Trentham, G1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook S., NZ$200,000, 1600m
Race summary
Rock On Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) was unlucky in Group 1 outings in the Thorndon Mile and Herbie Dyke S. earlier this year and again had no favours in the running.
He was stuck three wide with no cover for much of the race, but when jockey Ryan Elliot asked him for a serious effort he responded positively to stride clear for the eighth win of his 18-start career.
The favourite Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) hit the line strongly for second and a gallant pacemaker Deerfield (NZ) (Falkirk {NZ}) clung grimly to third from Hypnos (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}).
Pedigree notes
Westbury Stud stallion Redwood (GB) was credited with his first Group 1 siring success when Rock On Wood sailed clear.
His son was purchased out of Long Acres Stud’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for NZ$26,000 and is out of the six-time winner Rock On Rye (Catcher In The Rye {Ire}).
The second dam Beldale Blues (NZ) (Beldale Lear {USA}) was Group 3-placed and further back in the family is the G2 QTC Sires’ Produce S. winner Star Of The Knight (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}).
A sister to Rock On Wood will be offered by Cambria Park as Lot 75 during Book 1 at Karaka next month.
Trentham, G2 Pete’s Joinery, Precise Design & Build Wakefield Challenge S., NZ$100,000, 1100m
Race summary
Stormy (NZ) (Telperion) was sent out a hot favourite following his debut success at Awapuni and the money was never in doubt.
Rider Lisa Allpress took the Tony Pike-trained runner straight to the front and the colt had enough in reserve to keep his unbeaten intact by 0.5l.
Fonsalette (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) showed good improvement on her first-up fifth to find the line well for second and Taioseach (NZ) (Highly Recommended) made a good first of his debut to run third.
Pedigree notes
Stormy was the first winner sired by Westbury Stud stallion Telperion and he’s now handed the son of Street Cry (Ire) his first stakes winner.
Stormy is a son of unraced Swiss Ace (NZ) mare Silent Night, a daughter of the dual winner Christmas Angel (Hussonet {USA}).
There are no stakes winners in the first two generations, but further back in the pedigree is the three-time Group 1-winning sprinter Bentley Biscuit (Peintre Celebre {USA}), the G1 Stradbroke H., winner and sire Thorn Park and the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner World Peace (Danehill {USA}).
Ellerslie, G3 Mitchell Family Bonecrusher S., NZ$70,000, 1400m
Race summary
Opalescence (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) came into the race as a last-start winner in lesser company, but was allowed out at double figure odds and she handled the rise in class with aplomb.
Rider Jasmine Fawcett had the Jenna Mahoney-trained filly travelling well on the leader’s quarters and put a winning break on the field soon after straightening.
Jason Belltree (NZ) (Ferlax {NZ}) closed too late and had to settle for second ahead of Explosively (NZ) (Sweynesse), who made the pace and kicked on gamely.
Pedigree notes
Opalescence is a daughter of the former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Showcasing (GB), who produced the Group 2 winners Xpression (NZ), Play That Song (NZ) and Showboy (NZ) during his New Zealand tours of duty.
Opalescence was bred by Haunui and is the only foal to race for Fairy Story (NZ) (Pentire {GB}), who was a winner over 1400 metres.
There is little up-front black type performance and further back in the pedigree is the G1 Santa Anita Oak Leaf S. winner Folk Art (USA) (Nijinsky {Can}) and the G1 English 2000 Thousand Guineas winner and sire Mark Of Esteem (Ire).
Pakenham, Listed Pakenham Cup, $300,000, 2500m
Race summary
Attorney (Fr) (Makfi {GB}) has been racing consistently this preparation with success in the G3 Colin Stephens H. followed by fourth placings in the St Leger and in the G3 Sandown Classic.
Rider Nash Rawiller settled the Matthew Smith-trained import off the pace before making his move with 700 metres to go and Attorney outstayed his rivals in the run to the judge.
Creedence (Helmet) lodged his bid nearer to the fence and stayed on bravely for second with Knight’s Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}) third and the 8-year-old Red Alto (High Chaparral {Ire}) took the fourth cheque.
Pedigree notes
Attorney is the first foal of the stoutly-bred Tia Kia (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), who won up to 2400 metres and is a half-sister to the black type winner Commodore (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).
Their dam Antioquia (Singspiel {Ire}) won the G3 Prix Fille de l’Air over 2400 metres. Under the second dam is the Listed Saint-Cloud Prix de Boulogne winner Arthenus (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}).
The G1 Japan Cup winner Rose Kingdom (Jpn) (King Kamehamea {Jpn}) and the G1 Prix Jean Prat winner and sire Rouvres (Fr) also feature in this pedigree.
