Pukekohe, Listed Haunui Farm Karaka Classic, NZ$50,000, 1600m
Race summary
A steep rise in class didn’t stop the in-form mare Siracusa (NZ) (Sebring) completing a notable hat-trick of wins.
The Steven Ramsay and Julia Ritchie-trained 4-year-old had two lower grade wins to her credit and she handled a rise in class with aplomb to round off strongly from a midfield spot and credit jockey Ashvin Goindasamy with his first black-type victory.
The Nigel Tiley-prepared Demonetization (All Too Hard) enjoyed a good run and fought on gallantly for second and his stablemate Le Castile (NZ) (Dalghar {Fr}) made late ground for third.
Pedigree notes
Siracusa is raced by breeder Sir Peter Vela and is the first foal of the unraced O’Reilly (NZ) mare Corinthia (NZ).
She is a half-sister to the G1 Rosehill Guineas winner and G1 Australian Derby runner-up De Beers (Quest For Fame {GB}).
Their dam Chiameara (Danehill {USA}) is a half-sister to the G1 Spring Champion S. winner and sire Viking Ruler (NZ) and to the G2 AAMI Vase winner and sire Kempinsky and descendants of the Blue Hen mare Eight Carat (GB) (Pieces Of Eight {Ire}).
Awapuni, Listed Ricoh Feilding Gold Cup, NZ$50,000, 2100m
Race summary
Mohaka (NZ) (Nadeem) coped admirably with a major step up in distance to open her black-type account for trainers Guy Lowry and Grant Cullen.
The mare, who had finished fifth in an open sprint at her previous appearance, went straight to the front and slipped clear on straightening for rider Darryl Bradley and stayed on strongly.
Lubaya (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) finished stoutly only to come up short on the line and Obsessive (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) kept up a game run for third after improving widest around the field near the home bend.
Pedigree notes
Mohaka is the only winner produced so far by Diplomacy (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}), who was successful four times up to 1600 metres.
She is out of a sister to the dam of the G3 Rotorua Challenge Plate winner Delightful (NZ) (Omnicorp) and to the dam of the champion Hong Kong performer and multiple Group 1 winner Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins).
The G2 Concorde H. winner Needuask (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit {USA}), the G2 Eight Carat Classic winner Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) and the G3 Gold Trail S. winner Sky Mist (NZ) (Sky Chase {NZ}) are also members of this family.
