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Bubbles flow as Te Akau juggernaut rolls on in 2YO Classic

Written by
4 min read
If history can be considered a reliable guide, Group 1 success is coming the way of On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) off the back of an outstanding display to continue Te Akau’s dominance of the R. Listed Karaka Million.

Cover image courtesy of Race Images

On The Bubbles continued the all-conquering Te Akau’s stranglehold on the Doubletree By Hilton 2-year-old feature with its fifth consecutive victory to give further credence to its purchasing approach at new Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.

With bidding to open at the 2021 Sale on Sunday, the David Ellis-led operation will again attack the auction ring in high spirits following the celebration sparked by On The Bubbles’ performance at Ellerslie.

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For Head Trainer Jamie Richards it was his third Karaka Million victory in his own right having prepared last year’s winner Cool Aza Beel (NZ) (Savabeel) and 2019 heroine Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel).

When training in partnership with Stephen Autridge, he shared in the glory of 2018 winner Avantage (Fastnet Rock) and 12 months previously with Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands).

The odd one out in the Te Akau set is Cool Aza Beel, who claimed just one top-flight title in the Sistema S. before his recent purchase for stud duty by Newhaven Park.

Probabeel, Avantage and Melody Belle are all multiple Group 1 winners, and still counting, so On The Bubbles has a lot to live up to in the future, but his Ellerslie display provided ample evidence he is capable of rising to expectations.

Jamies Richards

Wide gate no issue

Richards had said during the week that he believed On The Bubbles was the stable’s best chance and wasn’t swayed when he drew the outside gate and rider Johnathan Parkes played his part with a gun ride.

“On The Bubbles is going to just need a bit of luck and we’ve won it from out there before so why can’t we do it again?” Richards said at the live barrier draw on Wednesday and how right he was.

“He was aided by a lovely ride and to find the one out and one back spot was a big effort so full credit to Johnathan and the horse. It’s been a really big team effort and I’m very proud.”

While On The Bubbles proved the dominant force at Ellerslie, he was ably supported by his stablemates with Sneaky Shark (Capitalist) finishing runner-up ahead of Avonallo (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) and Sophisticardo (NZ) (Bugundy {NZ}) was fourth.

Richards’ fifth representative Millefiori (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) was the only slight disappointment in finishing out of contention.

“They all ran very well and Sneaky Shark was great with the hood on after a disappointing run last week,” he said. “Lisa Allpress on Avonallo took the bull by the horns and led up and Sophisticardo kept up a strong gallop.

“They all ran very well and Sneaky Shark was great with the hood on after a disappointing run last week.” – Jamie Richards

“Millefiori probably just didn’t handle the back-up and she will be a lovely 3-year-old.”

On The Bubbles jumped well from his wide barrier and Parkes quickly decided to press ahead after being caught wide to sit one off the fence. He peeled out three wide before the home turn and his charge proved too good in the run to the wire.

“I was lucky enough to have the horse and the opportunity to ride him in such a big race when the money was up, he’s a super horse,” Parkes said.

“I was caught wide and was thinking whether to go back or forward and he’s such a big, rolling horse that I went forward and he did it quite easily. I pulled out before the turn and he proved too good for them.”

On The Bubbles completed a memorable day for breeder Burnewang North as the North Victorian operation also bred and sold the Richards-trained Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}), who won the G3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy earlier in the program.

Originally bought at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale by Ben Kwok and Bevan Smith Bloodstock for $60,000, On The Bubbles was re-offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Yearling Sale by Leanach Lodge and knocked down to Te Akau’s David Ellis for NZ$90,000.

He is a son of the Sebring mare More Bubbles who is a half-sister to the G1 Myer Classic winner Politeness (Street Sense {USA}) and also the family of the Group 2 winners Thackeray (At Talaq {USA}) and Parables (Lonhro).

On The Bubbles as a yearling

Star 3YOs fight out Classic finish in age group feature

Written by
3 min read
The R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic was billed as a two-horse race between Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) and so it proved with the former coming out on top to remain unbeaten.

Cover image courtesy of Race Images

Both outstanding 3-year-old prospects, it was Aegon who proved superior on the evening to make it four wins on the bounce but there was honour in defeat for filly Amarelinha who pushed her male rival all the way.

It was also a triumph for Waikato Stud who bred both horses and a great fillip for the powerhouse Matamata nursery on the eve of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale series at Karaka.

Aegon was a debut winner at Taupo during the winter and then reappeared to land the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas and followed up with success in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

Trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman faced a tight schedule to have the gelding ready for Ellerslie and their conditioning skills were evident as the race panned out in their favour.

“It took him two weeks to get over the trip to Christchurch and then the last two weeks he had out he really flourished,” Forsman said.

“His final gallop was really good and probably the best he has worked for some time. He was as ready as we could get him.”

“His final gallop was really good and probably the best he has worked for some time. He was as ready as we could get him.” – Andrew Forsman

Aegon settled midfield on the fence for regular jockey Leith Innes and he was able to weave a clear path in the straight to account for Amarelinha by 0.2l with Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) arriving late for third.

There was added drama early in the race when Waimoku Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) parted company with Ashvin Goindasamy, who was unhurt in the incident, but the riderless runner carted off Tannahill (Star Witness) on the home bend.

Andrew Forsman

Aegon is raced by Forsman with the Zame Partnership with the former making the Karaka purchase for NZ$150,000.

“He had a good way about him and moved well. He’s a neat, well put together horse,” he recalled.

Aegon is a son of the Zabeel (NZ) mare Toss Up (NZ), whose four foals to race have all been successful, and she is out of a half-sister to the G1 Ellerslie Sires’ Produce S. winner Good Faith (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}).

The family also includes Waikato Stud’s three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) and the G2 Sweet Embrace S. winner Believe Yourself (Sebring).

Earlier Group 1 success

Forsman and the Zame family also enjoyed previous Group 1 success with the Australian Derby winner Jon Snow (NZ), now standing at Clearview Park in Timaru.

“We were just so happy to be here, the Group 1 was amazing as well and we hitched ourselves to Andrew and Murray and the team and it’s been a great ride,” Bart Zame said.

While Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards didn’t quite get the final result with Amarelinha they wanted, it was nevertheless another top day for the operation.

They earlier won the R. Listed Karaka Million with On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) leading home a stable first four, the G3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy with Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) and the G3 Brighthill Farm Concorde H. with Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}).

Unique NZB Sale a tough one to forecast

Written by
5 min read
New Zealand Bloodstock Managing Director Andrew Seabrook will be in unfamiliar territory when bidding opens on Sunday at the National Yearling Sale, an auction that throws up plenty of questions and few answers.

For the first year since 1928, the year Phar Lap (NZ) (Night Raid {GB}) was sold, no international purchasers will be present at the Karaka complex, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“It’s a bit of an unknown, uncharted waters, but we’ve been encouraged in the last few weeks leading up to the Sale that the internationals are going to be active, we just don’t know how active they’re going to be,” Seabrook told TDN AusNZ.

“Sure, there will be some that won’t participate, but there will be other new ones come on board and of those that do buy, but we don’t really know what level they’ll be active at.

“So that’s a big unknown for us, but I think that on the flip side of that there seems to be a bit of confidence in the New Zealand market domestically.

“Things are going pretty well at the moment, the New Zealand economy is going well and hopefully the New Zealand spend will be up on previous years.

“It’s a good opportunity obviously for the Kiwis to get involved and while it is a bit of an unknown, I do think we’ve done everything we can to try and make it as successful as possible.”

Andrew Seabrook

Depth in stallion ranks

A total of 579 yearlings in Book 1 and another 338 in Book 2 will go through the Karaka ring with widespread stallion representation, including American Pharoah (USA), Belardo (Ire), Capitalist, Darci Brahma (NZ), Dundeel (NZ), Fastnet Rock, I Am Invincible, No Nay Never (USA), Ocean Park (NZ), Pierro, Savabeel, Zed (NZ), Snitzel, Tavistock (NZ), Written Tycoon and Zoustar.

The catalogue also features the progeny of an exciting group of first-season sires Almanzor (Fr), Caravaggio (Ire), Derryn, Hellbent, Merchant Navy, Mongolian Falcon, Pariah, Russian Revolution, Satono Aladdin (Jpn), Spieth (NZ), Time Test (GB), War Decree (USA) and What’s The Story (NZ).

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Gallery: A selection of the first-season sires represented at the 2021 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale

It is understandably nervous times for vendors, but Seabrook said they are doing their best to remain positive and providing as much information to potential buyers as they possibly can. Waikato Stud have taken this transparent approach to an even higher standard by announcing reserves publicly on the Kick Sales Platform.

“They’re cautious because obviously no one really knows how it’s going to go. But the vendors have been great, they’ve provided all the information to the buyers and it’s going to be the most transparent Sale that we’ve ever held in New Zealand.

“The buyers aren’t going to be left wondering what the horses are going to be like, all the information is there. Heights, weights, scoping, x-rays, the videos and the photos.

“The buyers aren’t going to be left wondering what the horses are going to be like, all the information is there.” – Andrew Seabrook

“It’s a very transparent Sale, the information out there on the internet is great, so buyers should have the confidence to be able to participate.

“Although they can’t get here, many of the overseas buyers have established relationships with the Kiwis, whether they’re agents or trainers or vendors here. Those relationships are very strong and those relationships are going to play a key part in the success of the Sale.

“We saw at the Ready to Run Sale that international buyers are willing to bid online and use that process and hopefully that will happen at this sale.”

While Seabrook acknowledges the international spend will be down, he also believes the Sale presents a great opportunity for local buyers to secure quality stock that might otherwise have been purchased to race overseas.

“There is a big opportunity for the Kiwis,” he said. “In the domestic industry here, there is light at the end of the tunnel and a few things are happening in the New Zealand industry that suggests that prizemoney is going to go up in the future.

“It’s a real opportunity for the Kiwis to secure the better-quality horses they may not have been able to do so in the past.”

“It’s a real opportunity for the Kiwis to secure the better-quality horses they may not have been able to do so in the past.” – Andrew Seabrook

For Seabrook, a good result at the conclusion of the Sale would be to have the average drop no less than 10 per cent and he remains hopeful of a good week of selling, despite significantly trying circumstances.

“I was asked the question ‘what would be a good result for you?’ It’s a really hard one to answer because we really do have no idea what’s going to happen,” he said.

“Australians spent NZ$34 million last year. Are they going to spend that much this year? Of course not. Is the extra Kiwi spend going to make up for that? Probably not.

“I would have thought if we could be around 10 per cent down on average, that would be a pretty good result.

“I think to suggest that we could average the same as last year would be very difficult to achieve so I’d be happy if we could be up 10 per cent average down.”

New Zealand Bloodstock auditorium

Levante produces another sizzling performance

2 min read

Cover image courtesy of Race Images

Written by Paul Vettise

High-quality mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) continues to take jockey Samantha Collett’s breath away and did so again with another stunning last-to-first performance in the G2 Westbury Classic at Ellerslie.

The 4-year-old Levante was sent out a short-priced favourite and her army of supporters would have had concerns at the top of the straight when she still had every runner in front of her.

But a typically cool Collett angled wide and the mare went through her gears to sail past the field to take her record to six victories and two placings from her eight career appearances.

“She is what jockeys dreams are made of and you don’t appreciate how fast she is,” she said. “I’m just so rapt to be part of it.”

Levante’s thundering finish took her 2l clear of Our Alley Cat (NZ) (Atlante) at the post with Famila (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) taking third from Star Of Bombay (NZ) (Atlante).

Extra trip ideal

She had finished a previous third in the G1 Railway and trainers Ken and Bev Kelso opted to bypass the G3 Concorde H. over 1200 metres in favour of the 1400 metres of the Westbury Classic. It proved a winning move, although there was one post-race regret.

“It’s a shame Bev couldn’t be here as she’s unwell. The mare makes it hard for herself with her pattern of racing,” Ken Kelso said.

“I said a while ago that she’s the best we’ve had, she is very special.”

“I said a while ago that she’s the best we’ve had, she is very special.” - Ken Kelso

Levante is a half-sister to five winners and her Ellerslie performance provided Grangewilliam Stud with a boost ahead of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale at Karaka.

It will offer the daughter of Miss Isle (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}), a half-sister to Levante, by first-season sire Derryn as Lot 894 during the Book 2 session next week.

They are out of Island Doy (GB) (Doyoun {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the G3 Courier-Mail Classic winner Cryptavia (NZ) (Gold Brose). There is also a strong international element to this family, which includes the G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner and sire Bering (GB).

Newgate stallions fit for Freedman stables

4 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Paul Vettise

Richard and Michael Freedman are fans of Extreme Choice and with good reason after maintaining their 100 per cent record with juvenile sons of the Newgate stallion, while Anthony and Sam Freedman enjoyed success with a brilliant display from Artorius, a son of Flying Artie.

Richard and Michael produced Tiger Of Malay to make a successful first appearance in the Kirkham Plate at Rosehill in the spring and at Randwick on Saturday stablemate Stay Inside raced to a clear-cut victory in The Paul Hoffman H.

“I wish they were making a few more of them. We’ve had two 2-year-olds to the races this season and both winners by Extreme Choice,” Michael Freedman said.

“We’ve always had a decent opinion of him. He’s just one of those 2-year-olds that the longer he’s been in work the better he’s gone.

“He’s in at the right time of the year so if he comes through this okay we’ll maybe aim a bit higher with him.”

Sam Clipperton and Michael Freedman

Extreme Choice’s associate sire Flying Artie also made an impact at Sandown where his son Artorius posted a runaway success for Anthony and Sam Freedman in the Ladbrokes Switch H.

Stay Inside jumped well for rider Robbie Dolan to take a handy sit and when he was asked to lengthen stride in the straight he did so in style, hitting the front 300 metres from home and surged clear to score by 2.8l from Headliner (Star Turn) and Ashema (I Am Invincible).

“It was a good debut and he certainly learned a lot from his first two trials. He was quite wayward in both of them and he still had a bit of a look around, but he quickened up and hit the line well,” Freedman said.

“It was a good debut and he certainly learned a lot from his first two trials.” - Michael Freedman

“I said to a few of the owners that I would have preferred today to be 1100 metres, but it didn’t obviously matter in the end.

“Robbie found a good spot and gave him a good ride. I liked the way he quickened at the end and he’s got a good future.”

Stay Inside was bred by Kingstar Farm, who sold the colt at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale for $60,000 with the ticket signed by Newgate.

He was reoffered at the Magic Millions Gold Coast as a yearling and purchased by the Freedman Brothers and Rick Connolly Bloodstock for $200,000.

Stay Inside is out of Nothin Leica Storm (Anabaa {USA}), a half-sister to the dam of the G1 Caulfield Guineas winner and sire Wonderful World.

Second-up romp

Artorius finished runner-up on debut at Geelong earlier this month and he showed the benefit of that experience when coasting home in the hands of Mark Zahra.

He was given time to settle and once asked for a serious effort he powered home to have a widening 4.5l on El Rocco (Fastnet Rock) at the finish with Picarones (Shooting To Win) third.

“He took the necessary steps from his first-up run when he was very raw and didn’t really know what he was doing,” Sam Freedman said. “Dad and I have been away at the Gold Coast so the staff have done a great job.

“He showed a very good turn of foot today. We’ll just have to work things out now and whether it’s the G1 Blue Diamond S., that’s 1200 metres and he may want 1400 metres.”

Anthony Freedman Racing and Blue Sky Bloodstock bought Artorius at the Gold Coast for $120,000 out of the draft of Vinery Stud. He is a son of the unraced Gracie’s Lass (Redoute’s Choice), a half-sister to the G1 Darley Sprint Classic winner Delectation (Shamardal {USA}).

Artorius

Sprinter streets rivals to boost Futurity claims

3 min read

Written by Paul Vettise

Trainer Shane Nichols will fast track his stable star Streets Of Avalon (Magnus) back to Group 1 company after the durable sprinter return to top form in the G2 Australia S. at Moonee Valley.

Nichols produced the sprinter in forward condition for Friday evening’s feature sprint, and while it was far from a stellar edition of the race, it served to show the 6-year-old is the right order for the G1 Futurity S. next month.

“We’ll go and defend the Futurity and I don’t think he’ll run again before that," said Nichols.

“We’ll go and defend the Futurity and I don’t think he’ll run again before that.” – Shane Nichols

Streets Of Avalon turned in a career-best performance to beat the now Waikato Stud resident Super Seth and the high-class Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) at Caulfield last February.

Nichols said the gelding had been a slow-burner and continued to amaze him.

“He took a while to win his maiden and at three he struggled. The unique thing about him is that he’s improved from three to four and from four to five so who knows, maybe he’s improved from five to six,” he said. “That doesn’t often happen, but that’s the unique ability of this horse.”

Zac Spain and Shane Nichols

Spring forgotten

Streets Of Avalon didn’t come up as well as expected in the spring, but put that behind him when he was quickly into stride on Friday evening to settle in second spot.

When rider Zac Spain took him to the front at the top of the straight the race was over with favourite Viridine (Poet’s Voice {GB}) 1.75l in arrears at the post and pacemaker Tavisan (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was third.

“I thought he would be hard to beat after he landed in the perfect spot. The tempo was pretty good and once I saw Viridine come off the bridle I thought just enjoy the moment because it doesn’t happen that often,” Nichols said.

Spain on a high

Spain has been aboard Streets Of Avalon in all starts this preparation and celebrated the biggest win of his career to date in the Australia S.

“Credit goes to Shane and the ownership group, they’ve been extremely loyal to me,” he said. “People may have had doubts about him after his spring campaign, but he’s come back terrific," said Spain

“Credit goes to Shane and the ownership group, they’ve been extremely loyal to me. People may have had doubts about him after his spring campaign, but he’s come back terrific. - Zac Spain

“Tavisan jumped a bit better than me so I just wanted to make sure he had to work to cross me and then wanted to put the pressure on early.

“I know how tough he (Streets Of Avalon) is and once he balanced up I knew something would have to be pretty good to come off his back and beat him.

“To win a Group 2 is a massive thrill and racing is all about opportunities. When you get them you just grab them with both hands and try and get the job done.”

Pedigree Boosters - New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale

2 min read

In the build up to New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, we have picked out three yearlings who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

Today, we zero in on fillies by Press Statement and Sweynesse, whose overseas family members have done them proud, and a daughter of Sacred Falls (NZ), whose relative Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) is a rising 3-year-old star.

Lot 6 – Press Statement x Oneworld Onedream (Galileo {Ire}) – On Account of Curraghmore

View pedigree

Family member Southern Legend (Not A Single Doubt) has been doing his bit in Hong Kong to boost this filly’s profile with his runner-up finish in the G1 Hong Kong Mile and third placing in the G2 Jockey Club Mile.

The Curraghmore youngster’s dam was a winner and another headline act in her pedigree is Charge Forward, a son of the G1 Allan Robertson Fillies’ Futurity winner Sydney’s Dream (Bletchingly). He was successful in the G1 The Galaxy H. and second in the G1 Golden Slipper S. before embarking on a successful stallion career.

Lot 6 - Press Statement x Oneworld Onedream (filly)

Lot 36 – Sweynesse x Pink Bubbles (Pins) – On Account of Phoenix Park

View pedigree

Phoenix’s daughter of Sweynesse hails from a potent female family that features the multiple Group 1 winner and producer Darci Brahma (NZ), his ill-fated Group 3-winning half-brother Burgundy (NZ) and the former champion mare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}).

This filly has also received a lift from Japan where family member Soliste Thunder (Jpn) (Toby’s Corner {USA}) has been a winner since the catalogue went to print and finished second in the G3 Masashino S. Closer to home, Maison Roxanne (NZ) (Snitzel) posted consecutive victories over the holiday period.

Lot 36 - Sweynesse x Pink Bubbles (NZ) (filly)

Lot 302 – Sacred Falls (NZ) x Caramellos (NZ) (Pins) – On Account of Koru Thoroughbreds

View pedigree

This filly has received significant updates through the emergence of Te Akau 3-year-old Brando (NZ), winner of the Listed Uncle Remus S. and runner-up in the G1 Levin Classic ahead of an Australian campaign.

The dam Caramellos is a sister to the G2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders S. winner Viennetta (NZ) (Pins), who produced the G3 McNeil S. winner Golden Archer (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), and half-sister to the G3 Lion Red Plate winner Butterscotch (NZ) (Gold Brose) with Mackintosh (NZ) (Pins), successful in the G2 Theo Marks S., also on the page.

Lot 302 - Sacred Falls (NZ) x Caramellos (NZ) (filly)

Black type results: Ellerslie, Gore & Randwick

7 min read

Ellerslie, R. Listed Doubletree By Hilton Karaka Million 2YO, NZ$1,000,000, 1200m

Race summary

On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) was Jamie Richards’ pre-race pick of his five runners and the Te Akau Head Trainer’s judgment was right on the money.

The gelding was caught wide early from the outside gate before rider Johnathan Parkes pressed forward into fourth spot and he peeled out three wide near the turn.

On The Bubbles assumed control soon after and had no trouble holding the challenges of his stablemates Sneaky Shark (Capitalist), Avonalla (NZ) (Belardo {Ire}) and Sophisticardo (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) at bay.

Pedigree notes

On The Bubbles was originally bought at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale by Ben Kwok and Bevan Smith Bloodstock for $60,000 and then re-offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Yearling Sale by Leanach Lodge and bought by Te Akau’s David Ellis for NZ$90,000.

He is a son of the Sebring mare More Bubbles who is a half-sister to the G1 Myer Classic winner Politeness (Street Sense {USA}) and also the family of the Group 2 winners Thackeray (At Talaq {USA}) and Parables (Lonhro).

On The Bubbles’ sire Brazen Beau has produced 10 individual black-type winners led by the dual Group 2 winner Pretty Brazen.

Ellerslie, R. Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic, NZ$1,000,000, 1600m

Race summary

This race was billed as a two-horse war between Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and the filly Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) and so it proved with the former prevailing.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Aegon hadn’t raced since he won the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas in November, but paraded a treat and raced accordingly.

He settled in the body of the field under Leith Innes and unwound powerfully to get the better of Amarelinha with Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) producing an eye-catching finish for third.

Pedigree notes

Aegon is raced by Forsman with the Zame Partnership after the former went to NZ$150,000 to secure him out of Waikato Stud’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft.

He is a out of the Zabeel (NZ) mare Toss Up (NZ), whose four foals to race have all been successful, and she is out of a half-sister to the G1 Ellerslie Sires’ Produce S. winner Good Faith (NZ) (Straight Strike {USA}).

The pedigree also features Waikato Stud’s three-time Group 1 winner Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}) and the G2 Sweet Embrace S. winner Believe Yourself (Sebring). Aegon is the best-performed runner to date for his late sire Sacred Falls (NZ).

Ellerslie, G2 Westbury Classic, NZ$100,000, 1400m

Race summary

Levante (NZ) (Proisir) was a touch tardily away, as is her custom, and she settled at the back of the field and still had every runner in front of her at the top of the straight.

However, rider Sam Collett angled her widest on the turn the mare cut loose and mowed down her rivals for an impressive victory.

The longshot Our Alley Cat (NZ) (Atlante) looked set to provide a major boil-over when she sprinted clear halfway down the straight, but had no answer to the winner’s paralysing finish and Familia (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) was a sound third.

Pedigree notes

Levante is now the best-performed representative of Rich Hill Stud stallion Proisir, who has previously sired Group 3 winners Riodini (NZ), Aimee’s Jewel (NZ) and Vitesse Bro (NZ).

She is a half-sister to five winners, including stakes performer Miss Isle (NZ) (Bachelor Duke {USA}), whose Derryn filly will be sold by Grangewilliam Stud as Lot 894 during Book 2 at Karaka next week.

They are out of Island Doy (GB) (Doyoun {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the G3 Courier-Mail Classic winner Cryptavia (NZ) (Gold Brose). There is also a strong international element to this family, which includes the G1 Prix du Jockey Club winner and sire Bering (GB).

Ellerslie, G3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy, NZ$70,000, 1200m

Race summary

A mile found Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) out when sixth in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas and back to a sprint trip he was in his element.

Despite having to lump 60.5kg, he let down strongly from sixth spot near the turn to win for the fifth time in his seven-start career.

Explosively (NZ) (Sweynesse), who was in receipt of 3kg, came home well from the back to cut the frontrunner Babylon Berlin (All Too Hard) out of second money.

Pedigree notes

Need I Say More was bred and sold by Burnewang North at the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale for $65,000 to Kilgravin Lodge.

Eion Kemp’s operation then offered him at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale where David Ellis secured him for NZ$130,000. He is out of Bo Bardi (Fastnet Rock), a mare from an international family that features the G1 Del Mark Oaks winner Rutherienne (USA) (Pulpit {USA}).

Need I Say More is the best-performed Southern Hemisphere son of No Nay Never following an earlier success in the G2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial.

Ellerslie, G3 Brighthill Farm Concorde H., NZ$70,000, 1200m

Race summary

Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was set the stiffest task off the back of three previous wins from four appearances and she rose to the task in style.

The mare was given a cosy run in the trail by Danielle Johnson and they were in the clear 250 metres from home and quickly put her rivals to the sword.

They sailed clear to score by 1.3l from Justacanta (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Pretty To Sea (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) boxed on strongly to take third money.

Pedigree notes

Bred by respected trainer Kevin Gray and his wife Kathleen, Entriviere is a sister to multiple winner Granite Ridge (NZ) and a half-sister to Satin Belt (NZ) (Power {GB}), successful three times and a black-type placegetter.

The dam Marcey’s Belt (NZ) (Golan {Ire}) is a half-sister to the R. Listed Karaka Million winner Xiong Feng (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) and the G2 Light Fingers S. winner Adrift (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}).

They are out of the unraced Stray (NZ) (Tale Of The Cat {USA}) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Cox Plate winner Maldivian (NZ) (Zabeel).

Gore, Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas, NZ$50,000, 1335m

Race summary

Showemhowitsdone (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) was wayward in the straight, but she still managed to get her nose down at the right time to earn black-type honours.

The Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained filly came with a strong run from back in the field and, despite veering out under pressure, landed the 3-year-old feature from the well-supported The Gift (NZ) (Power {GB}).

The favourite Chokito (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) rolled along in front and was run down close to home to finish third with the northern visitor Grand Gesture (NZ) (El roca) rushing home for fourth.

Pedigree notes

Showcasing (GB) has now produced 25 individual stakes winners with the Group 2 winners Showoroses (NZ) among the best Southern Hemisphere performers he sired during his shuttle runs days to Haunui Farm.

Showemhowitsdone is the only runners to date for Jaffari (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}), who is out of a half-sister to the G1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S. winner Captivate (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}).

The G1 Otaki Maori WFA S. winner Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim {USA}), who was also runner-up in the G1 Coolmore Classic, is another feature name in the pedigree.

Randwick, Listed Fujitsu General Carrington S., $150,000, 1400m

Race summary

Bandersnatch (Casino Prince) continued his top run of form this preparation with the second win of his campaign.

The Team Hawkes-trained 4-year-old coasted along in third place on the fence and rider Tommy Berry had him out into the clear in planet of time.

They strode to the front 200 metres from home and defied the game Quackerjack (Not A Single Doubt) and Thy Kingdom Come (Lope De Vega {Ire}) made steady ground for third.

Pedigree notes

Bandersnatch has proved to be a good money-spinner as he was originally bought by his former trainer Gerald Ryan for $42,000 out of Amarina Farm’s Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

He is a son of the unraced Falbrav {Ire}) mare Divine Faith and she is a half-sister to Arrowsweep (End Sweep {USA}), who won five races and was stakes-placed.

Their dam is a half-sister to the G3 Royal Ascot Jersey S. winner Merlin’s Charm (USA) (Bold Bidder {USA}) and Bandersnatch has become the 20th individual black-type winner for Vinery Stud’s Casino Prince.

Daily News Wrap

5 min read

Group 1 test ahead

Need I Say More (No Nay Never {USA}) will take on the older horses, including his top-class stablemate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in next month’s G1 BCD Sprint.

The 3-year-old confirmed his path to Te Rapa when he successfully carried 60.5kg in the G3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy at Ellerslie. It was his first start since he failed to run out 1600 metres when sixth in the G1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas.

“He did it the hard way and it was fortunate today that one came around to give him some cover,” trainer Jamie Richards said. “It was a good effort with the weight.”

Need I Say More | Image courtesy of Race Images

Bandersnatch too good

Genuine 4-year-old Bandersnatch (Casino Prince) was given a sweet trip by Tommy Berry in the Listed Carrington S. at Randwick and he was good enough to take advantage.

He settled in the trail and was into clear air 250 metres from home to assert his superiority in the Fujitsu General-sponsored feature.

“The Hawkes team have had this race in mind for him for a while and with over the 1400 metres with the winkers on he was way too strong,” jockey Tommy Berry said.

Bandersnatch | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Black type for mare

Entriviere (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) coped admirably with a stiff rise in class to land the G3 Brighthill Farm Concorde H. at her fifth appearance.

“She got the soft run from the good gate and wasted no petrol,” trainer Jamie Richards said. “This was her biggest test and she duly obliged.

“She is a very exciting mare. She’s by Tavistock but she has speed to burn. She might be bound for the top drawer.”

Entriviere was out of the trail halfway down the straight and the 4-year-old sprinted clear to beat Justacanta (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) by 1.3l.

Entriviere (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images

Explosive performance

Promising colt Rocketing By (So You Think {NZ}) lives up to his name at Randwick where he powered through a gap late in the piece to post his third victory.

The 3-year-old enjoyed a good run in the Bowermans Commercial Furniture H., but rider Hugh Bowman had to bide his time in the straight before he could make his move.

“He had to wait for the gap and when it came he was through for a good win. We’re trying to get him to the Inglis 3-year-old race so we had to get his prizemoney up,” trainer David Pfieffer said.

Kiwi strikes again

Second Slip (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) kept his unbeaten Australian record intact with further success at Sandown.

The 4-year-old has been twice successful in New Zealand from Kevin Gray’s stable before joining Will Clarken’s Morphettville yard and won at Murray Bridge prior to landing Saturday’s Ladbrokes Back Yourself H.

“Will was pretty keen on his chances. He’s very big and raw and probably better ridden further back, but there’s a lot of upside to him,” rider Jamie Kah said.

Second Slip (NZ)

Three straight beckons

Unbeaten filly Miss Charlie Brown (Myboycharlie {Ire}) has a golden opportunity to earn blacktype early in her career when she runs in the Listed Tasmanian Bloodstock Elwick S. at Hobart on Sunday.

She has won both of her starts at Launceston with ease and from an inside gate the Adam Trinder-trained 2-year-old should go close to maintaining her perfect record.

Turk Warrior (Outreach) and Gee Als Price (Wordsmith) both won their debuts well enough to warrant further support and Lacerate (Charge Forward) chased home the latter at his first start so he’ll be all the better as well for the outing.

Geegee Lucky Jess (Wordsmith) has played second fiddle to Miss Charlie Brown in her last two appearances and would need to improve significantly to be more than a place prospect.

Glenfiddich side-lined

Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock) has been ruled out of the autumn carnival after suffering a career-threatening leg injury.

Connections of the Peter Moody-trained colt are weighing up whether to retire the 3-year-old or put a rehabilitation program in place in the hope he returns to racing.

Glenfiddich was runner-up in the G1 Champagne S. as a 2-year-old and won the G2 Stutt S. before suffering a throat issue.

Glenfiddich

Catalogue released

The catalogue for Arqana's February Mixed Sale, which comprises of 375 horses and takes place on February 15 and 16 has been released.

Among those expected to draw attention are the fillies out of training, G3 Long Island S. winner Lady Paname (Fr) (Soldier Of Fortune {Ire}) (Lot 160), G3 Prix Vanteaux third Lady Te (Ger) (Tertullian {USA}) (Lot 253), and the G3 Prix Imprudence third Jet Setteuse (Fr) (Makfi {GB}) (Lot 315).

Highlights among the broodmares includes the Listed-winning Oh Beautiful (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) (Lot 148) from the family of Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and her Group 1-winning daughters Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in foal to Shalaa (Ire).

Click here to view the 2021 Arqana February Mixed Sale Catalogue

Vale Slickly

World champion miler and leading French sire Slickly (Fr) has died aged 25 at Haras du Logis. The grey had been pensioned from stud duties in 2019, having stood at stud at Logis since he retired to stud in 2003.

“Slickly has been a wonderful horse to have at Logis, and had a very loyal following among French breeders. He was quite white in his old age, with plenty of lumps and bumps, but he was always happy to see a friendly face, and it was a sad day when we finally had to let him go,” said Julian Ince, who managed Slickly's stud career.

Slickly's multiple Group 1 winners are headed by his four-time Group 1 winner Meandre (Fr), who like his sire won the Grand Prix de Paris.

Looking Ahead - January 24

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 are in the camp of an in-form 3-year-old at Wyong where we also fancy the chances of a debutante from a strong international family. At Geelong, we like the chances of a grandson of the former crack mare Alinghi (Encosta De Lago).

Wyong, Race 2, 1.50pm AEDT, Great Northern On Tap H., $35,000, 1100m

Breeder Macquarrie Stud offered Hurt Money (I Am Invincible) at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale and E & E Bloodstock signed the ticket for $300,000. The colt is a half-brother to a pair of multiple winners with their dam the Redoute’s Choice mare Zingaling, successful in the G3 Birthday Card S. and the Listed PJ Bell H.

She is a half-sister to the G3 Naturalism S. winner Rainbow Styling (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the family of the G1 Railway S. winner Miss Inspirational (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}). The lightly-tried Hurt Money has been in good form this preparation for Peter and Paul Snowden and against a modest line-up he will get few better opportunities to put his second win on the board.

Hurt Money as a yearling

Wyong, Race 3, 2.25pm AEDT, Jim Beam Mdn., $35,000, 1350m

In typical Chris Waller fashion, Lucilight (All Too Hard) hasn’t been asked for too much in either of her two lead-up trials and finished fourth in her most recent outing at Rosehill. The filly has drawn in close (barrier 2) for rider Chad Lever and in not an overly-strong maiden she should be ready to give a bold account.

Bred by Chegwidden Consulting & Bloodstock, Lucilight was offered by Middlebrook Valley Lodge at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale and purchased by Anton Koolman Bloodstock for $140,000. She is a half-sister to the three-time winner and G3 Up And Coming S. placegetter Lucicello (I Am Invincible) and they are out of Lucciola (Ire) (Verglas {Ire}), who was successful 11 times and stakes-placed. She is a half-sister to the G3 Musidora S. winner Liber Nauticus (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}) and a family that includes the four-time Group 1 winner and sire Conduit (Ire) and the G1 Mackinnon S. winner and sire Glass Harmonium (Ire).

Lucilight as a yearling

Geelong, Race 1, 1.20pm AEDT, bet365 Odds Drift Protector Mdn, $35,000, 1200m

Dundeel Star (Dundeel {NZ}) had trialled well before making her debut at Donald last season where she went an even race for sixth and was then turned out. She has a strong pedigree to back her claims and looks one worth taking a first-up chance on with Luke Currie to partner the 3-year-old.

The filly was bought at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale by trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for $300,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, co-breeder with Planette Thoroughbred. She is a daughter of the winning Redoute’s Choice mare Defender and she is out of the former champion filly and four-time Group 1 winner Alinghi (Encosta De Lago). The pedigree page also features the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner and sire Beneteau, also third in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

Dundeel Star as a yearling

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results

Royal Randwick (Metropolitan)

Kembla Grange (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

VIC Race Results

Ladbrokes Park Hillside - Sandown (Metropolitan)

bet365 Yarra Valley (Country)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

QLD Race Results

Doomben (Metropolitan)

Ipswich (Provincial)

Rockhampton (Provincial)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

WA Race Results

Ascot (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

SA Race Results

Gawler (Metropolitan)

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

NZ Race Results

Ellerslie

Gore

Trentham

Race result inclusion criteria: all city and provincial races, + country maiden, 3YO & feature races ($15,000+)

AUS First Season Sire' Premiership

AUS First Season Sires' Premiership

NZ Sire Premiership

NZ Broodmare Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

1 min read

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