Telegraph result sends connections into raptures

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

Dramatic scenes at Trentham followed the running of the G1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph H. where the tightest of finishes for the major slice of the glory had judge Dick Hunt working overtime to see if a margin could separate Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) and Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘n’ Famous).

Neither jockey involved had any idea of the outcome and, for what seemed an eternity, connections of the two sprinters wandered around with pounding hearts.

When Hunt belatedly announced it was Enzo’s Lad who had triumphed by the slenderest of margins, the sizeable support crew behind the South Island-trained 6-year-old erupted with a sea of high fives, bear hugs and tears.

Enzo’s Lad was the defending champion, having won the 2018 edition at odds of better than 70-1 and while he was better supported for his title defence, he still slipped out at 32-1.

“We really thought he was going better this year than last.” – Michael Pitman.

“We really thought he was going better this year than last. He’s a big, strong Aussie sprinter,” said Michael Pitman, who trains with his son Matthew.

Enzo’s Lad became the first horse since a sprinting powerhouse of the late 1980s and early 1990s to complete consecutive wins in Trentham’s time-honoured feature.

“The last horse to do that was Mr Tiz. It’s a really special thrill,” Pitman said.

Enzo’s Lad has now won seven races and banked more than NZ$390,000, a substantial return on his purchase price and the prospect of national recognition.

“After we won it last year he didn’t even get a nomination as a finalist in the Horse of the Year Awards. I thought it was a joke and hopefully he might get one this time,” Pitman said.

“I bought him for $15,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and I had a stable at Trentham at that time.” – Michael Pitman.

“I bought him for $15,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and I had a stable at Trentham at that time. I syndicated to a group of Wellington owners. They are very good owners and have been very patient.

Enzo's Lad as a yearling

“He’s a beautiful horse and he just looked magnificent before the race.”

Successful jockey Michael McNab was in seventh heaven and struggled for words afterwards - “It’s unbelievable, just unreal,” was all he could manage.

Once a little more composed, the Cambridge jockey said Enzo’s Lad had showed a dogged will to win for his second Telegraph crown.

“My word, what a tough horse. It’s fantastic.” – Michael McNab.

“Across the junction he was bolting and then he stumbled. He mustered again and when I got out he really came after them. My word, what a tough horse. It’s fantastic.”

Jockey, Michael McNab

Pitman, who was supervising his team at the Gore meeting, also sent out a special message to McNab.

“I really want to thank Michael for riding our runners,” he said. “To win two races on Cup day is special and on two that didn’t seem to be given good chances.”

Earlier on the card, The Swiss Maestro (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was at double figure odds when he proved too strong for his Rating 65 rivals in the Stephanie Murray Mortgages Premier.

Enzo’s Lad got the deciding bob in, but Pitman said he would have been happy with a share of the prize with Ferrando, who is trained by Graeme Rogerson with his wife Debbie and his grand-daughter Bailey.

“I would have settled with a dead-heat with my good mate Rogie, but I’m glad we won.” – Michael Pitman.

“I would have settled with a dead-heat with my good mate Rogie, but I’m glad we won.”

Trainer, Michael Pitman

It was heartbreak for Team Rogerson with Ferrando, who crossed from a devil of a gate to get on the pace and he kicked clear 300 metres from home, only to go down in the final stride.

Rider Matt Cameron said he had no idea who had crossed the line first.

"He got out of the gate pretty quickly and he stuck on, he’s a tough horse.” – Matt Cameron.

“I didn’t know, we were flat out. He got out of the gate pretty quickly and he stuck on, he’s a tough horse.”

The judge was unable to split the 2017 winner Signify (NZ) (Perfectly Ready) and the winner’s stablemate Sensei (Dream Ahead {USA}) for third.

Enzo's Lad (outside) and Ferrando battle it to the finish line

“Sensei went a huge race. He was eight wide with no cover, but he’s only four and his turn will come,” Pitman said.

The disappointment of the race was the favourite Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), who raced wide but with cover. She didn’t fire a shot in the straight and finished third last, rider Jason Waddell saying she never travelled well at any stage.

'Stunning' success continuing for Makybe

Written by

Alan Carasso

6 min read

Managing a Thoroughbred operation, be it on the racing side or the breeding side, requires nerves of steel and an understanding that, sometimes, difficult decisions of a business nature have to be made. Mr Stunning (Exceed and Excel) could be viewed by the braintrust at Tony Santic’s Victoria-based Makybe Racing and Breeding as ‘the one that got away,’ but the team at the Gnarwarre nursery continues to eagerly follow the career of the farm’s current greatest success story from afar.

When Joe Murray arrived in Australia to take up the role as Makybe stud manager in 2011, the well-related With Fervour (USA) (Dayjur {USA}), then 14 years of age, was carrying to Exceed and Excel, having recently produced a colt by Wanted (Aus).

Like Tugela (USA) (Woodman), the dam of Santic’s legendary Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}), With Fervour was sourced at the Tattersalls December mares sale, where she was purchased for 65,000 guineas while pregnant to Diktat (GB).

“It has been a very happy hunting ground over there,” Murray said of Makybe’s exploits in Newmarket.

With Fervour foaled a colt in February 2004, was bred Southern Hemisphere time to Oasis Dream (GB) and dropped her first foal on Australian soil in September 2005. Though her subsequent produce had some commercial appeal, none made a significant impact on the track. Would her Exceed and Excel colt, born Oct. 17, 2012, at Yallambee north of Melbourne, prove the one to move the needle?

“He’s a nice colt, lacks size, a little bit light-boned,” Murray scribbled down anecdotally eight days later. “He’s a little bit close behind [a lot of the Exceed and Excels can be that way]. He should strengthen up with time. Well put-together.”

The Exceed And Excel x With Fervour colt

Makybe downsize

Earlier that year, the Santics announced that they were downsizing their operation, including the relocation of their stallion Purrealist (Aus), and the sale of a good chunk of their property. With Fervour and her Exceed and Excel colt were both to be offered at public auction.

With Fervour was covered by Purrealist in mid-November 2012, but by the time she stepped into the ring at the Easter Broodmare Sale, she’d lost her foal. Now not in foal, she was sold to Victorian breeder L. J. Oldcastle for just $6,000.

"Little did we know what was in the pipeline." - Joe Murray

“She was an old-enough mare and she was empty, so the market dictated her value. But little did we know what was in the pipeline,” Murray said.

With Fervour produced a Mossman filly for Oldcastle named With Faith Sept. 25, 2014, and passed away nine days after foaling.

The Exceed and Excel was ticketed for the Great Southern Weanling Sale for a variety of reasons.

“Looking at his page, he should either going to Magics (Gold Coast) or Easter,” Murray said. “He wasn’t mature enough to go to Magics and the Easter people would have been too critical of him. And because the mare had a fair few foals before that hadn’t amounted to much, the call was made.

"He wasn’t going to be mature enough if we were looking at bringing him to the yearling sales early." -Joe Murray

"The Australian market wants horses that are going earlier and they want the big, muscular horses in the sales rings. He wasn’t going to be mature enough if we were looking at bringing him to the yearling sales early. So with the downsizing, we could keep the costs down by moving him as a weanling and help ourselves.”

Always a lovely type

Murray always felt the colt would appeal as a physical specimen.

“He was a lovely colt, he was probably a little light-boned, but apart from that there was very little wrong with him,” Murray continued.

Exceed And Excel x With Fervour as a weanling

“He was a straight-forward horse. His legs were good, no surgeries and his temperament was always outstanding. He put his head down during the weaning process and handled everything that was thrown at him. He handled the sales experience very much in his stride. He was good natured, very well behaved and did everything right.”

He handled the sales experience very much in his stride. He was good natured, very well behaved and did everything right.”- Joe Murray

Reserved by Santic at $90,000, Mr Stunning fetched $110,000 from Mark and Shelley Treweek’s Lyndhurst Farm, who resold the colt to Willie Leung’s Magus Equine for NZ$250,000 at the NZB Premier Yearling Sale.

Turned over to trainer John Size, Mr Stunning turned heads from day one, including a debut befitting his name over the minimum trip at Happy Valley.

Named that season’s champion griffin, he ascended to the heights with a popular success in the 2017 G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint and last month joined the likes of the legendary Silent Witness (Aus), Sacred Kingdom (Aus), Aerovelocity (NZ) and Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) as two-time winners of that race.

“It’s huge,” Murray says proudly. “Australia is a sprinting nation that prides itself on breeding sprinters, so to have a horse that can do that, it gives you goosebumps. It’s what everyone here is trying to do - breed a sprinter at the top level.

“Australia is a sprinting nation that prides itself on breeding sprinters, so to have a horse that can do that, it gives you goosebumps. It’s what everyone here is trying to do - breed a sprinter at the top level." - Joe Murray

"To do it twice and beating some serious horses, those are elite horses in their own right, and for Mr Stunning to do it twice, for us it’s just unbelievable."

You win some, lose some

Murray admits that following Mr Stunning’s progress from a hemisphere away is gut-wrenching at times.

“Bittersweet is not the word. Banging your head off a wall is probably more like it, but it’s the nature of the business,” Murray said with a good-natured chuckle.

“Bittersweet is not the word. Banging your head off a wall is probably more like it, but it’s the nature of the business." - Joe Murray

“You’d love to keep them all. Tony generally keeps a few to race every year, generally what is passed in or if there’s an issue before they go to the sales. He’d like to keep them all and, sure, $110,000 now is like the deal of the century, but if something goes wrong and he never makes it to the track, we walk away as winners.

Mr Stunning

He continues, “It’s a flip of the coin. Look at Makybe Diva, for example. She was offered as a foal and the market wasn’t strong enough. We keep her and she wins three Melbourne Cups. You have to take the rough with the smooth.”

It’s been smoother than rough of late in Hong Kong for Makybe, who bred recent G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy H. winner Jolly Banner (Lonhro) from Makybe Diva’s half-sister Valkyrie Diva (Jade Robbery {USA}). No, neither Murray nor his boss had a penny on at Jolly Banner’s $90 starting price.

“The farm always has one eye on Hong Kong these days,” Murray commented. “Hopefully there’s plenty more to come from them.”

The first answer to that query comes Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin.

Oulaghan’s stable star casts a long Trentham shadow

4 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Mark Oulaghan’s unshakeable confidence in Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto) was repaid with racing's highest prize when the gallant chestnut claimed a Group 1 scalp at Trentham.

The Awapuni trainer has always had the greatest of faith in the now 6-year-old and a combination of his conditioning skills and the gelding’s quality produced a memorable victory in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile.

Oulaghan, who trained Who Shot Thebarman (NZ) (Yamanin Vital {NZ}) to win a G1 Auckland Cup before the stayer was relocated to Sydney, has long got the best out of his horses on a minimum of lead-up racing and so canny at successfully executing long-term plans.

“I have always thought in the right race and under the right conditions that he could win a Group 1 race.” – Mark Oulaghan.

“I have always thought in the right race and under the right conditions that he could win a Group 1 race,” he said.

“Earlier in his career he was a bit erratic as a racehorse, but with time he has grown up and matured and he does things right.”

Shadows Cast had won the G2 Manawatu Challenge S. at his previous start prior to Christmas and that victory had Oulaghan in a bullish pre-race mood on Saturday.

“I thought that was the best win of his career and he’s gone and followed it up.” – Mark Oulaghan.

“I thought that was the best win of his career and he’s gone and followed it up,” he said.

Oulaghan isn’t in any rush to get Shadows Cast back to the races, but already has a programme in place.

“We’ll look at running him in the weight-for-age race at Otaki (Haunui Farm WFA Classic). That’s a month or so away, but he always goes his best when his races are well spaced.”

The Ron Cunningham-owned Shadows Cast had an early hurdle to clear when he jumped from a wide barrier, but he was quickly into stride to sit outside the leader and he was in front on straightening.

“It was a fantastic run. It’s a long way down that Trentham straight and he stuck to it really well.” - Mark Oulaghan.

“It was a fantastic run. It’s a long way down that Trentham straight and he stuck to it really well,” Oulaghan said.

Shadows Cast

“It’s great to train one this good for Ron. I’ve had a few for him in the past and a few average ones to be fair so it’s great to turn it around.”

For Cunningham, the win was extra special as for many years he trained a small team of horses at Trentham.

“I’ve had some nice horses, but nothing can beat a Group 1.” - Ron Cunningham.

“I’ve had some nice horses, but nothing can beat a Group 1,” Cunningham said.

“I rated his chances quite highly. Darryl Bradley rode him in a trial on Tuesday and I talked to him after and that gave me a lot of confidence.

“I’d just like to thank Mark, he’s a wonderful guy and a wonderful trainer.”

Trainer, Mark Oulaghan

Jockey Jason Waddell also played his part supremely well and said Shadows Cast was always travelling comfortably.

“He came out of the gates like a rabbit and I knew The Mitigator would lead so I sat outside him.” – Jason Waddell.

“He came out of the gates like a rabbit and I knew The Mitigator would lead so I sat outside him.”

“I probably went a bit early, but I wanted them to chase me and he gave a good kick. He was pretty strong to the line.”

Wyndspelle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who was in receipt of three kilos from the winner, finished the race off well but never looked likely to overhaul Shadows Cast and last year’s runner-up Watch This Space (NZ) (Elusive City {USA}) was third.

Dark Princess (NZ) (Cape Blanco {IRE}) took fourth money ahead of the favourite More Wonder (NZ) (Mossman). The 3-year-old gave away lengths with a poor beginning and he did well to finish as close as he did.

Waller goes into bat for his old Beau

4 min read

'Just like his dad' was Chris Waller's description after classy 2-year-old winner Accession put himself in the frame for the inaugural $2million Inglis Millennium on February 9.

Brazen Beau was a two-time G1 winner for Waller and went within a whisker of winning the 2015 G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before heading to stand at Darley later that year.

Accession is from Brazen Beau's first crop and has now provided two of his three Australian winners but Waller believes there are plenty more to come.

View Accession race replay

"It's a funny world the breeding industry, they support sires in their first and second season at stud, but then seem to drop off them and wait for them to do something. They can just drop off the radar a bit," Waller said. "Hopefully we will get our hands on a few more of his progeny."

"Hopefully we will get our hands on a few more of his progeny." - Chris Waller

Brazen Beau

Accession carried top weight but made light work of rivals after the colt displayed unflappable demeanour in the pre-race parade ring. "Colour, type, speed," Waller said when asked what it was that was most reminiscent of Brazen Beau.

"And that temperament is just like his dad's, maybe that will help him get on a plane one day and go one better than his dad at Royal Ascot."

"And that temperament is just like his dad's, maybe that will help him get on a plane one day and go one better than his dad at Royal Ascot." - Chris Waller

For now the targets are much sooner, with the $2million Inglis Millennium on February 9 next, a race Waller has programmed his horse's preparation around.

"He wouldn't have been in work if it wasn't for that race, he would be still resting and getting ready for a Slipper prep," Waller said of the feature race of Inglis' inaugural race day at Warwick Farm. "That's why these races are great, they get the good horses out early and keep them racing longer."

'Colour, type and speed' - Chris Wallers comparison of Accession to his sire, Brazen Beau

Saturday's stake money should help Accession if he eventually makes his way to the Slipper, given his previous win in the L. Inglis Nursery late last year is also a restricted race that doesn't count towards order of entry.

Maybe a little too laid back

A bombproof temperament can help a 2-year-old immensely but when syndicator Denise Martin first saw Accession in Chris Waller's stable she wondered whether he would gallop at all.

"He came into the stables in the middle of last year and I said to Chris, ‘I hope he wakes up'," Martin said.

"He just has a great way about him. He is out of a More Than Ready (USA) mare, and I love More Than Ready, I just thought he was a beautifully balanced colt. He has the looks, he handled the sale really well because he has that attitude. Good horses have good attitudes."

"He came into the stables in the middle of last year and I said to Chris, ‘I hope he wakes up'." - Star Throughbreds, Denise Martin

Former Darley Australia boss Henry Plumptre helped identify Accession as a possible yearling purchase for Martin, pointing to a pedigree that made the brown colt a relation to Singapore's champion sprinter Emperor Max (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).

It was love at first sight for Martin but she had to go beyond her usual budget to buy the colt for $300,000 at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

"I thought he was pretty special and it was just a matter of whether or not I could afford him," Martin said. "We worked with Henry to find some nice yearlings for us, he picked two out for us and we bought them both, I don't usually pay $300,000 but I had to have him. These are Brazen Beau's oldest horses and I have three of them. I hope my other two are as good."

Brazen Beau has a single lot at next week's New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sale and 10 horses catalogued at the upcoming 2019 Classic Yearling Sale.

Accession as a yearling

Adelaide's loss is Melbourne's gain as Kah makes fast start

3 min read

Jamie Kah is the latest South Australian participant to leave the state and she has made an immediate impact upon arrival in Victoria

Lightweight jockey Jamie Kah has made the most of her recent move to Victoria with an upset victory on 5-year-old mare Belwazi (Bel Esprit) in the L. Kensington Stakes at Flemington.

The 23-year-old Kah was the leading jockey in Adelaide but is the latest of a string of top South Australian participants to leave the state and had already brought up the first win of her stay with a win at the Cranbourne Friday night meeting.

"It's nice to get a kick along last night with a winner and now get another winner," she said. "I hope they keep coming."

"I hope they keep coming." - Jockey, Jamie Kah

Mornington-based trainer Jerome Hunter took advantage of extended nominations when he made his mare a late entry for the $125,000 race with Belwazi, a winner of five from 16 before Saturday and better known as a Moonee Valley specialist.

Hunter said he had followed Kah's career from afar and chased her for the ride after hearing she had made the move, calling her "a very gifted rider."

"I wanted Jamie for the ride because I have watched her in South Australia and horses just seem to travel well for her," he said. "I thought we're going to a big race and I knew she would be hungry for it."

The booking of Kah proved a masterstroke as she produced a poised ride on the $15 chance, stalking a strong tempo before timing her run to perfection.

"I wanted Jamie for the ride because I have watched her in South Australia and horses just seem to travel well for her." - Trainer, Jerome Hunter

"She was just travelling so well at the 400m, she almost got to the front too early and waited for them, she felt like she had lengths on them at the 400m " she said. Kah had never met Hunter before raceday but might be a regular visitor to his stables now.

Jamie Kah

"I am trying to spread myself around to as many stables as possible but hopefully I will be heading out to Mornington once a week now as well," she said. “I’m ready to do the work and drive everywhere for the first few months and really try to establish myself. I’m not really basing myself with one particular trainer. I’ve received a fair bit of interest from the people I’ve contacted and next week is going to be a busy week with jump-outs and trials, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“I’m ready to do the work and drive everywhere for the first few months and really try to establish myself. " - Jamie Kah

South Australian racing's jockey colony had already been dealt a blow with the retirement of Clare Lindop and the departure of promising apprentice Kayla Crowther, while trainer Phillip Stokes and Lloyd Kennewell have also relocated.

Kah won the Adelaide jockeys premiership as an apprentice, and this year set an Australian record for most wins by a female jockey 139 and collected a third straight John Letts medal for leading rider in the state.

The $3.20 equal-favourites Glenall (Redoute's Choice) and Champagne Cuddles (Not A Single Doubt) were second and third respectively. Champagne Cuddles trainer Bjorn Baker was happy with his stakes-placed mare's first-up effort and said she would now be set towards longer races in the autumn.

Pedigree Boosters - Karaka

2 min read

In the build up to the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale at Karaka, we will pick out three yearlings each day who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

Today, we look at a filly from the family of a recent Group winner and a pair of youngsters whose close relatives are sitting high up in the pre-post market for the Karaka Million.

Lot 187 Vancouver x Madame Echezeaux (NZ) Offered by Pencarrow Stud

View Lot 187

Sir Peter Vela has enjoyed outstanding success with the family of this filly, most notably with his champion mare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}) and subsequently bred the multiple Group 1 winner and producer Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {NZ}).

Watch: Lot 182 Vancouver x Madame Echezeaux (NZ)

The pedigree page has been given another significant lift in recent times with the emergence of Supera (NZ) (Savabeel), a lightly-tried mare who followed up her G2 Cal Isuzu S. placing with victory in the G3 Anniversary S. at Trentham.

Lot 309 Shooting To Win x Point Park (NZ) Offered by Inglewood Stud

View Lot 309

This chestnut was done a major favour by his close relative Aotea Lad (NZ) (Savabeel), who claimed the G2 Wakefield Challenge S. on debut and then finished runner-up in the G3 Eclipse S. to be a favoured runner for the Karaka Million.

Inglewood’s colt is a grandson of the G1 New Zealand S. winner Seamist (NZ) (Beaufort Sea {USA}), the dam of the G2 New Zealand Cup winner Torlesse (NZ) (Volksraad }{GB}) and the mother of the stakes winner Replique (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}).

Lot 309 Shooting To Win x Point Park (NZ)

Lot 490 Real Impact (Jpn) x Trick Offered by Bradbury Park

View Lot 490

Having one of the top fancies for the Karaka Million in the family ranks an excellent recommendation and this youngster boasts just that with Whiskey Neat (NZ) (Denman) a close relative. He is unbeaten in two appearances with the G3 Eclipse S. on his resume.

The Bradbury Park yearling is the son of a winning Street Cry (IRE) mare, who is out of a sister to the G1 Flight S. winner Unworldly (Quest For Fame {GB}) and the G2 Shannon S. winner Gordo (Brief Truce {USA}).

Lot 490 Real Impact (Jpn) x Trick

Black-Type Results

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Group 1

Race Summary:

It was an extremely close race for multiple placings but after a lengthy wait for the photo finish, Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) won his second edition of the race.

Enzo’s Lad settled behind the leaders and waited for his opening in the 1200 metre race. With about 300 metres to go, he lost a bit of ground on the lead but switched into gear quickly afterward to chase after Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous). It was a close finish with Enzo’s Lad slowly making up ground and only getting even with the leader on the line.

Enzo’s Lad was able to nose out Ferrando by the smallest of margins and in a tight race that saw two different dead heats in the results, Sensei (Dream Ahead) and Signify (NZ)(Perfectly Ready) weren’t able to be separated for third.

Pedigree Notes:

By Testa Rossa, Enzo’s Lad went through the sales ring twice. The gelding was passed in at the 2014 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale before selling for $15,000 at the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

His dam Sheerama has three winners from eight runners with Enzo’s Lad her only stakes winner. Her half-brother is Group 2 winner Patpong and further back in the pedigree is Group 3 winner Chakvetadze. The mare had one final foal after Enzo’s Lad, that being Ravishingrickrude, who was sent to New Zealand in 2014 as a weanling.

Group 1

Race Summary:

Winning the Group 2 Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge Stakes last out, Shadows Cast (Per Incanto) went even better in the Harcourts Thorndon Mile to notch his first career Group 1 victory.

Sitting just behind the leading The Mitigator (Master of Design) for most of the 1600m race, he was ready to go around the far turn and drew even with the leader at the 400 metre mark. From there, it looked at first like his only job would be to extend his lead but Wyndspelle (Iffraaj) wasn’t going to let him get away that easy.

In the final 200 metres Wyndspelle first ran past The Mitigator, who was still in second before setting his aims on Shadows Cast. The line came just in time for the gelding with Wyndspelle only a neck behind at the line. Watch This Space (Elusive City) finished third, two lengths behind the pair.

Pedigree Notes:

Passed in for $6,000 at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Yearling & Mixed Sale, Shadows Cast is the third Group 1 winner for Per Incanto, whose second winner came earlier this month with Santa Monica winning the Group 1 ARC Railway Stakes.

Shadows Cast is the final of three foals from Ages Past, who had a full brother to this gelding in 2016 that died. All three of the mare’s live foals have run with Twilight Doll (St Reims) also a winner at the mile. Ages Past is a full-sister to Rat Tat and a half-sister to Listed-placed Scan Bold.

Group 3

Race Summary:

Winning the longest race of the day brought huge satisfaction when Gorbachev (NZ)(Gorky Park) crossed the line first in the Group 3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup.

Trainer Bryce Newman admitted there had been many challenges with the gelding but he showed no signs of his past when winning his first Group race. Ridden by apprentice Ryan Elliot, Gorbachev was sitting only a few lengths off the leading Bizzwinkle throughout the 3200 metre race as he waited for his cue to strike.

While a few horses passed him as the field started its turn into the straight, Gorbachev was still within striking distance and moved up to the leading Dee And Gee (NZ)(Darci Brahma) in the final 350 metres. It was a battle of wills from there as both jockeys asked their mounts to give more effort with Prince Jabeel (Savabeel) trying to slide up the rail and join the fight. But that rival quickly left the top two to battle it out on their own when dropping a length back and watching what would be another close finishing race.

In the end, Gorbachev prevailed with Dee And Gee only a head back in second with Prince Jabeel easily holding on to his third place spot behind the two.

Pedigree Notes:

Gorbachev is the fifth foal from Gimmeawink (Carnegie), who has had three foals to race with the gelding being her only winner. Gimmeawink is from Group 3 winner and Group 1 placed Kindergarten (GB)(Trempolino), who has had three daughters produce stakes horses.

A deep European family, Gimmeawink’s third dam is the granddam of champion Winged Love (In The Wings) and Fidelite (In The Wings) among 19 stakes horses in Gimmeawink’s first three dams.

Gimmeawink’s youngest foal is a yearling full brother to Gorbachev.

Group 3

Race Summary:

A 2-year-old Listed winner, Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto) added more blacktype to her record on Saturday when winning the Group 3 Williment Travel Group Desert Gold Stakes.

Secret Allure sat midpack as Miss Valencia(NZ)(Ocean Park) and Valalie (Snitzel) battled it out in front lengths in front of the rest of the field for many of the early stages of the race. As the field rounded the far turn and bunched up, Secret Allure slipped farther back in the field but had a prime spot on the rail as she bided her time. This worked to her advantage in the straight as she saved ground before angling out and finding a hole to get in the clear and pass the leader in the last 100 metres.

It was another fast closing finish with Jakkalbomb (NZ) (Jakkalberry) less than a length behind Secret Allure at the line while Valalie gallantly finish third after her early duel.

Pedigree Notes:

A $36,000 purchase from the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale, Secret Allure is the third foal from the winning Secret Scent (NZ)(O’Reilly).

Secret Scent is a full sister to Listed winner and two-time Group 1 placed Ombre Rose (NZ)(O’Reilly), who has produced three stakes placers in her broodmare career. This is also the immediate family of Group 2 winners Aquidity (NZ) (Avaray) and The Sportsman (NZ) (Kilimanjaro), who are half-siblings to Secret Scent’s dam Lady Chanele (NZ)(Citidancer).

Secret Scent’s youngest foal is a yearling colt by Shooting to Win.

Listed

Race Summary:

Belwazi (Bel Esprit) gave her dam Nkwazi (Rory’s Jester) the first stakes winner of her broodmare career when winning the Listed Kensington Stakes at Flemington.

Belwazi was near the tail of the pack during much of the race down the straight, taking cover behind Bullpit (Speed ‘n’ Power). But as that gelding started fading, he gave her clear running room and she took full advantage of it. She started rolling at the 300 metres mark and had command of the lead by the 200 metre mark. While it was a tight finish, Belwazi was never in danger of losing the race, just doing what she had to in the closing stages.

Glenall (Redoute’s Choice) was second with the returning Champagne Cuddles (Not A Single Doubt) taking her record to 10 placings in 15 starts when finishing third.

Pedigree Notes:

The five-year-old Belwazi is one of five winners from six to race for Nkwazi with those five winners combining for 24 wins. The mare’s second oldest runner, Our Nkwazi (Arazi) had 10 wins in his career for over $300,000 in earnings.

Nkwazi is a half-sister to the dam of Group 2 winner Longport (Casino Prince) and this is also the family of Group 3 winner Fuss (At Talaq). Nkwazi was pensioned after having the unraced 3-year-old Choisir colt Our Wazi and died in 2017.

Listed

Race Summary:

It was a big stakes debut for Air Max (Nadeem) in the Listed Liquourland Gore Guineas with the gelding adding a stakes victory to his resume in impressive style.

While Grand Express set the pace up front, Lee Callaway settled his mount near the back of the field. Air Max seemed eager to run from the first but also willing to listen to his rider and willingly attempted to squeeze through a small hole at the top of the straight before changing course.

When the field hit the 200 metre mark, there was still a lot of work to do but Air Max was up for it. In the last 100 metres, he made up multiple lengths to win by half a length over Dreamtesta (Testa Rossa) with Weaponry (Declaration of War) and Fire Show (Showcasing) close behind in third and fourth.

Pedigree Notes:

A half-brother to two-time Listed winner Boots ‘N’ All, Air Max was passed in at the New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Yearling & Mixed Sale in 2017.

His dam Steel Stilettos (Hussonet) was a winner at 1600 metres and has a top family behind her with horses such as Group 1 winners Bonaria and Merchant Navy under her fourth dam. The mare has three winners from three to race and has an unnamed Super Easy yearling colt on the ground.

Special Condition Inglis Dash

Race Summary:

Tropezina (Epaulette) made a third consecutive visit to the winner’s enclosure on Saturday in the Inglis Dash at Flemington.

The filly jumped out in front when the barriers opened and while she had the rest of the field nipping at her heels, didn’t look to be bothered much in the early running. At the 400 metre mark jockey Ben Melham gave her the cue to put a bit more pressure on the field and the filly responded, showing a speedy closing kick.

While she was getting tired in the end and Beerz With Clint (Written Tycoon) closed the small margin she had given herself, the filly was still able to win for the third time in five races. Prairie Fire (Snitzel), who had been pressuring the filly on the stands side as she tired finished third.

Pedigree Notes:

Tropezina was a $65,000 purchase at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearlings Sale in 2017, with her Bernardini half-brother passed in at Inglis Easter the year before. That half-brother is the oldest foal from Boredom (Ad Valorem), who has produced two to race.

A winner herself, Boredom is a half-sister to Group 1 winner Complacent (Authorized) and Listed winner Ataraxia (Teofilo). This is also the family of Australian Champion 2-year-old Dracula (Quest For Fame) and Wandjina (Snitzel), among others.

Boredom has an unnamed Kermadec yearling, an Artie Schiller weanling filly, and she was bred back to Kermadec in 2018.

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Group 1 targets for smart filly

Oceanex (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) has Group 1 Sydney autumn goals on her programme after another impressive performance at Flemington.

The filly finished powerfully down the outside to win Saturday’s Event Staff Handicap in her first test over 2000 metres.

Trainer Mick Price admitted he had some reservations, but with three consecutive wins now to Oceanex’s name he plans to give her a short break before targeting the G1 Vinery Stud S. and the G1 Australian Oaks.

“I thought that was a massive performance,” Price said. “It's her first preparation and she was up in class, weight, distance and she had drawn a gate where she was going to have to give them a start.

“She produced a sustained run and I thought it was fantastic.

“I had my little query, but she still defied all that and came through with flying colours.

“It just gives me a bit of confidence to go and chase some of the better fillies in Sydney.

“I'll have to construct a little plan, timing-wise, to get her up there but I thought this was a massive tick for that filly.”

Price paid NZ$70,000 for Oceanex at Karaka where she was offered by Milan Park.

She is a half-sister to the G3 Rough Habit Plate winner Amexed (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) and their dam Danex (NZ) (Danasinga) won once and placed in the G2 Sir Tristram Fillies’ Classic.

The G1 Railway S. winner Ryan Mark (NZ) (Thorn Park) also features on the pedigree page.

Another golden result for Latta

Lisa Latta went back to back in the G2 Desert Gold S., producing Secret Allure (NZ) (Zacinto {GB}) to triumph in the Trentham feature.

She was successful last year with Dijon Bleu (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}), who subsequently claimed the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year crown.

Asked to quicken by rider Leith Innes approaching the home turn, Secret Allure was still spotting the leaders some distance before lengthening stride impressively.

“Leith came out and said he had watched a few of her replays and she reminded him a bit of Dijon Bleu,” Latta said.

“She hasn’t quite got the height of her, but she is a tough little filly.

“I said to Leith that she could pull and I didn’t care where he was, just get her one off the fence and just give her a cosy run.

“He said I might look for a run up the inside, so I said just do whatever you want and everything just opened up for her.”

A half-brother to Secret Allure by Shooting To Win will be offered as Lot 391 from the Inglewood Stud draft during Book 1 at Karaka next week.

Newman turns Gorbachev around

Former problem child Gorbachev (NZ) (Gorky Park) was on his best behaviour at Trentham where he produced a dour staying performance to win the G3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup.

He is trained at Bulls by former New Zealand equestrian representative Bryce Newman, who has used all his conditioning skills to get the best out of the 5-year-old.

“I train him on the farm, he was the village idiot and wouldn’t gallop on the track,” Newman said.

“There was no malice in him, it’s taken time to sort him out and that’s all water under the bridge now.”

Ridden by Ryan Elliot, Gorbachev was involved in a stern home straight tussle with Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and got the better of the mare in the closing 50 metres for the fourth win of his career.

“This is definitely the highlight of my career,” Newman said. “I only train two or three and mostly pre-train for others.”

Mare continues rich run of form

Tropezina (Epaulette) continued the outstanding start she has made to her summer preparation with further success at Flemington.

She made all the running and fought on determinedly to claim the $250,000 Inglis Dash and remain unbeaten in three appearances this time in.

“I was just worried about her stepping up that extra 100 metres to 1100, but she was able to contain her speed early and went through the first couple of furlongs nicely with her head down in a nice rhythm,” winning rider Ben Melham said.

“That certainly enabled her to finish well. She doesn't want much further, but she was able to get the job done in a good prize money race.”

The Henry Dwyer-trained Tropezina will have to stretch her brilliance out further at her next start in the G3 Kevin Hayes S. at Caulfield in three weeks.

A $65,000 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale buy, Tropezina is a daughter of Boredom (Ad Valorem {USA}) who is a half-sister to the G1 Spring Champion S. winner Complacent (Authorized {IRE}) and the Listed Dulcify S. winner Ataraxia (Teofilo {IRE}).

The dam is a sister to the triple Group 1 winner and former champion 2-year-old Dracula (Quest For Fame {GB}).

Million reasons to back up

Well-related colt Cavallo Veloce (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}) could be a chance to back up at Ellerslie next weekend in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic.

He came from off the pace to easily win the Sweynesse At Karaka Premier at Trentham on Saturday and the big prize in seven days’ time is now firmly on trainer and part-owner Peter McKay’s mind.

“We won here with Alamosa and backed him up a week later to win again so it can be done,” he said.

“We’ll see how he does. We’ve had a lot of problems with this horse with boils and other things, it’s been a nightmare but he showed his class.

“We wanted to ride him off the pace and he finished well. He’s a pretty good horse.

He was purchased out of Lime Country Thoroughbreds’ draft at Karaka for NZ$150,000 and is out of Giant Mystique (Giant’s Causeway {IRE}).

Cavallo Veloce is a three-quarter brother to the multiple Singapore stakes winner War Affair (NZ) and a half-brother to the G2 Chairman’s H. and G1 Sydney Cup placegetter (Sir) Charles Road (Myboycharlie {IRE}).

The Oaks Stud will offer a Pentire (GB) filly (Lot 57) out of Giant Mystique during the Book 1 session at Karaka on January 27.

Stewart pays dearly

Jockey Brad Stewart has copped a hefty fine for weighing in light.

Stewart was relieved of $3000 following the offence at Ipswich on Friday where he rode runner-up Heat Shield (Northern Meteor), who was disqualified.

Stewards held up correct weight before declaring Heat Shield a non-runner.

In handing down their penalty, stewards said they took into account the loss of prize money to the owners and the loss of monies invested on the horse.

Cup target for import

An upset win at Flemington by Khezerabad (FR) (Dalakhani {IRE}) has trainer Aron Purcell plotting paths to feature distance events.

The 7-year-old sat outside the leader and stayed on strongly to win Saturday's Voting Opens Monday for All-Star Mile.

“He's a horse with good stamina but he probably lacks a bit of sprint,” Purcell said.

Purcell said the G2 Adelaide Cup in March was the first major target for Khezerabad this campaign while the Galleywood Hurdle on his home track at Warrnambool in early May is also in the plans.

“He would probably have one hurdle trial and one hurdle run into the Galleywood.

“He doesn't really handle wet ground so I'm not sure how deep he will get into the jumps season.”

Purcell said he had long considered Khezerabad an Adelaide Cup prospect.

“He was going to head there last year, but he had a minor injury,” he said. "We decided to look after him and this preparation has all been geared around the Adelaide Cup.

“We'll work back from there and hopefully we can get there in one piece.”

Looking Ahead - January 20

3 min read

Looking Ahead puts the spotlight on runners of interest across Australia and New Zealand. Whether they are a particularly well-bred or high-priced runner having their first or second start, a promising galloper returning to the track or a horse which has trialled particularly well, we’ll aim to give you something to follow.

Today, we concentrate our efforts on the Sale meeting with a regally-bred filly in Tony McEvoy’s yard followed by a high-priced yearling from the Lindsay Park operation and a well-bred 3-year-old on debut for James Cummings.

Sale Constructions 2-Year-Old Plate $35,000 1105 metres 12.40pm

Enood (Deep Impact {JPN}) has an impressive pedigree and while she will be at short odds looks a grand prospect to successfully kick off multiples. The filly is out of the unraced Redoute’s Choice mare Charming Estelle, who has produced three winners including the Listed Ryder S. winner Manhattan Street (Manhattan Rain). The dam is a sister to the former Australian Horse of the Year Lankan Rupee and potent Group 1 family of the mighty Lonhro (Octagonal {NZ}) and his brother Niello and Grosvenor (NZ) (Sir Tristram {IRE}).

Trained by Tony McEvoy for Sheikh Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Enood was excellent on debut when she finished powerfully for second at Flemington. With the benefit of that race day experience, she is expected to go one better this time out.

Enood as a yearling

Sale Carlton Draught Maiden $35,000 1105 metres 1.15pm

A $600,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale buy for Vinery Stud, Manasari (More Than Ready {USA}) is a half-sister to the multiple winner and Group 3 placegetter Ameristralia (Fastnet Rock). Their dam Heart Ashley (USA) (Lion Heart {USA}) was successful in the G3 Cicada S. and the G3 Miss Preakness S. and is a half-sister to the G1 Santa Anita Gold Cup winner Cupid (USA) (Tapit {USA}) and the G3 Railbird S. winner Ashley’s Kitty (USA) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}).

Manasari had a couple of runs last year and was third on debut and spelled after finishing fifth at her next start. The David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained filly hasn’t trialled ahead of her return, but her stable is skilled at achieving first-up results and she looks a good play here.

Manasari as a yearling

Sale Ladbrokes 3-Year-Old Maiden $35,000 1205 metres 1.50pm

Impersonate (Reset) is a daughter of the G1 Australian Oaks and G3 Adrian Knox S. winner Rena’s Lady (Arena), who is doing good stud at stud with all four of her foals to race having been multiple winners. The dam is out of the Listed Silk Stocking S. winner Boisterous Lady (Lady (Rivotious {USA}), who has also produced Rena’s Lady’s full siblings Vatuvei, winner of the G2 International Cup, and Raise, successful in the G3 Adrian Knox.

The Godolphin-owned filly has been given plenty of time to develop, as her pedigree would suggest she might need, and has drawn ideally to make her debut. In the hands of Michael Dee, she should be ready to give a strong account of herself.