively.
Leading Australian jockey Nash Rawiller has taken the ride on the lightly raced Lady Krovanh (Dehere x Miss Krovanh) from Don Sellwood's stable. With just three races to her name, she broke her maiden two starts back at Matamata and ran second at her last appearance over a mile at Counties.
The lightly raced Nineteen Forty (O'Reilly x Centenary) has also only had three starts and comes into the race as a maiden for trainer Paul Jenkins after running third at her last appearance at Counties over 1400 metres. The Graeme and Mark Sanders trained Glowing (Bachelor Duke x Jolie Femme) joins the field as a maiden after four starts, finishing second over 2100 metres at her last start. She has drawn well in barrier two.
The winner of the $100,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) will receive eight points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking four points and third two points.
High class filly Planet Rock (3f Fastnet Rock x Akris, by Zabeel) proved her wet track win in the Group I NZ 1,000 Guineas was no fluke when she defeated a crack field of 16 to win the Group II ARC Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.
Prepared by the husband and wife team of Peter and Dawn Williams, Planet Rock was ridden a positive race by Hayden Tinsley and ran the 1600 metres out strongly to defy the late challengers and win the prestigious event by a dominant length and a half.
It was the second stakes win for Planet Rock, who has the overall record of four wins and four placings from eight starts with prizemoney of $338,975.
A $290,000 purchase from the Wellfield Lodge draft at the 2010 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, Planet Rock is the first foal of the stoutly bred Zabeel mare Akris, a half-sister to two mile stakes-winner Gorky Park from the family of Group III winner Galroof, the dam of spring stakes-winners Pinnacles and Sabrage.
Planet Rock is one of 23 stakes-winners for Fastnet Rock and is his eighth Group I winner, four of them coming during the spring with Planet Rock joining Atlantic Jewel, Pop ‘n’ Rock and Mosheen.
Interestingly all four of his spring Group I winners carry Sir Tristram (IRE) blood on their female side, Atlantic Jewel and Planet Rock from mares by Zabeel, Pop ‘n’ Rock from a daughter of Sir Tristram (IRE), while Mosheen’s grand-dam is by the Sir Tristram horse Kaapstad.
There are only three yearlings to be offered at the 2012 Magic Millions that are bred the same way.
Lot 9 Filly Fastnet Rock x Governing Spirit (NZ) - Coolmore Stud
Lot 489 Filly Fastnet Rock x Black Minx (NZ) - Newgate Farm
Lot 572 Colt Fastnet Rock x Demanding - Racetree

Having only his third career start, the Stephen McKee-trained Knight’s Tour scored an exciting win in the G2 Great Northern Guineas over 1600m at Ellerslie, New Zealand.
Holding a nomination to the G1 New Zealand Derby in March, the progressive son of the unbeaten Reset is sure to improve as he gets further into his current preparation with his main aim being the G1 classic.
Bred by Darley Australia, Knight’s Tour is out of the Machiavellian mare Hestia, and comes from the family of Octagonal’s G1 winner Laverock as well as this season’s Stakes-winning Lonhro juvenile Pierro. Hesita has a two-year-old by Lonhro in the Peter Snowden stable named Tiryns, a yearling by Commands, and foaled a filly by Medaglia d’Oro in early December.
The sire if 16 international Stakes winners, Reset has been enjoying a great season through the deeds of G1 WS Cox Plate winner Pinker Pinker, as well as the recent G3 success in New Zealand of Cassini. Having just finished covering his most recent season at Darley's Northwood Park, Reset is currently the leading Victorian-based Stakes-winning sire.
The fifth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m), is shaping up as an outstanding contest with a number of the country's leading fillies set to contest the race.
To be held at Ellerslie's famed Boxing Day Races, the Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic is the first of two New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year races to be held over the Christmas/New Year period. The Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Royal Stakes (2000m) will be held six days later, at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.
Currently leading the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series with 12 points is the Peter and Dawn Williams trained Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) who will line up on Boxing Day. A winner of the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas at her last start, she ran third in a recent trial at Te Aroha.
Planet Rock is proven over the mile at Group 1 level and according to her trainers will only get better with longer trips. The daughter of Fastnet Rock is currently also in third place, and is the highest rated filly, on the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile (Res.L) on 29 January.
The highest rated filly in Saturday's field is Dowager Queen (Savabeel x Dower) who was highly competitive against some of the best fillies in Australia earlier this season, including running a strong second in the Group 1 VRC Oaks. Trained by Graeme and Debbie Rogerson, she ran out of the placings in her last start in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes but is more than capable of adding the race to her black-type record.
Graeme and Debbie Rogerson will also saddle Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) with Sam Spratt aboard from the ace draw. She ran a brilliant second in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas in just her third race day appearance taking seven points and second place in the Series. She fought hard in her last start when running fourth in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and Monday's race will see a rematch with her rival Planet Rock who only just beat her in the Guineas.
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NZB Filly of the Year Series leader Planet Rock |
A highly consistent filly that always produces an honest effort, Testa Secret (Testa Rossa x Acacian Secret) is currently in fifth place in the Filly of the Year Series with six points. The Kevin Gray trained filly has run places in the Listed Fillies Stakes, Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes and Group 3 Eulogy Stakes at her last start and is well placed in the field. She has drawn 11 with James McDonald taking the mount for the first time.
The filly currently heading the betting is the Ken and Bev Kelso trained Xanadu (Elusive City x Forest Dream) who is unbeaten in three starts, her last coming at Ellerslie in an impressive performance over a mile on 3 December. She faces a big step up in class in the Group 2 but faces no trouble with the distance for Craig Grylls.
Very much in the same boat, Purpose (ex Vivane) is by the hot sire Falkirk and comes into the race off back-to-back victories. A winner of three of her five starts for trainer Richard Collett, she also faces a big ask leaping to Group 2 level, but is another to keep a sharp eye on.
Roger James will saddle three runners in the race including Holy Moly (Holy Roman Emperor x Clarissa) who won the second leg of the Filly of the Year Series, the Listed Soliloquy Stakes, giving her four points in the Series. She comes into the race having run second to Burgundy (Redoute's Choice) in a trial at Cambridge last week.
From the same stable, Roger James will also saddle Full of Spirit (Flying Spur x Imposingly) and Silent Achiever (O'Reilly x Winning Spree). Both lightly raced, they each come into the Group 2 with impressive wins under their belts, while Full of Spirit has to contend with a tricky draw from gate 17.
The Darci Brahma filly Artistic (ex Artless) from Shaune Ritchie's stable comes into the Group 2 from a short break after her good fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She was very impressive when winning the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes against the boys earlier in the season and is another that is well placed in this highly competitive field.
The Louise Saunders trained Melody Celebre (Castledale x Right On Time), and White Lies (Postponed x Miss Smugg) from Stephen Marsh's yard, both come into the race off last start wins in Rating 65 events at Ellerslie and Pukekura respectively.
New Zealand's champion sire Volksraad will have two runners in the race with Paul Shailer's last start winner Mapmaker (ex Straight Eight) who will have the services of Australian jockey Nash Rawiller, and Blooming Hell (ex Our Prized Rose), for trainer Richard Sherwin, who won over 1230 metres two starts ago at Arawa Park.
Unbelieveabelle (Handsome Ransom x Shona Indre) has been competitive in the Filly of the Year Series so far running fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. Trained by Stephen Crutchley, she had a tough trip in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes after being caught well back in transit but was a winner prior to that at Woodville over 1200 metres in late October.
Another runner for Falkirk, Rose of Falkirk (ex Class Jewel) showed she has ability when putting in a solid performance two starts ago to win at Ellerslie for trainer Mark Brosnan in a Rating 70 1200m event. The Mark Mullane trained Alley Cat (Storm Creek x Countess Zoya) rounds off the field and comes into the Group 2 a maiden after five raceday starts.
The winner of the $100,000 Group 2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) will receive 8 points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking 4 points and third 2 points.
The $800,000 Danehill Dancer colt Irish Rebel (NZ) has made the best of starts to his career on Saturday when winning his debut in the New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO Premier (1100m) at Awapuni.
Purchased by David Ellis from Cambridge Stud at the Karaka Premier Sale, Irish Rebel was acquired with the $1 million Karaka Million in mind, with Saturday's win keeping that plan on track.
"He is a very athletic colt, the ideal type of horse for the Karaka Million and we will be aiming him at the race," commented Ellis immediately after securing the horse in January this year.
Ridden by jockey Matthew Cameron, Irish Rebel (Danehill Dancer x Ballycairn) went straight to the lead from barrier five and was dominant in the straight, showing a good turn of foot and racing clear of the pack to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths.
Trained by Te Akau's Jason Bridgman, the colt showed from the beginning that he had some ability after running second in his first trial at Te Teko in September, and winning his second trial at Cambridge late last month.
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An outstanding yearling, Irish Rebel made $800,000 in the Karaka Ring at NZB's 2011 Karaka Premier Sale |
Karaka Million nominated, Irish Rebel won $9,375 in stakes which takes him to sixth place on the Karaka Million (Res.L) Order of Entry. For graduates of the 2011 National Yearling Sales Series, a maximum field of 14 starters will get to line up in New Zealand's richest race.
A blue-blood colt, Irish Rebel is from the Zabeel mare Ballycairn making him a half-brother to the Group 2 winner Pure Harmony (Stravinsky) and Group 1 placed Galway Lass (Rhythm), the dam of the stakes winner Outdo (Exceed and Excel).
Zabeel's success as a damsire is evident, with 82 stakes winners, 16 at Group 1 level including Samantha Miss (Danehill), Darci Brahma (Danehill) and Anacheeva (Anabaa).
Zabeel currently heads the Broodmare Sires' Table by Earnings in Australia with $6.2 million from 281 runners, 125 runners less than Danehill who is currently in second place on $5.5 million. Zabeel also leads the New Zealand Broodmare Sires' Table with $888,887.
Danehill Dancer has four yearlings (3 colts & 1 filly) in the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale including:
The six-year-old mare Cassini is racing in career best form and extended her winning record on Saturday when proving too good in the $70,000 Group 3 Hotel Coachman Manawatu Cup (2300m).
Taken straight to the front and settling just off the pace on the rail for jockey Lisa Allpress, Cassini (Reset x Mathematical) loomed up to the leading trio in the straight and, after looking like a close finish was on the cards, kicked away to win by an impressive one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Running second in the Manawatu Cup last season, the Mark Oulaghan trained Cassini has gone back-to-back in black-type races after winning the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) at her last start.
A mare who is racing in top form, she holds a nomination for the Group 2 City of Auckland Cup at Ellerslie on January 1 where she currently shares favouritism with Innocent Lady (Viking Ruler) at $8. She is also nominated for the Group 2 Wellington Cup on January 28.
The Order of Entry for the 2012 Karaka Million (1200m) (Res.L) - New Zealand's richest race - is beginning to take shape with Saturday's winner Sell in May (NZ) going straight to the top of the leaderboard of two-year-olds eligible for a coveted start in the one million dollar feature.
Trained by John Sadler in Melbourne, Sell in May (NZ) (Starcraft x Savannah Rain) won her debut at Flemington on Saturday in a A$70,000 2YO Maiden over 1000 metres with jockey Stephen Baster aboard, running the last 600 metres in a hot 33.32 seconds.
Bred by the Hong Kong Breeders Club and offered by Brent Gillovic's Highview Stud at the Karaka Premier Sale, Sell in May was purchased by the Balmerino Racing Partnership for $100,000. The A$42,700 in stakes earnings from Saturday's win puts Sell in May at the head of the Karaka Million Order of Entry which is based on prizemoney earned.
Sell in May is one of four Australian trained horses currently on the Karaka Million Order of Entry. The $75,000 filly Empress Elect (NZ) (Holy Roman Emperor x Trouville) from David Payne's stable has had three starts for two placings including a third on debut at Randwick for A$11,300 in stakes and lies in fourth position.
The Travelling Man (Mossman x Gypsy Jewels) has had one start for Matt Laurie, running fourth at Caulfield in the Listed Debutants Stakes and currently scrapes into the top 10, while the $300,000 Encosta de Lago colt Varanasi (ex Pace Invader) has also made the Order of Entry after running fifth on debut at Randwick in early November.
Currently holding second place and heading the kiwi entries is the $58,000 Festival Sale graduate Silver City (Nothing to Lose x She's Just Dreamy). Trained by Stephen McKee, the colt won his debut at Ruakaka in early September and went on to take the Listed Wellesley Stakes at Trentham at his next start. His stakes earnings currently total $31,750.
Pins' daughter Silk Pins (NZ) (ex Silk Ending) is sitting in third place with $15,400 after just two starts on the track. She won her debut at Ellerslie in the NZB Ready to Run Sale 2YO and followed up with a good second in the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe in mid-November.
With two-year-old stakes races such as the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes, Group 3 Eclipse Stakes and the Listed Wentwood Grange Stakes, plus numerous two-year-old black-type races in Australia yet to be contested, the Order of Entry for the Karaka Million is far from final.
To view the Order of Entry for the 2012 Karaka Million, click here. To view the list of eligible horses for the Karaka Million, click here.
The high class mare Lady Kipling (NZ) was labelled early as a black-type mare and she lived up to that billing on Saturday when winning the $85,000 Group 2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) at Te Rapa.
Competing against some tough opposition, including the Group 1 Queensland Oaks placed Shez Sinsational (Ekraar), Lady Kipling (Savabeel x Akela) proved too good when asked by jockey Matthew Cameron to quicken at the 200 metres, taking the Group 2 by a length at the post.
The four-year-old daughter of Savabeel has taken four victories this season for trainer Murray Baker and came into the race off the back of a good win at Counties over 1600 metres in a $40,000 Open Handicap.
Now the winner of six of her sixteen starts, Lady Kipling is the 13th stakes winner for her sire Savabeel who can do little wrong at present. Making a solid start to the season, the Cox Plate winning son of Zabeel has also seen Sangster (NZ) win the Group 1 VRC Derby and Strike the Stars (NZ) take the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes.
Standing at Waikato Stud, Savabeel has a draft of 54 yearlings at the 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales.
Bred by Alchemy Family Trust and Windsor Park Stud, Lady Kipling was purchased by her trainer Murray Baker from Windsor Park Stud for $62,500 at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2009 Karaka Select Sale. She is now raced by Geoff Candy and Lawrence Redshaw.
The 2012 Karaka Premier Sale will offer a half-sister to Lady Kipling by High Chaparral at Lot 36 from Windsor Park Stud.
Saturday's Te Rapa meeting saw NZB graduates notch up a stakes double with Mydiamond Bracelet (NZ) (Al Akbar x Plain Jill) taking the Listed Ag and Turf Sprint (1400m) after kicking clear and holding her lead to the post to win by a neck.
A five-year-old mare, Mydiamond Bracelet is trained by Graham Richardson for owners G A Andrew, J D Clark, J J Lawrence, R L Pearson & The Bohemian Trust, and was stakes performed coming into the race, improving dramatically on her luckless last start in the Group 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes.
Running fourth in the Listed Rotorua Stakes to Dowager Queen (Savabeel) and Fleur de Lune (Stravinsky) in May, Saturday's victory was her second this season after winning at Te Rapa in late October.
12/12/2011 NZTR plan to revitalise thoroughbred racing released
Bigger fields with more mares and fillies are part of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s proposed plan to raise revenue flows and revitalise the gallops industry.
Facing up to what has been a growing gap between falling revenue and increasing costs, NZTR has proposed a comprehensive business plan with 22 separate areas of action and is releasing it to its Clubs this week. Click here for NZTR Business Plan 2012-14.
Among the core objectives detailed in the business plan is an initiative to grow field sizes from an average of 10.7 runners in 2011 to 11.2 by 2013. To achieve this NZTR will attempt to increase the number of times that horses compete each year from 5.7 starts to 6.2 starts by introducing a new programming and handicapping system. Research shows the size of race fields is the greatest driver of betting revenue and in recent years the number of races with less than eight starters has risen from 364 in 2007 to 484 in 2011.
While fillies and mares comprise approximately 55% of the available horse population, they made up only 46.5% of horses which raced in 2011. NZTR is aiming to raise the participation of fillies and mares in thoroughbred racing by increasing the gender allowance from 1.5kgs to 2.0kgs, introducing a 90-race annual fillies and mares series, and investigating other potential incentives.
Other initiatives to make far better use of our horse population include a lift in prize money levels from 1 March 2012; a further planned increase from 1 August 2012; smoothing the considerable variations in field size that exist by time of year; better aligning race programmes to horse availability by region and class; recently implemented handicapping reforms to ensure a more even spread of horses through the grades; and a general move to racing later in the day. Finally, NZTR intends to apply considerable focus to the sizeable growth opportunity that lies in exporting our racing to international audiences.
NZTR is moving to reposition the industry in certain key areas. NZTR will work with clubs to put in place benchmarks to ensure they meet customers’ needs and will re-examine funding models so that accurate cost and price signals are sent to clubs to assist them in allocating resources efficiently. NZTR Chairman Matthew Goodson said that, “we must move from a supply-led to a demand-led racing structure.”
The Plan also recognizes the crucial need to return the industry to a path of revenue growth. NZTR Chairman Matthew Goodson stated that, “we intend to use the attributes of our sport to reconnect with mainstream NZ. A key priority is to drive a sea change in the fragmented marketing efforts of our industry.”
Alongside this, the funding of racing is closely linked to wagering revenue which provided more than 70% of racing industry funding in 2011. We see a number of opportunities to work more closely with the NZ Racing Board to turn around the trends of recent years.
While describing the plan as a solid platform on which the industry can move forward, NZTR chairman Matthew Goodson says, “this industry has seen business plans come and go. It will require absolute commitment to actually implement the numerous planned initiatives. Progress will be tracked carefully, with clear targets and delivery dates.”
NZTR is presenting the proposed plan to stakeholders at regional forums over the course of the next two weeks and will provide periodic updates as the implementation of the plan proceeds.
For further information contact Matthew Goodson, Chairman, NZTR: matthew.goodson@nzracing.co.nz or 021-529-430
Promising Zabeel filly Zurella (NZ) stamped herself as a leading NZ Derby/Oaks contender at Awapuni on Saturday when winning the fourth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m).
Trained by Shaune Ritchie, Zurella (NZ) (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) came into the race off back-to-back victories and was well fancied in the market. Slowly away from the gates with jockey Lisa Allpress aboard, the three-year-old raced at the back of the field and after balancing in the straight, put in a big finish to win by half a length.
Zurella's record now stands at three wins from four starts and she looks a classic type holding nominations for the Group 1 New Zealand Derby and NZ Oaks in March next year. Her win gives her six points in NZB's Filly of the Year Series and a share of third place with Anabandana (Anabaa) and Testa Secret (Testa Rossa).
A daughter of Zabeel, Zurella became the champion sire's 138th individual stakes winner. Zabeel also saw another promising daughter, the three-year-old Zonza, put in a solid late run for second in the Listed Mad Butcher Champion Stakes Prelude (2100m) at Ellerslie yesterday.
Zurella was bred by Karreman Bloodstock and is raced by The Oaks Stud. She has a half-sister in the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale, the filly by Sakhee's Secret at Lot 171 from The Oaks Stud.
Second placed Testa Secret (ex Acacian Secret) continues to show her resounding toughness for trainer Kevin Gray. She was caught wide and forced to press to the front at the 800 metres and boxed on when challenged at the 300 metres to finish just half a length from the winner.
It was Testa Secret's third stakes placing this season after running second to Dowager Queen (Savabeel) in the O'Leary's Fillies Stakes and Anabandana in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, the first leg of NZB's Filly of the Year Series. The daughter of Testa Rossa earned three points in Saturday's race taking her to six points and a share of third place in the Series.
The blue-blooded filly Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile), who ran third in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, raced on the pace and was tough in the concluding stages to hang onto third. Holding a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks, she takes 1.5 points from the race and moves to fourth place with five Series points.
Travino may make Millions history
Saturday, 10 December, 2011
January's $2 million BMW Magic Millions 2YO Classic could have its first international runner after Travino notched back to back stakes wins in New Zealand on Saturday.
A precocious juvenile colt by General Nediym, Travino led home his rivals in the listed Wentwood Grange at Te Rapa - a start after winning the listed Murdoch Newell Stakes at Pukekohe.
On Friday trainer Peter McKay lodged a first acceptance for Travino for Queensland's richest race - the be contested at the Gold Coast on January 14.
A day later his young charge was on the track doing what he does best, winning. The success was his third in succession.
McKay purchased Travino for $130,000 from the Brooklyn Lodge draft at January's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and he races the classy youngster with his wife Kim.
Travino would almost certainly now have earned enough prizemoney to make the cut in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and McKay has said he would consider a trip to Australia in the coming weeks.
McKay said he wasn't sure whether Australia and a $2 million lure at the Gold Coast would be his preference over a tilt at New Zealand's feature races for two and three-year-olds.
If Travino stays in New Zealand he could contest the Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day or even the Wakefield Stakes at Trentham.
Cambridge based jockey Jason Waddell had Travino travelling well, just off the speed, in the Wentwood Grange Stakes before making his move in the straight.
He shot to the front and then hold out the challenges of rivals, headed by race favourite Oasis Rose - at the post he was still a half length clear of the field.
Travino is the first named foal for Miss Keaton, a lightly raced full sister to three stakes gallopers including Newmarket Handicap and Salinger Stakes winner Rubitano.
Travino is by General Nediym, a Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner, and sire of Classic winners Regimental Gal and Military Rose.
He is one of 35 stakes winners and 463 winners for the former outstanding sprinting son of Nediym - a winner of 13 races, including five at two.
Winner: Travino
Breeding: General Nediym-Miss Keaton (Rubiton)
Sold for: $130,000
Sale: 2011 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Vendor: Brooklyn Lodge
Buyer: Peter McKay
Earnings: NZ$64,375
Owner(s): Mr P & Mrs K McKay
Trainer: Peter McKay
Racing at Awapuni this weekend will see the staging of the fourth leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m), and the field is stacked with talented and highly promising fillies.
New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series has seen some exciting contests from the opening three races of the Series with Anabandana cruising to victory in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes, Holy Moly taking the Listed Soliloquy Lodge Stakes, and current Series leader Planet Rock (on 12 points) winning the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas in a great finish. None of these three line up on Saturday giving ample chance for other fillies to advance up the leaderboard.
Saturday's contest will see trainers Graeme & Debbie Rogerson line up three runners including the smart filly Dowager Queen (NZ) (Sabaveel x Dower) in the number one saddle cloth. She comes into the race after a strong spring preparation which saw her win the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes in New Zealand before an Australian campaign that concluded with a brave second in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m). With Darryl Bradley aboard she's a big chance to get her first points in the Series.
From the same yard, Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) could not have been more impressive at her last start second to Planet Rock in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. She currently holds second place in the Filly of the Year Series with seven points and a win on Saturday - providing six points - would give her the Series lead.
The third of the Rogerson runners is the blueblood filly Joy's Choice (NZ) (Redoute's Choice x Trica Ann), one of two runners in the Cambridge Stud colours. A half-sister to the Group 2 winner La Sizeranne (Stravinsky), she is in good form having won two of her last three starts coming into Saturday's race.
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Current Series leader Planet Rock holds off Abeautifulred to win the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas. |
Lisa Latta will saddle up Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) who will also carry the Cambridge Stud colours. A grand-daughter of the Group 1 winner Diamond Lover, she comes into the race with three third placings in a row, the last coming in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, giving her 3.5 points in the Series.
With three Series points, the Kevin Gray trained Testa Secret (Testa Rossa x Acacian Secret) has been a model of consistency on the track taking two wins and three placings from her six starts. She ran second to Dowager Queen fresh up this season in the Listed O'Leary's Fillies Stakes before running second to Anabandana in the Group 2 Gold Trail Stakes.
The Jason Bridgman trained Kindred (NZ) (Pins x Kind Return) and Zurella (NZ) (Zabeel x Doneze Girl) from Shaune Ritchie's stable are two fillies that look very much on the up.
Both fillies come into the Group 3 off back-to-back wins, and both had to overcome difficult trips in transit to post their latest victories. With Kindred from the Group 1 placed Zabeel mare Kind Return, and Zurella by Zabeel from the family of champion sire Lonhro (Octagonal), they appear to be two serious prospects.
The sire of 43 stakes winners, Pins will also be represented by the Anne Herbert trained Trendy (NZ) (ex Trujillo) who has won two of her five starts. She comes into the race after running a good fourth at Ellerslie late last month.
Wellfield Lodge's sire Handsome Ransom also has two runners, with the lightly raced Unbelieveabelle (NZ) (ex Shona Indre) lining up for trainer Stephen Crutchley. She comes into the race with two wins from seven starts and a fifth at her last outing, the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas.
A last start winner for trainer Fraser Auret, Jungle Pago (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Climb the Vine) has only had two starts and won her last race at Masterton after running third on debut.
The Howie Mathews trained Prepared (NZ) (Perfectly Ready x Suivez Moi) and Reasons Unknown (NZ) (Shinko King x Slice) from Mark Oulaghan's stables come into the Group 3 after last start placings.
Reasons Unknown won her debut three starts ago and put in a big finish last start after a tough trip, and Prepared, despite being a maiden, boasts five placings from six starts and has never finished worse than fourth.
The winner of the $70,000 Group 3 Ezibuy Eulogy Stakes (1600m) will take 6 points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, with second place taking 3 points and third 1.5 points.
The Stephen McKee trained Mufhasa (NZ) was back to his winning best on Saturday when starting at hot favourite in the Group 1 Westbury Stud Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham.
The Group 1 feature saw Mufhasa (Pentire x Sheila Cheval) ridden confidently by jockey Sam Spratt with the pair jumping brilliantly from barrier two to take the lead early in the running, before taking a sit behind Bragato (Brilliance) in transit.
At the 600 metre mark Mufhasa was cruising and took the lead at the point of the turn. Never really looking in any danger, the seven-year-old was all class as he strode out powerfully in the final stages to win by a memorable one-and-a-quarter-lengths.
Mufhasa's victory was the 17th of his remarkable career, eight of these coming at Group 1 level. With five of his Group 1 wins coming at weight-for-age, the race was also his fifth victory over the mile.
The son of Pentire has been in outstanding form this season with his five starts bringing three wins and two seconds. Fresh-up he was simply too sharp in the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes at Hawke's Bay beating Jimmy Choux (Thorn Park).
The Group 1 Windsor Park Plate saw the tables turned with Mufhasa running a brave second to Jimmy Choux. However, it was his next start in Australia that saw the seven-year-old stamp himself as a leading sprinter-miler in Australasia when winning the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.
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Mufhasa (NZ) holds on to win the Group 1 Toorak Handicap earlier this season. |
His trainer Stephen McKee has set a goal for the seven-year-old to win ten Group 1 races and connections will now have to decide whether he lines up in the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap in late January.
Mufhasa has won the Telegraph Handicap on two occasions in 2009 with 55.5 kilograms and earlier this year carrying 56.5 kilograms, and connections are keen to give the son of Pentire a break while deciding his next race.
"I said to the owner of the horse after he had won the Toorak Handicap that I would like to have him win 10 Group 1 races. This is the eighth and if he misses the Telegraph I will keep him at weight-for-age to achieve that desire," said McKee.
A graduate of New Zealand Bloodstock's 2006 Karaka Select Sale, Mufhasa was bought by David Archer from Rich Hill Stud for $50,000. Bred by Colin and John Thompson, the son of Pentire has now won over $2.7 million.
Running second in the race was the 2010 Telegraph Handicap winner Vonusti (NZ) (Ustinov) for jockey Noel Harris. After jumping awkwardly, the seven-year-old recovered and fought on well after being blocked for a run in the straight. A graduate of New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale, he gave NZB the quinella in the Group 1 feature.
Third in the race was the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes winner, the lightly raced Dating (O'Reilly). She has a half-brother in the 2012 Karaka Select Sale, the colt by Towkay from Seaton Park at Lot 884.
The talented sprinter Durham Town (NZ) has confirmed his status as a star in the making after producing a brilliant performance to win Saturday's Group 2 The Aussie Butcher Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Ellerslie.
Trained by Donna & Dean Logan and ridden by jockey Jason Collett in the Group 2 sprint, Durham Town (Falkirk x Durham Walk) took the lead in the race despite pre-race plans to tuck in behind the leaders.
After traveling well in transit, Collet kept the four-year-old honest in the straight and, without serious urging, held on to record a classy half-length win from fellow New Zealand Bloodstock graduates Upsala (Oratorio) and Rough Odds (Stravinsky), giving NZB the race trifecta.
A horse that has only raced on seven occasions, Durham Town's impressive performance was matched in the race sectionals, running the last 600 metres in a hot 33.83 seconds.
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Windsor Park Stud's young sire Falkirk |
The winner of five of his seven starts, Durham Town broke his maiden at Ellerslie in his second start and has recorded all five of his race victories on the Ellerslie track. The son of Falkirk will have a chance to improve on that impressive record as he holds a nomination for the Group 1 Blandford Lodge Railway Stakes (1200m) on New Year's day.
He also holds a nomination for another of New Zealand's premier sprints, the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap in late January where he could face eight-time Group 1 winner Mufhasa.
By Windsor Park Stud's young sire Falkirk, Durham Town is the first stakes winner for the internationally performed sprinter. With 33 winners on the track in five countries thus far, Falkirk has a winners to runners ratio of over 80% in Australia, headlined by the unbeaten mare Aqualin.
Bred by Peter and Debbie Seebeck, Durham Town is raced by his trainers in conjunction with Jim Gibbs, Paul Collins, David Wale and ex All Black coach John Hart.
28/11/2011 Cassini Takes Wanganui FeatureThe Mark Oulaghan trained Cassini showed a massive turnaround in form on Saturday when winning the Listed Cambridge Thoroughbred Lodge Wanganui Cup (2040m). Bred by Doug Dean, Cassini was purchased by Gail Drought from Lyndhurst Farm at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2007 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000. Now a winner of four of her 36 starts, Cassini has earned over $155,000 in stakes.
21/11/2011 Undisclosed Stakes WinnerMatamata trainer Peter McKay had a successful day at the Counties Cup meeting at Pukekohe on Saturday with his Karaka graduate Undisclosed (NZ) completing a black type double for him in the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m).
Now a winner of four of his raceday appearances, Undisclosed continues the remarkable success seen from the cross with his sire Pins and damsire Centaine. |
New Zealand Bloodstock's 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales are heating up with a half-brother to the Karaka graduate Planet Rock - the winner of yesterday's $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) - set to be offered.
The Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas lived up to the bill yesterday with an epic contest down the Riccarton straight, with Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) showing just how tough she is, racing on the pace three and four wide with no cover.
Trained by Peter and Dawn Williams and ridden by Hayden Tinsley, the daughter of Fastnet Rock came wide into the straight and went after the leader, the Graeme & Debbie Rogerson trained Karaka graduate, Abeautifulred (NZ) (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty). In a hammer and tong battle down the straight, it was Planet Rock who emerged victorious, taking the race by a long head.
The result was significant for a number of reasons. It was an emotional victory for Peter and Dawn Williams who have trained in Canterbury for 37 years since it was their first Group 1 victory on their home track at Riccarton, and even more poignant since the pair are set to relocate to Auckland in less than a fortnight.
For her sire, Coolmore's Fastnet Rock, Planet Rock is his fourth individual Group 1 winner this season. The win also gave the sire the NZ 1000 and 2000 Guineas double with the $1 million NZB graduate Pop 'n' Rock winning the Group 1 2000 Guineas last weekend.
It was also a big result for Wellfield Lodge's principal Bill Gleeson who bred both Planet Rock and the runner up Abeautifulred, whose sire Handsome Ransom stands at the stud.
"It was a great result," said Gleeson. "Planet Rock is a big, powerful filly, she stands at close to 16.2 hands, and she ran very well. She is from a Zabeel mare and looks to be a staying type so to see her win like that yesterday is very promising.
"She will come back to Wellfield for a small break and then she will be aimed at the NZB Filly of the Year races over Christmas and the New Year. She is bred to run 3200 metres so the step up in distance shouldn't worry her.
"She has a half-brother in the 2012 Karaka Yearling Sales by Alamosa and he is an outstanding individual. Abeautifulred also has a half-brother by Alamosa in the Karaka Yearling Sales and he too ticks all the boxes and is a lovely colt.
"Planet Rock's dam Akris is in foal to Alamosa and is due to foal in a few weeks. The mare was actually stuck in Australia when we sent her to Fastnet Rock due to EI which meant she had to foal down there which wasn't the plan. We didn't get the mare and Planet Rock back to the farm until after she was born.
"We are going to wait and see how Akris foals down before we make any decisions as to whether we cover her again this season."
With the 1000 Guineas also the third leg of the 10-race New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, Saturday's win gives Planet Rock 12 points and the early lead. The last four winners of the 1000 Guineas have all gone on to take the final crown so Planet Rock has put herself firmly in contention.
Planet Rock is the 16th individual Group 1 winner for her damsire, the incomparable Zabeel. The damsire of 86 individual stakes winners, the elite list includes Darci Brahma, Faint Perfume, Samantha Miss, and Anacheeva.
Planet Rock is also the third stakes winner from the Fastnet Rock/Zabeel cross. With 13 runners, the cross has also produced the outstanding Group 1 winner Atlantic Jewel, the Group 2 winner Curved Belle, and the stakes placed Teardrop Rock and Rockadubai.
Bred by Bill Gleeson, Planet Rock was purchased by Ger Beemsterboer from Wellfield Lodge for $290,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Premier Sale. She has now won three of her seven starts and over $275,000 in stakes.
Fastnet Rock has three BOBS eligible two-year-olds set to go through the ring at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale next week:
With just two starts coming into the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, Abeautifulred showed that she is a tough filly and looks to have a bright future in front of her. She takes second place in the Filly of the Year Series with seven points.
Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) capped of a successful Christchurch carnival for her trainer Lisa Latta who won the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile with the Karaka graduate Platinum Princess earlier in the week. Capital Diamond earned 3.5 points in the Filly of the Year Series, putting her in fifth position.
It has proven a case of second time lucky for the Raymond Connors trained Blood Brotha (NZ) who was too good for the field in the $225,000 Group 3 Christchurch Casino 148th New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Blood Brotha (Danzighill x Laura Dee) ran sixth in the race last year and came into the New Zealand Cup off a good fourth in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy at Riccarton at his last start.
Ridden by James McDonald in Saturday's Group 3, the six-year-old was ridden patiently in the early stages before improving his position to trail the leaders at the 600 metre mark. Blood Brotha was in a line of four horses at the 300 metre marker but took the advantage 100 metres from home to win by a quarter-of-a-length.
Now a winner of six of his 29 career starts, the Group 3 win was Blood Brotha's first at stakes level after running second in the New Zealand St Leger (2500m) in March last year.
Bred by Brian, Hector, Mrs L E & Mrs P A Anderton, Blood Brotha is raced by Raymond and Mark Connors and was offered by White Robe Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's South Island Sale of Two-Year-Olds. He has now won over $234,000 in stakes.
Fellow Karaka graduate The Jungle Boy (NZ) (Jungle Pocket) ran a solid race to take second after leading earlier in the straight to give NZB the race quinella. Trained by Shaun Clotworthy, it was the six-year-old's first start over 3200 metres.
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Last year's Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas winner King's Rose |
A $200,000 Karaka graduate, Holy Moly is currently the highest rated filly on the Order of Entry for the Karaka Sale incentive race for three-year-olds - the $100,000 Res.L Karaka 3YO Mile in January.
The lightly raced NZB graduate Full of Spirit (Flying Spur x Imposingly) is the other runner for Roger James. She comes into the race after winning her debut impressively in September and produced a late finish to take fourth at her last start at Ellerslie from her only two raceday appearances.
One of two stakes winners for her sire Darci Brahma, Artistic (ex Artless) flew home in the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes at Ellerslie two starts ago for her trainer Shaune Ritchie. She finished only two-and-three-quarter-lengths away fourth in the Group 3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes at her last appearance and is right in this. She also has the advantage of having proven her merit on a slow track which headliner Anabandana is yet to do.
The Peter & Dawn Williams trained Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) is more than capable of winning the Guineas double for her sire Fastnet Rock. She ran a solid third in the Karaka Million last season and won well two starts ago in the Guineas Trial (1400m). The Karaka graduate seemed to be left wanting on the heavy ground at Trentham at her last start but battled on well for third. She will be ridden by Hayden Tinsley.
A winner of the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes fresh up in September, the John Sargent trained Kasumi (Shinko King x Mistaurian) also won the Listed Champagne Stakes last season, beating Duckworth Lewis who won the Group 3 Sparkling Stakes at Ellerslie last week. She was unplaced in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at her last start but is a very capable filly who has won twice from her four starts.
Trainer Jason Bridgman has two Karaka graduates in the race and will be looking to capture the 1000 and 2000 Guineas double after Rock 'n' Pop's performance last Saturday. He will saddle Kindred (Pins x Kind Return) who comes into the race off back-to-back victories, her last coming in a rating 75 1200 metre contest at Motukarara late last month.
The Te Akau trainer will also have the lightly tried Viana (Volksraad x Hecuba) in the race. She enters the Group 1 as a maiden but has been competitive in her three races to date and fought on well to take third over 1400 metres at Riccarton at her last start.
Group 2 placed in the Matamata Breeders Stakes at two, the Murray Baker trained Karaka graduate Beejay Belle (Perfectly Ready x Guinness) has raced competitively this season in some tough company and had her first run at Riccarton last start finishing fourth over the Mile.
Dual winner Unbelieveabelle (Handsome Ransom x Shona Indre) from Stephen Crutchley's yard also had her first start on the Riccarton track in her last appearance, finishing fourth over 1400 metres, and Saturday's contest will be a step up in class for the filly.
In-form trainer Lisa Latta won the Group 2 Coupland's Bakeries Mile yesterday with Platinum Princess and will have Capital Diamond (Lucky Unicorn x Diamond Smile) in the race. She comes into the Group 1 after a tough third on heavy ground at Foxton.
An impressive last start winner, the NZB graduate Abeautifulred (Handsome Ransom x You Beauty) is trained by Graeme & Debbie Rogerson and was all class over the 1400 metres at just her second start, leading all the way to win by two-and-a-half-lengths at Te Teko.
The Shaun Clotworthy trained Zah Girl (Keeper x Satin Pillows) and Pasha Sumore (Untouchable x Xeraphin) for Stephen Dravitzki, both Karaka graduates, come into the race off the back of winning performances, both over 1400 metres. Zah Girl raced at Riccarton two starts back where she was unplaced in the Listed Canterbury Stakes (1600m).
Asavant (Zabeel x Pins 'n' Needles) has only had two starts for John & Karen Parsons and ran a good second at her last start to Zah Girl in a 1400 metre maiden. The Richard Otto trained Capricious (Spartacus x Miss Jean Brodie) is also a maiden and comes into the field after a good second over 1400 metres at Te Awamutu late last month.
The New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas has been won by the likes of King's Rose (Redoute's Choice) who was Group 1 placed in the $1 million Emirates Stakes in Melbourne last weekend, Katie Lee (Pins), AJC Oaks winner Daffodil (No Excuse Needed), Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago) and many other highly talented fillies.
The winner of Saturday's Group 1 $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 39th 1000 Guineas (1600m) will take the lead in NZB's Filly of the Year Series with 12 points on offer for first place, with second earning seven points and third 3.5 points. The race will be held at 3.16pm NZ time.
Palmerston North trainer Lisa Latta has taken another spring feature with her charge Platinum Princess proving too tough for the field in the Group 2 $230,000 Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton yesterday.
A winner at her last start in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Trial (1600m) in late October, Platinum Princess (NZ)(Keeper x Merle Park) was ridden confidently by jockey Kelly Myers in yesterday's feature race. Myers kept Platinum Princess hard up against the rail in the straight and managed to hold off fellow Karaka graduate Twilight Savings to win by half-a-length for owners Lincoln Farms and Neville McAlister.
Lisa Latta and John Street's Lincoln Farms are having a gun year, highlighted by their win in the $1 million Karaka Million with Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) in January.
The pair's success has continued into the spring with the three-year-old President Lincoln (O'Reilly) winning the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Guineas.
"Lincoln Farms and I have had a very good run," commented Latta. "Platinum Princess won very well in her last start and I was confident that she would be hard to beat in the race. Her best distance is the mile so we are looking to take her to the Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes ."
"We have Fort Lincoln lining up for us today and all going well he will join President Lincoln in the Group 1 Levin Classic on November 25."
Latta will be represented by the lightly raced winner Capital Diamond (Lucky Unicorn) in the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas this weekend.
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The Cambridge Stud based sire Keeper has 11 entries in next week's Karaka Ready to Run Sale |
"She is a nice filly with a good temperament. I am very happy with the way she has been progressing and she has a good deal of ability," said Latta.
Yesterday's Group 2 win was the second victory at black-type level for five-year-old Platinum Princess who won the Listed Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes over a mile last season.
Her Cambridge Stud based sire Keeper is the sire of six Group 1 winners including last season's Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner Midnight Oil.
Keeper has 11 entries in the next week's Karaka Ready to Run Sale including:
Bred by Karreman Bloodstock, Platinum Princess was purchased by Lisa Latta from The Oaks Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Karaka Select Sale for $115,000. She has now won six of her 30 starts and over $260,000 in stakes.
The New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale takes place at Karaka on Tuesday & Wednesday next week (15 & 16 November). Breeze Up DVDs are available from reception@nzb.co.nz or by calling +64 9 298 0055. DVDs are available in TV and PC format so please include the format you wish to receive with your request.
The Michael Pitman trained So Elusive proved exactly that on Saturday when heading a NZB trifecta in the Listed Yesberg Insurance Services Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Drawing barrier two, So Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City x J'Lo) jumped well and was able to take a sit in fourth place on the fence for the running. Ridden by jockey Lisa Allpress, the five-year-old mare was brought across heals at the 300 metre mark and quickened nicely to race clear of her rivals, being eased down at the line to win by two-lengths.
It was the first stakes victory for the daughter of Elusive City who came into the race in good form after winning a rating 85 1200 metre sprint at Motukarara at her last start six days prior.
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So Elusive's sire Elusive City has Lot 205 in the Ready to Run Sale (pictured above), the half-brother to the Group 1 winner Allez Wonder. |
Bred by Jen Campin, So Elusive was purchased by her trainer Michael Pitman from Chequers Stud at New Zealand Bloodstock's Carnival Yearling Sale for $5,000. Raced by New Zealand Bloodstock's Insurance Manager Jim Bruford in partnership with Jim Piper, the mare has now won five of her 17 starts for stakes in excess of $89,000.
Running second in the Listed event was Golden Globe (NZ) (Gold Mine x Marita) who put in a solid performance after becoming fractious in the barriers and was vetted before the race. Mi Payday (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit x Pay Roll) ran on well for third place after getting a nice trail in transit and gave NZB the trifecta in the stakes race.
So Elusive is the 14th stakes winner for her sire Elusive City who stood at Haunui Farm during his time in New Zealand. The sire of the Group 1 winner Elusive Wave, Elusive City saw his Group 3 winning son Ahdashim take the Turner Freedman Handicap fresh up last weekend at Rosehill.
He is also the sire of the lightly raced three-year-old Adamantium who topped the 2010 Karaka Select Sale when purchased by O'Brien Thoroughbreds for $250,000 and won over 1200 metres on Caulfield Guineas day. Elusive City has nine two-year-olds in the Ready to Run Sale including the half-brother to the Group 1 winner Allez Wonder (Redoute's Choice) at Lot 205 from Mana Park.
The one million dollar Karaka yearling Rock 'n' Rop showed that he is a horse with immense potential when racing away with the $400,000 Group 1 Sothys 39th New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Prepared by Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman, the lightly raced Rock 'n' Pop (Fastnet Rock x Popsy) held off a brave challenge from last season's Champion Two-Year-Old Anabandana (Anabaa) to win the Group 1 feature by half-a-length in an armchair ride from jockey Jamie Bullard.
Coming into the straight, Bullard had a hold on Rock 'n' Pop who was looking for room and when the gap came, the turn of foot the son of Fastnet Rock produced was electric. Taking the lead in the matter of a few strides, Bullard remained quiet in the saddle as the three-year-old cruised to the line.
"He had the perfect run from gate one and we'd learned enough from his previous three runs to know that he had to be held up," said Bridgman.
"The way he relaxes now, there's no reason why we can't consider a Derby. He deserves to be freshened as he laid it all down today and he's shown a phenomenal turn of foot."
A $1 million yearling, Rock 'n' Pop pictured as a yearling in New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka sales ring. |
Raced by the Te Akau Rock 'n' Pop Syndicate, the colt was purchased from Tom & Shelley Murtagh's Esker Lodge at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $1 million. He has now won two of his four starts and over $250,000 in stakes.
A blue-blood colt, Rock 'n' Pop was bred by Barnaby & Co Ltd and is a three-quarter-brother to the stakes winning mare Lilakyn (Danehill) who ran the closest of seconds in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup.
His dam, the Group 1 New Zealand Derby winning mare Popsy (Sir Tristram), has been a leading mare in New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka sales ring with nine yearlings sold for an average price of over $500,000. Her Redoute's Choice colt, later named Maciano, was the top priced yearling in 2008 when knocked down to trainer John Sargent for $1,450,000.
Rock 'n' Pop continues Te Akau's impressive record in the Group 1 2000 Guineas. The operation has won the Guineas three times since 2005, with Darci Brahma (Danehill) and Tell a Tale (Tale of the Cat).
Staying on well for third in Saturday's feature was the John Sargent trained Dollario (NZ) (Captain Rio x Dungaree Doll) who led the field into the straight and held off a number of challenges from the back of the field. Dollario was a bargain $16,000 purchase from the Karaka Festival Sale by Sargent.
Rock 'n' Pop continues Fastnet Rock's stellar run this season with his daughter Mosheen racing away with the VRC Oaks by nine lengths, and superstar Atlantic Jewel winning the Australian 1000 Guineas and destroying her rivals in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes.
Fastnet Rock has four entries in New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale next week including the filly from Esker Lodge out of the Group 3 placed Centaine mare Shimo Star at Lot 310 and the colt from the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Secret Silence to be offered by Lyndhurst Farm at Lot 301.
Jeff Lynds has endured a frustrating spring in Melbourne but there was satisfaction on the home front for the Awapuni trainer when the veteran member of his stable posted another stakes victory on his local track.
The John Sargent trained Shanghai Bund (Bachelor Duke– Flying Firebird, by Stravinsky) showed himself on target for the $400,000 Group One 2000 Guineas when beating a smart field of progressive sprinter-milers in the Rating 80 3YO 1400m at Hawke’s Bay on October 13.
Trainer Lisa Latta and owner Lincoln Farms are proving a successful combination in New Zealand's black-type ranks with President Lincoln putting in a big effort to win the $85,000 Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Guineas (1500m) on Saturday.
Last season Lisa Latta and Lincoln Farms also combined to take top honours when their two-year-old Fort Lincoln (Charge Forward) won New Zealand's richest two-year-old race, the $1 million Karaka Million (Res.L).
Bred by Lincoln Farms and ridden by jockey Kelly Myers, President Lincoln (NZ) (O'Reilly x Pinot Gris) was stepping out for just the third time in his career on Saturday, and could not have been more impressive.
The three-year-old travelled nicely and tracked a line of four horses into the straight. Myers then elected to take the gelding to the outside where he contested the lead at the 250 metre mark and strode away, taking the Group 2 by two-and-a-half lengths.
President Lincoln broke his maiden in his last start at Trentham earlier this month and looks a big chance for the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas in November, for which he holds a nomination.
The Kevin Myers trained Karaka graduate Micken (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Battocchi) put in a strong performance coming from five lengths off the pace at the 600 metre mark and closed well on the outside to claim second. He has been racing in solid form this preparation and is another that looks to be heading to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 5.
Duckworth Lewis (NZ) (Postponed x Ms Magenta) raced very well to take third on the rail as he made his winning bid on the worst part of the track. He was stakes placed as a two-year-old and ran fourth to Artistic (Darci Brahma) in the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes last month and holds a nomination for the Group 1 Levin Classic on November 25.
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The top colt Antonio Lombardo kept his unbeaten run as a three-year-old intact yesterday with a solid win in the Group 3 James & Annie Sarten Memorial Stakes (1400m).
In a cracking field that included the likes of the Champion Two-Year-Old Anabandana (Anabaa), Soliloquy Stakes winner Holy Moly (Holy Roman Emperor) and Bonecrusher Stakes winner Artistic (Darci Brahma), Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins x Petit Verdot) showed why he is considered one of New Zealand's best three-year-olds.
Ridden by jockey Sam Spratt, Antonio Lombardo hit the lead at the 1000 metre mark, much like his run in the Group 2 Hawke's Bay Guineas, and was left uncontested for the running. In the straight he maintained his lead and held off Anabandana and Karaka graduate Holy Moly to the post to win by one length.
A staunch rivalry, Antonio Lombardo and Anabandana have met on numerous occasions, the most memorable was their last as two-year-olds where they provided an exciting finish in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes, where Anabandana won the race by a nose.
The son of Pins is having a brilliant three-year-old season for trainer Peter McKay and his fresh up win by six lengths in the Listed Westbury Stakes (1200m) indicated that he was back and would be a tough colt.
With the horse not heading for the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas, he will instead be aimed at the Group 1 Levin Classic on November 25. The win also sees him maintain his spot at the top of the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile (Res.L) with a domestic rating of 93.
Bred by Robert Anderson, Cherry Taylor and Trelawney Thoroughbreds, Antonio Lombardo was bought by Peter and Kim McKay from Trelawney Stud at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000. He has now won six of his twelve starts and over $415,000 in stakes.
To view the Order of Entry for the Karaka 3YO Mile which is based on New Zealand domestic ratings, click here.
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The unbeaten blue-blood colt Burgundy now heads the market for the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas after an easy win in the Listed Ekraar at Linwood Park Canterbury Stakes (1600m) on Sunday.
Coming into the race off the back of two very good wins at Taupo, Burgundy (NZ) (Redoute's Choice x Grand Echezeaux) flew out of the gates in his black-type debut and led the field into the Riccarton straight where he kicked away at the 150 metre mark to put the contest beyond question, winning by one-and-three-quarter-lengths easing down.
Opening at odds of $31 for the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, Burgundy now heads the market at $3 for one of the feature races of the spring, which is now less than two weeks away.
Trainer Jason Bridgman could not have spoken more highly of the colt after his first black-type win, declaring that he will improve once he strikes better footing, with the track rated a dead 6 for the meeting.
A stunning colt, Burgundy will now try to emulate the deeds of his five-time Group 1 winning three-quarter brother Darci Brahma, who won the Group 1 2000 Guineas in 2005 after coming into the race unbeaten in his three-year-old season.
Bred by Peter and Philip Vela, Burgundy was a $1.3 million purchase by David Ellis from Pencarrow Stud at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale. His Group 1 winning dam Grand Echezeaux has seen four colts sold through the Karaka ring for an average price of over $1.2 million.
Burgundy is the 80th stakes winner for his champion sire Redoute's Choice.
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New Zealand's richest race, the $1 million Karaka Million, looks to have its first confirmed runner as the Stephen McKee trained Silver City held off his rivals to win the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m) on Saturday.
Coming into the race after winning his debut in early September, Silver City (NZ) (Nothing To Lose x She's Just Dreamy) jumped well for jockey Sam Spratt in Saturday's Listed event and raced on the speed where he kicked clear at the top of the straight.
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Silver City as a yearling |
But the two-year-old had to work for his victory as fellow NZB graduate Seleno (Thorn Park) came from well back with an impressive turn-of-foot, and ran Silver City to a long-neck at the post. With the pair putting six lengths on the rest of the field, they look to be two standout performers in the early New Zealand two-year-old ranks.
The win takes Silver City's record to two starts for two wins and he has extended his lead on the Karaka Million Order of Entry where he is now over $25,000 clear of his nearest rival Silk Pins (Pins) ($6,400) who won the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale 2011 at Ellerslie on Saturday.
Sitting in third place is Liberating with $5,000 who became the first Southern Hemisphere winner for her sire Iffraaj when claiming the two-year-old race at Wanganui in October by three lengths.
Bred by Bruce Russell, Silver City is the first stakes winner for his sire Nothing To Lose and was purchased by his trainer Stephen McKee from Bluegables Farm at the 2011 Karaka Festival Sale for $58,000. He has now won over $30,000 in stakes earnings.
To view the current Order of Entry for the 2012 Karaka Million, and a list of the eligible horses, click here.
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Owner-trainer Richard Joostens saw his charge Bragato take his second victory of the season on Saturday when heading a NZB trifecta in the Group 3 Rich Hill Stud Thompson Handicap (1600m).
An honest performer, Bragato (NZ) (Brilliance x Yarra Rose) boasts a successful career and took his winning tally to eight in an impressive performance at Trentham in the hands of jockey Matthew Cameron.
At odds of $25, Bragato worked his way into the race after settling fifth, took lead at the 300 metre mark and raced away to take the biggest victory of his career by four-and-a-half lengths. It is the second win for the son of Brilliance this season after he took the $40,000 Mitchelson Cup at Ellerslie two starts ago by one-and-a-half-lengths.
Joostens is keen to keep Bragato on softer ground after a fetlock injury kept him away from the races and, depending on the footing, has a number of options for the horse including the Fielding Cup (2100m) and the Nicolas Feuillatte Stakes (2000m). The Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) in Melbourne is also being considered should the track suit.
Bred by Anne Corcoran, Bragato was offered by Grangewilliam Stud at the 2006 Festival Sale and was purchased by Joostens after being passed in through the Karaka ring for $3,000. A successful purchase, he has now won over $155,000 from 47 career starts.
Kiwi youngster has nothing to lose
Monday, 24 October, 2011
Exciting Willowbend Stud based sire Nothing to Lose was represented by his maiden stakes winner on the weekend when unbeaten kiwi juvenile Silver City won the listed Wellesley Stakes (1000m).
Silver City, sent out the $3.20 favourite on the NZ tote, lived up to his quote when he beat home the second elect Seleno by a short neck..
It was six lengths back to the rest - headed by third placegetter Sweet as Wilson, the mount of Robert Hannam.
Sam Spratt has ridden the Stephen McKee trained youngster at both of his starts to date.
A $14,000 purchase from the Fleetwood Stud draft at the 2010 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, Silver City had won the country's first juvenile race at Whanganui on September 10.
His debut win came over 880 metres on a dead track, while his weekend stakes success came over 1000 metres on a heavy surface.
Silver City, bred in Queensland by Brian Russell, is one of six winners, from just eight runners for Nothing to Lose.
A Group One winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile by four and a half lengths, Nothing to Lose is a son of Sky Classic and is doing a great job with his oldest crop just three.
Silver City is the first named foal for his dam, the winning Aucash mare She's Just Dreamy - a daughter of the twice stakes winning Brisbane mare Blushing Bijou (Nassipour).
Other Australian stakes winners in his pedigree include My Wanderin' Star, Roman Laurel, Wells Street, Royal Treen, Subtle Irony, Recollect and Dream's Delight.
Winner: Silver City
Breeding: Nothing to Lose-She's Just Dreamy (Aucash)
Race: WRC Wellesley Stakes LR (1000m)
Sold for: $14,000
Sale: 2010 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale
Vendor: Fleetwood Stud
Buyer: Magic Millions as agent
Earnings: NZ$31,750
Owner(s): SD Alexander,Mrs NM McKee & TJ McKee ONZM
Trainer: Stephen McKee
Monday Oct 17, 2011 Breeders'
Stakes target for Art Beat
Talented Matamata mare Art Beat (NZ) (Captain Rio) earned
herself a shot at Group Two company when she racked up her
second stakes win in Saturday's Listed Lion Red Plate (1200m)
at Rotorua.
Trainer Wayne Hillis yesterday revealed next month's Auckland
Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe as the target
for the five-year-old Captain Rio (Pivotal) mare.
Hillis said she would have her leadup to the weight-for-age
fillies and mares race in the Listed Timpson Family Trust
Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa on November 5.
"She's
not a bad horse. That was great,'' Hillis said of Art Beat's
eighth win from 20 starts in the weight-for-age Rotorua sprint.
Ridden by Vinnie Colgan, Art Beat (NZ) settled third-last
in a field of nine and improved approaching the home turn,
letting down strongly for a comfortable two-length win over
three-year-old filly Ready Steady (Perfectly Ready) and Shahbab
(NZ) (Bertolini).
Art Beat (NZ), a winner of the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m)
in June, had won well at Ellerslie last month to earn a start
in last week's Group Three Taranaki Breeders' Stakes (1400m)
at Hawera, where she finished seventh, beaten two lengths
behind Dating (NZ) (O’Reilly).
"We didn't
really intend to be here after last week but we saw it was
going to rain so we put her in,'' Hillis said on Saturday.
"We didn't do much with her during the week. She's
got an advantage on a few of them because she can go on a
wet track.''
Colgan said Art Beat (NZ) was happy in the back half of the
field and responded well when he asked her to quicken.
"When I came around them at the turn she came up
underneath me beautifully and when I let her go, she hit the
line strongly,'' he said.
Bred by owners Mr Jim Marks, Garry & Shirley Bluett in
partnership with G G Syndicate Ltd, Art Beat (NZ) is by Westbury
Stud-based Captain Rio from the winning Pentire Celebre (Nureyev)
mare Artemesia (NZ).
Earlier, Waipukurau visitor Intransigent (NZ) (Refuse To Bend)
foiled the favourite Mr Tipsy (NZ) (Montjeu) to score an upset
win in the Listed Rotorua Plate (1950m).
Ridden by Cory Parish, Intransigent (NZ) also settled third-last
before bursting through late to deny Mr Tipsy (NZ) by 1 1/2
lengths, with second favourite The Raconteur (NZ) (Ustinov)
a length further back in third.
"He was a bit
keen early on and I was a bit worried he was going to over-race,''
Parish said afterwards.
"But he managed to relax
... and in the end he kicked away nicely.''
Trainer Kirsty Lawrence, who races the gelding with Annette
and Brian Hawkins, Steven Lawrence, Barbara and Brendon Ray
and Barry Sizer, was delighted to welcome Refuse To Bend (Sadler’s
Wells) five-year-old Intransigent (NZ) back to the winner's
stall after his fourth win from 20 starts.
"Huge.
That's my biggest win to date. To grab a black-type win with
him is great,'' she said.
Bred by Judge Clapham, Intransigent (NZ) is from the Pentire
(Be My Guest) mare Risible (NZ).
17/10/2011 More Black-Type
for Shuka
The Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton yesterday
saw a tough performance from the Peter and Dawn Williams trained
Shuka who led home a NZB quinella in the race.
A winner of the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) as a two-year-old, Shuka (NZ) (Bachelor Duke x Alabama Rose) was ridden by Hayden Tinsley and was forced to race wide in the early stages before settling fourth for the running.
Heading into the straight Shuka was right on the speed with Karaka graduate Rock 'n' Pop coming wider to challenge, and the pair fought the race out to the line, with Shuka proving too tough at the post winning by a head.
Shuka came into the race after running a good third fresh-up to Final Touch in the Coupland's Bakeries Rating 80 (1200m) at Riccarton in mid-September. Now a black-type winner at ages to and three, the win was Shuka's third from seven career starts.
Shuka was bred by Karreman Bloodstock and was purchased by New Zealand Bloodstock as Agent from The Oaks Stud for $20,000 at the 2010 Karaka Select Sale. He has now won over $95,000 in stakes.
Shuka is one of five stakes winners for his sire Bachelor Duke who has five entries in the Ready to Run Sale.
Rock 'n' Pop (Fastnet Rock x Popsy) would have lost no admirers with his performance. He came from off the speed and at one stage looked to have taken the lead in the straight and he provided NZB with the black-type quinella.
Purchased by Jayven See from Esker Lodge at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $1 million, the colt has had three starts for two seconds and a win on debut.
Australia's leading sire for black-type winners this season, Fastnet Rock has four entries in the Ready to Run Sale.
The five-year-old daughter of No Excuse Needed, No Excuse Maggie (NZ) (ex Maggie O'Reilly) was given a tough task from barrier 15, but showed that she was up to the task as she worked her way onto the pace with Sam Spratt aboard. The tough mare maintained her strong gallop into the straight where she held off Justanexcuse (No Excuse Needed) who flew home late, to win by a quarter-of-a-length.
Bred by Waikato Stud, No Excuse Maggie is the 12th stakes winner for her sire No Excuse Needed who recorded the quinella in the race. She was also the 14th stakes winner for her damsire O'Reilly, who is also the broodmare sire of Group 1 winners Daffodil and The Pooka.
Bary is having a very successful spring thus far with his stable star Jimmy Choux taking the last two legs of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown, and is the current second favourite for the Cox Plate.
A winner of four of her 13 race day starts, No Excuse Maggie is raced by the Full of Excuses Syndicate and was a bargain purchase by Mr & Mrs HG Jones from Waikato Stud for $2,500 at the 2007 Karaka Weanling Sale. She has now won over $77,000.
Taking second place was Justanexcuse for trainer Lisa Latta, who holds a nomination for the Group 2 7th Coupland's Bakeries Mile, with the Graham Richardson trained Sircross (Cape Cross), a last start winner over the mile, claiming third and providing the race trifecta for Karaka graduates.
10/10/2011 Crystal Duke
Romps Home in CJC Spring Classic
The Kevin Hughes trained Crystal Duke made the Listed Christchurch
Casino Spring Classic (2000m) his own on Saturday after
destroying the field by over four lengths at Riccarton.
Ridden by jockey Danielle Johnson at the light weight of 53 kilograms, Crystal Duke (NZ) (Bachelor Duke x Starfire Glow) showed that the rain which hit Riccarton Park was of little concern as he made a four-and-a-quarter-length statement to his rivals heading for the New Zealand Cup (3200m) on 12 November.
His first win at black-type level, the five-year-old came into the race with just one start under his belt at Riccarton where he ran a good fresh up fourth to Zabene (Zabeel) over 1800 metres.
Crystal Duke is the fifth stakes winner by Bachelor Duke - who stands at the Oaks Stud - with Saturday's victory his seventh in 28 starts.
Bred by Bill Borrie, Crystal Duke was a $20,000 purchase by Kevin & Pam Hughes from Richfield Thoroughbred Farm at the 2008 Karaka Select Sale. He has now won over $77,000 in stakes.
Trained by John Bary and ridden by Jonathan Riddell, Jimmy Choux (NZ) (Thorn Park x Cierzo) got back in transit after jumping well and looked in deep trouble on the turn with Group 1 NZ International Stakes winner, the Karaka graduate Red Ruler bolting away by five lengths in the straight.
But Riddell was calm under pressure and got Jimmy Choux out in the clear where the son of Thorn Park used his turn-of-foot to devastating effect, reeling in Red Ruler at the 100 metre mark and taking the race by one-and-three-quarter-lengths going away.
It was Jimmy Choux's second win in Hawke's Bay's Triple Crown after winning the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate and his connections, trainer John Bary and part owner Richard Wood, remained focused on the task at hand with the team having their sights clearly set on the Cox Plate.
"Everything we are doing with Jimmy Choux we are doing with the sole focus of getting the horse ready for the Cox Plate," said Bary.
New Zealand bred horses have won the last four Cox Plates with El Segundo in 2007, Maldivian in 2008 and So You Think in 2009 and 2010.
The John Sargent trained Red Ruler (NZ) (Viking Ruler x Ransom Bay) put in a big effort to take second equal with Hold it Harvey, and his break at the top of the straight with Chad Ormsby in the saddle looked to be the winning bid in his fight to the post. A prolific performer, his stakes earnings from his nine wins are just shy of $1.6 million.
Running into second equal was the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup winner Hold it Harvey (King Cugat x Daly Charm) who ran on well in the final stages for Terri Rae. He has proven himself a top performer for the Ready to Run Sale after winning the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup last season and running third to Jimmy Choux in his last start in the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate.
Jimmy Choux was bred and is raced by Chouxmaani Investments and has now won 12 of his 21 starts for stakes earnings of over $2.9 million.
3/10/2011 Antonio Lombardo
(NZ) Heads NZB Trifecta in Guineas
The Peter McKay trained Antonio Lombardo (NZ) turned the
Group 2 DHL Global Hawke's Bay Guineas into a one horse
race on Saturday with a superb performance over the 1400
metres.
In a race that boasts a history of producing top horses with past winners including Jimmy Choux, Alamosa and Darci Brahma, Antonio Lombardo (NZ) (Pins x Petit Verdot) added his name to that list with ease on Saturday with Sam Spratt in the saddle.
Not getting to the front until the 900 metre-mark, the well bred colt proved a class above his rivals over the 1400 metres, bringing the field into the straight and maintaining his healthy lead to take the race by one-and-three-quarter-lengths.
The victory sees Antonio Lombardo remain unbeaten as a three-year-old after a devastating win fresh-up in the Listed Challenge Stakes in Ruakaka early last month. The colt now looks to have a strong hold on the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) which will be held on November 25. His next start will be the Group 2 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Guineas on October 22.
Bred by Robert Anderson, Cherry Taylor and Trelawney Thoroughbreds, the three-year-old was bought by Peter and Kim McKay from Trelawney Stud at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $120,000. He has now won five of his eleven starts and over $370,000 in stakes.
Running into second by a short head was the Roger James trained Prestigious Miss (Written Tycoon x Mathematical) who came into the race after running third in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes against the fillies. She broke her maiden as a two-year-old and has proven herself a very consistent performer in just six starts. She holds a nomination for the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas.
Ginner Hart (NZ) (Volksraad x Lyford Cay) took third for Alexander Fieldes and is another three-year-old that has shown a good deal of ability on the track. He came into the Guineas unbeaten in two starts and ran a good race in his black-type debut. He holds a nomination for the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas and the Levin Classic.
The win takes Antonio Lombardo's New Zealand Domestic Rating to 90, and he maintains his clear lead in the Karaka 3YO Mile Order of Entry with Fort Lincoln and Ginner Hart both sharing a rating of 80.
3/10/2011 Twilight Savings
(NZ) Heads Hastings Double for Baker
Twilight Savings (NZ) headed an impressive double for trainer
Murray Baker on Saturday when putting in a strong performance
in the Group 3 Traderacks Stakes (1400m).
Ridden by Lisa Allpress at the light weight of 53 kilograms, Twilight Savings (NZ) (Secret Savings x Ghemashah) was allowed to dictate terms in the race as she found the lead, and proved too good in the final stages, winning by a length at the post, her second win from three starts this season.
A winner of six of her 14 starts, the four-year-old ran third to Jimmy Choux in the Group 1 2000 Guineas and second to King's Rose in the 1000 Guineas last season, and adds the Group 3 to her impressive record which already contains the Listed Lion Red Plate and Listed Champagne Stakes. She holds a nomination for the Group 2 7th Coupland's Bakeries Mile on 9 November.
Bred by Assured Assets, Twilight Savings was bought by her trainer Murry Baker from Twin Pines at the 2009 Karaka Select Sale for $20,000. She has now won just shy of $300,000.
Taking second place was Imani (NZ) (Eltawaasul x Sothys) with the Karaka graduate Justanexcuse (NZ) (No Excuse Needed x Aggressive) in third for Lisa Latta. A winner of seven of her 30 race appearances, she has yet to earn black-type but put in a good performance as she too heads for the Group 2 7th Coupland's Bakeries Mile.
Baker was back in the winning circle in the next race in Hastings with the four-year-old Karaka graduate Lady Kipling (NZ) (Savabeel x Akela) who bolted in by two-and-a-half-lengths in the Bruce Perry Bloodstock Premier. She is now unbeaten in two starts this season.
As the new sponsor steps up to the plate, The Group 1 Spring Classic, formally known as The Kelt, is the latest race to join New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance's prolific sponsorship portfolio.
Boasting an honours roll that includes the likes of recent winners Wall Street, Vosne Romanee, Princess Coup, Legs, Xcellent and Balmuse, the Spring Classic has built a reputation as one of the best weight-for-age races in New Zealand.
Heading the field for 2011 is the $1.60 favourite, the local hero Jimmy Choux (NZ) (Thorn Park x Cierzo) with only 57.5 kilograms. He and Karaka graduate Mufhasa have been the star performers of the Hawke's Bay Triple Crown this year with the pair providing the quinella in both lead up races, the Group 1 Makfi Challenge Stakes (1400m) and the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m).
Trainer John Bary had originally planned to miss the Spring Classic with Jimmy Choux in favour of getting the Rosehill Guineas winner to Melbourne well in advance of the Cox Plate, where he is the clear $7 favourite. However, with Bary reporting that the four-year-old was jumping out of his skin just days after winning the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate, he is now set to contest the feature on Saturday. The four-year-old has drawn the ideal barrier of two with regular jockey Jonathan Riddell aboard.
The Jeff Lynds trained Karaka graduate Booming (NZ) (Don Eduardo x Beautiful Sea) put in one of the runs of the race in the Group 1 Windsor Park Plate, coming from the back of the field and finishing well for fifth. A dual Group 1 winner last season, he won the Group 1 Zabeel Classic over 2000 metres before showing the brilliance to come back to the 1600 metres to win the Group 1 Thorndon Mile.
A horse that ran second in the 2010 Group 1 Auckland Cup, Booming will enjoy the longer trip and will be one to watch as he holds nominations for the Group 1 Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
The Terri Rae trained Hold it Harvey (NZ) (King Cugat x Daly Charm) will be looking to take the first Group 1 victory of the season for the Ready to Run Sale. A winner of 14 races, he took the Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup over 2000 metres last season and ran a very good third behind Jimmy Choux and Mufhasa in the Windsor Park Plate. He has drawn the ace barrier and will be ridden by Jamie Bullard.
A horse that is no stranger to Group 1 racing, Karaka graduate Red Ruler (NZ) (Viking Ruler x Ransom Bay) has lined up in no less than 23 Group 1 races both in New Zealand and Australia for John Sargent. A horse that thoroughly deserved a Group 1 race to his name, he won the Group 1 International Stakes last season over 2000 metres. He makes his first appearance in the Triple Crown for the season and will jump from gate eight.
Sargent will also saddle up Dawn Ghost (NZ) (Pyrus x Lucadore) who ran second to Hold it Harvey in the Awapuni Gold Cup and third in her next start to fellow runner Don Domingo in the Group 3 Hawke's Bay Gold Cup last season. The six-year-old ran fifth to Back in Black in her last appearance.
The 2000 metre Open Handicap on the second day of the Triple Crown saw Spring Classic runners trifecta the race with the John Steffert trained Back in Black (NZ) (Storm Creek x Shutricia) put in a good winning performance, beating the Vanessa & Wayne Hillis trained Seaflyte (NZ) (Kilimanjaro x Grosvenor's Girl) and the Auckland Cup winner Titch (NZ) (Lord Ballina x Our Sophie) from Kevin Myers' yard.
With 27 wins between these three horses, they bring a good deal of experience into the race and should have little trouble running out the 2000 metre trip.
The Graham Richardson trained Don Domingo (NZ) (ex Blue Heaven) is another runner for the AJC Derby winning sire Don Eduardo. Already a winner on the Hastings track, he took the Group 3 Hawke's Bay Gold Cup in April last season and ran sixth to Back in Black at his last start.
El Santo (NZ) (My Halo x Huff Puff) put in a winning performance on Makfi Challenge Stakes day winning over 1600 metres in the $40,000 Open Handicap and will be looking to improve on his last start for trainer Sophie Hargreaves from the wide gate of 11.
The Tony Devcich trained New Moon (NZ) (Ishiguru x Light 'N Easy) ran a good second behind Jeu de Cartes at his last track appearance over 1600 metres and the Spring Classic will be his first race over a mile.
The $300,000 Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Spring
Classic (2040m) will be held at Hastings with the gates
opening at 4.46pm New Zealand time.
For latest betting markets click
here
After jumping well from barrier four, jockey Vinnie Colgan kept Holy Moly (NZ) (Holy Roman Emperor x Clarissa) just off the speed and challenged for the lead on straightening. With a number of contenders coming from across the track, Holy Moly took the lead at the 250 metre mark and held on to take her first stakes victory by three-quarters-of-a-length.
Roger James was very impressed with the effort and is looking to the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas with the filly.
"It was a good win, she handled the soft ground very well which is great to see but she will enjoy a better track and the mile will suit her so we will aim her at the Guineas."
James also trained Holy Moly's dam Clarissa (Zabeel), who won four of her starts, and was thrilled to pick up black-type with her daughter.
"Clarissa was a very good race mare but didn't get the black-type she deserved so it's nice to win this race with Holy Moly. I have always wanted to race something from Clarissa and I was the under-bidder on Holy Moly's half-bother by Pentire at Karaka earlier this year which sold for $480,000."
Bred by Curraghmore Stud and Jack and Mark Maronde, Holy Moly was purchased by Barry Lee Bloodstock from Gordon Cunningham's Curraghmore Stud at the 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for $200,000. She has now won two of her five starts for earnings just shy of $35,000.
The win gives Holy Moly four points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, and second place behind Anabandana (Anabaa) who won the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes. The victory also brought up the first Southern Hemisphere stakes win for her sire Holy Roman Emperor (Danehill).
Second in Saturday's race was the Donna & Dean Logan trained Perfect Katch (NZ) (Perfectly Ready x Al Katcha) who was offered by Wentwood Grange at the 2010 Karaka Select Sale. Her placing gives her two points and fourth place behind Testa Secret in the Series.
The Wanganui Guineas winner, the Richard Otto & Mark Brooks trained Whoshe (NZ) (Storm Creek x Lesley Coup) ran home late for third, completing the trifecta for NZB graduates. She takes home one Series point.
Race 3 of the ten-race New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m), will be held at Riccarton on November 12.
23/9/2011 Soliloquy Stakes Set to ImpressWith the first leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), won ever so impressively by Anabandana (Anabaa), the winner of Saturday's race will earn four points and second place in the Series.
Heading the field for the fillies feature is the Richard Otto & Mark Brooks trained Whoshe (NZ) (Storm Creek x Lesley Coup). A stakes winning two-year-old and a winner of three of her six starts, she comes into the race after beating the boys in the Listed Wanganui Guineas at her last start.
Stephen McKee will have two fillies in the race with Society Lady (NZ) (O'Reilly x Logical Lady) and Centre Point (NZ) (Elusive City x Shades of Silk) who have both drawn wide barriers. A winner of two of her four starts, Society Lady ran a creditable fourth in her last start to Antonio Lombardo in the Listed Challenge Stakes.
Only lightly raced, Centre Point was impressive in her last performance running a close second at Ruakaka and beating the hugely promising Papilio (Redoute's Choice) who had a big win last week. She is a maiden runner but is progressing in her racing and is one to watch.
The Graham Richardson trained Miss Upstart (Snippetson x Magic Star) proved that she is a very capable filly when winning the Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes in just her third start as a two-year-old. She had no luck in her fresh-up run in the Listed Fillies Stakes at Wanganui earlier this month but should have taken a good deal of improvement from the race.
The Ralph Manning trained River Nymph (NZ) (Captain Rio x Arduous) and Miss Pelear (NZ) (Mr. Nancho x Tori Belle) from Keith & Brendon Hawtin's stables were third and fourth equal respectively in the Listed Fillies Stakes. Both are lightly raced and broke their maiden status two starts back as two-year-olds.
Faraway Eyes (NZ) (Ustinov x O'Really Impulsive) comes into the race after winning her maiden by two-lengths at Ruakaka at her last start for trainer Michael Lawlor. Taking the race by two lengths, she beat fellow race runner Perfect Katch (Perfectly Ready) in the process.
Andrew Scott will be represented by Ready Steady (NZ) (Perfectly Ready x Buckling) who was first equal in the Countdown to the Karaka Million as a two-year-old, beating Dowager Queen (Savabeel). She comes into the race fresh-up after an unplaced trial last week and will be ridden by Opie Bosson who rode Anabandana to victory in the first leg of the Series.
The race will see two Karaka 3YO Mile nominated horses compete; the Roger James trained Holy Moly (NZ) (Holy Roman Emperor x Clarissa) and Perfect Katch (NZ) (Perfectly Ready x Al Katcha) for Donna & Dean Logan. Holy Moly showed her ability when winning impressively on debut as a two-year-old and will be looking for a change in luck after a tough outing in the Listed Fillies Stakes.
Perfect Katch comes into the race as a maiden with four seconds to her credit including a good last start third in the Listed Challenge Stakes behind Antonio Lombardo. Ginja Ninja (NZ) (Thorn Park x Remy) ran fifth in the same race for Ben Foote and boasts three race seconds from five starts.
Stephen Autridge trained The Claws Are Out (NZ) (Scaredee Cat x Spandex) and Rosie's Revenge (NZ) (O'Reilly x Timamou) from Ron Gussey's stables both put in winning performances two starts back and will be looking to improve on their last starts after drawing inside barriers.
Completing the field in the number fourteen saddle cloth is the Stephen Marsh trained How Far (NZ) (Ishiguru x Spring Creek) who comes into the race after running second on debut at Taranaki.
The winner of the second leg of New Zealand Bloodstock's Filly of the Year Series, the $45,000 Listed Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), will receive four points in the Series, with second taking two points and third one point.
19/9/2011 Mr Tipsy adds to Baker’s haulLast season's Champion Two-Year-Old of New Zealand, Anabandana looks to be in for a lucrative campaign after thrashing her rivals in the Group Three Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings today.
Racing for the first time since back to back Group One wins earlier in the year, Anabandana led for much of the race and accelerated away from her rivals when asked by rider Opie Bosson.
Anabandana, a daughter of top international sire Anabaa, was purchased by leading New Zealand based bloodstock agent Marcus Corban for $26,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
Plucked from the draft of her breeder, Reavill Farm, Anabandana was purchased on behalf of Hamilton based client Christopher Grace.
Not surprisingly Grace was thrilled with the performance of his star galloper and predicted bigger and better things over the coming weeks.
"Today wasn't a day where we were overly confident," Grace said while describing the performance and feeling as "unbelievable."
"It's her first race back and she's got a lot of improvement in her. That (performance) was spooky."
"We've got races down the track that we're really aiming her for. Don (Sellwood, trainer) is a conditioner of racehorses and he said today the horse would tell us - I think she shouted pretty loud."
Anabandana is one of five winners from the top producing Nureyev mare Great Notice.
Her other progeny include the recent Sydney stakes winner Gybe and fellow Sydney winners Namsarai and Forthwith.
Great Notice, Anabandana's dam, is a sister to two stakes performers including international stakes winner European Rose and Nureyev's Girl - the stakes performed dam of the Group One winning and now Melbourne based carnival star King's Rose.
King's Rose, now in the stables of Peter Moody, has won the Group Two Memsie Stakes and Group Two Stocks Stakes at her two Australian runs this spring.
Winner: Anabandana
Breeding: Anabaa-Great Notice (Nureyev)
Race: Hawke's Bay RC Gold Trail Stakes G3 (1200m)
Sold for: $26,000
Sale: 2009 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale
Vendor: Reavill Farm
Buyer: Marcus Corban Bloodstock
Earnings: NZ$392,500
Owner(s): CJ Grace
Trainer: Don Sellwood
The 2011/12 season will see the 31st running of the Southern Filly of the Year Series which was a four-way tie last year with Final Touch (Kashani), Princess Emmy (King's Chapel), No Choice (Coats Choice) and Fast Love (Fastnet Rock) all winning one of the four races in the Series.
Heading the field in domestic ratings is the Lisa Latta trained Elusive Red (NZ) (Elusive City x Cape Merlot). A three-time winning two-year-old, Elusive Red was black-type placed in the Listed Castletown Stakes and the Listed Ryder Stakes two starts back. She has the benefit of a fresh up run behind Dowager Queen in the Listed Fillies Stakes and has drawn well in barrier three.
The race will see three Karaka 3YO Mile nominated horses line up including the Peter and Dawn Williams trained Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock x Akris) from the wide gate of 12, who ran third in the Karaka Million last season; the Andrew Scott trained Cracker (NZ) (O'Reilly x Dilemma) from barrier five who has not been seen at the races since running fourth in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders Stakes; and Venetian Raider (NZ) (Rusty Spur x Rare Bits) for Michael Pitman who was stakes placed as a two-year-old. She will jump from gate nine.
New Zealand's newly crowned champion trainer, Pitman will also saddle up Darci Coup (NZ) (Darci Brahma x Nimble Feet) who beat last start winner Coup Rocky Road (Rock of Gibraltar) in her second start as a two-year-old.
A few lightly tried runners who add intrigue to the race include the Jason Bridgman trained Classy Fashion (Fusaichi Pegasus), a daughter of the Hong Kong Derby winner Elegant Fashion, who won her debut on September 2 and has drawn midfield in eight. Also the John Sargent trained Kasumi (NZ) (Shinko King x Mistaurian), from barrier 14, who won the Listed Champagne Stakes in her last start as a two-year-old, and the Nick Wigley trained Dolly's Wig (Snippetson x Duxom Babe) who won her maiden late last month and ran third in a recent trial. She has also drawn wide in barrier 11.
In what is shaping up as a great buy from last year's Ready to Run Sale by her trainer Guy Smith, Eh Wanda (NZ) (Duelled x Privileged) franked her trial form when winning her debut in a maiden three-year-old race at Ashburton but will have a wide draw of 13 to contend with on Saturday.
Representing the South Island Sale, the Kevin Hughes trained Our Premonition (NZ) (Postponed x Hampton Court) and Annachan (NZ) (Golan x Kellys Eye) for Murray Hamilton have both had a recent start or a trial coming into the race. They will jump from gates ten and four respectively.
The Thelma Foley trained Kerrytown Lady (NZ) (Shinko King x Golden Satchel) and Lezani (Beautiful Crown x Rondalla) representing John & Karen Parsons have both drawn well for the race with barriers one and two, with Poste Restante (NZ) (Postponed x Little Tee) from Howie Mathews' stables set to jump from barrier seven.
The winner of the $45,000 Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) will receive seven points in New Zealand Bloodstock's Southern Filly of the year Series, with second place earning three points and third one point.
The Canterbury Belle Stakes will be run on Saturday at Riccarton Park at 4.18pm