High-class sprinter brings his A-game to land Lightning

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

Nature Strip (Nicconi) is a mercurial character and he was in the right mood at Flemington to show off his sparkling sprinting talent to lead home a Chris Waller-trained quinella in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning.

Blessed with abundant ability, Nature Strip can be an enigma at times but at his best he is an outstanding short course performer and he proved that on Saturday with a superb first-up display to defeat a field with 11 Group 1 victories between them.

The 6-year-old was given a sweet ride by the in-form Jamie Kah and added a fifth top-flight title to his record at the expense of his stablemate September Run (Exceed And Excel), who displayed the enthusiasm of youth to get within 0.5l at the post.

Kah's fourth Group 1

For rider Kah, it was the fourth Group 1 success of her career and is now only one behind leading female jockey Michelle Payne.

“He was just unbelievable, what a horse. I just let him do whatever he wanted to do and he was beautiful early. Pippie set a nice tempo and he relaxed and dropped the bit,” she said.

“He was just unbelievable, what a horse. I just let him do whatever he wanted to do and he was beautiful early.” – Jamie Kah

“It set up beautifully for him and he wanted to drift and roll in a bit late, but I didn’t dare let him. He was just amazing and credit to Chris Waller and his team.

“It’s hard to get a horse like him fit because in his trials and his work he just does it all so effortlessly. I’m a bit emotional – it was amazing.

“To get on a horse of this calibre is remarkable and to get the job done is amazing. He was in a great mood and I think he is getting better with age.

“Chris has found the key to him and given him that extra trial and he had to be rock-hard fit because he runs at such a high cruising speed.”

The grey Western Australian mare Fabergino (Maschino) finished a gallant fourth ahead of Bivouac (Exceed And Excel), who looked to have every chance and Pippie weakened to sixth.

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Belle misfires, but Richards still bags another Group 1

Written by

Paul Vettise

4 min read

Jamie Richards’ stellar season galloped relentlessly on at Te Rapa where his top-quality mare Avantage (Fastnet Rock) expectedly added another Group 1 title to her already outstanding CV.

Te Akau Head Trainer Richards has eight elite level victories in 2020/21 to his credit and will defy the old adage that there are no certainties in racing with the National Trainers’ Premiership already in the bag.

He currently sits on 109 winners, more than double that of the closest challenge of Stephen Marsh, and 24 domestic black-type victories in his commanding tally.

Royal performance

While the rub of the green went against Melody Belle in the Herbie Dyke, the stars aligned for Royal Performer (GB) (Medicean {GB}) to give former top jockey and co-trainer Bob Vance, who trains with wife Jenny, his first Group 1 success.

“I just can’t believe it, I knew he was a good horse and he had the perfect run. Jenny has trained a couple so it’s fantastic for me to get one as a trainer,” he said.

“I didn’t win this race as a jockey and it’s great to win it as a trainer.”

Royal Performer was a winner in England and in Hong Kong before he made his way to New Zealand where he has added a further four victories to his record.

“I ride him and he’s such a lovely horse. He’s been in good form and he’s got a good turn of foot and showed it today,” Vance said.

Royal Performer sat in behind the pace on the fence and he rounded off strongly in the run home to account for The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel), who heads to Australia next week, and On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}).

“Gate one always helps and we were able to lob up there and he put them away quickly,” winning rider, Jonathan Riddell, said.

Avantage, Jamie Richards, BCD Group Sprint, Melody Belle

History book reads well for Tagaloa’s tilt at Australian Guineas

Written by

Paul Vettise

3 min read

The record book is on the side of Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) going close to completing a major age group double following his success in the G3 CS Hayes S.

The CS Hayes S. at Flemington has in recent times proved to be a reliable guide to the outcome of the G1 Australian Guineas when the 3-year-olds return to Melbourne headquarters.

The double has been completed four times in the last six years by Alligator Blood (All Too Hard), the now Yulong-based Grunt (NZ), Hey Doc (Duporth) and current Newgate resident Wandjina.

So the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Tagaloa has history very much in his favour to add the Australian Guineas to his record and further lift his stallion profile for his future career at stud at Yulong.

The Victorian operation bought into Tagaloa following his win in last season’s G1 Blue Diamond S. and had subsequently been dogged by wide barriers and the Busuttin/Young team showed what he was capable of.

“Tag is back and what a relief, it’s fantastic. He dominated that race and in a few weeks will meet a lot of them at set weights,” Young said.

“Tag is back and what a relief, it’s fantastic. He dominated that race and in a few weeks will meet a lot of them at set weights.” - Natalie Young

She was referring to the conditions of the Australian Guineas after Tagaloa had to give weight to all of his rivals on Saturday and has the class and pace to make use of his inside gate.

The colt jumped away smartly to race in the trail and was off the fence before the turn and relished the wide open spaces of Flemington to stride to the front and never looked like being reeled in over the closing 350 metres.

“It’s great he’s held his value for Yulong with a Group 3 win and we’re looking forward to getting him to the Australian Guineas,” Young said.

Tagaloa has yet to be tested beyond 1400 metres, but winning rider Luke Currie doesn’t see him being troubled by a step up in trip.

“He was strong through the line and I don’t think a mile will be a problem,” he said.

“He was strong through the line and I don’t think a mile will be a problem.” – Luke Currie

Tagaloa had finished third in the G3 Manfred S. in his first appearance since the spring and showed obvious improvement on Saturday with that run under his belt.

“We know he’s got a motor, but he hasn’t showed it for a little bit – he definitely did that today,” Currie said. "He has been drawing horrible gates and today I followed the leader and popped off to take over at the top of the straight and he was really good.”

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The genuine Aysar (Deep Field), runner-up in the G1 Caulfield Guineas last preparation, finished runner-up after having every chance and the resuming Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) turned in an eye-catching effort for third.

Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), also a fresh runner, made ground well for fourth while, the Jamie Richards-trained Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) was caught wide in the running and drifted out to tail the field home.

Bred by Arrowfield Stud, Tagaloa was purchased for $300,000 by Busuttin Racing at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. He is a son of Vasilissa (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}), a half-sister to the stakes winner Tricolore Bleu (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}).

They are out of Penkenna Princess (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), who won the G3 Fred Darling S. and was runner-up in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas.

Tagaloa, Trent Busuttin, Natalie Young, CS Hayes S.

Quality juveniles set to make mark in top company

3 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Paul Vettise

Smart 2-year-olds Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}) and Stay Inside (Extreme Choice) look set to challenge for higher honours after posting stylish wins at Flemington and Randwick respectively.

Godolphin’s Ingratiating collected the second Listed victory of his career with a dominant performance in the Talindert S. at Flemington while the Richard and Michael Freedman-trained Stay Inside romped to success in the Silverdale Farm Pierro Plate.

James Cummings’ Ingratiating won the Listed Maribyrnong Trial S. on debut in the spring and finished runner-up in the G3 Maribyrnong Plate before a break.

Ingratiating was again second in the G3 Chairman’s S. behind the highly-regarded Enthaar (Writtenn Tycoon) and a rivalry that be renewed in the G1 Blue Diamond S.

“We’ll see how he pulls up and James will make that decision during the week,” Godolphin representative Sean Keogh said. “He’s a professional 2-year-old and was one of our most precocious in the spring.”

“He’s (Ingratiating) a professional 2-year-old and was one of our most precocious in the spring.” – Sean Keogh

Ingratiating sat close to the pace and moved into contention 400 metres from home and stayed on strongly to beat the Peter moody-trained pair of Gimmie Par (Not A Single Doubt), a half-sister to last year’s winner Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon), and Birdsville (Sooboog).

“It was a very good win. We put the blinkers on and he obliged nicely after he got to the front a fair way from home,” Keogh said.

Regular rider Damien Oliver agreed the addition of the headgear had provided the desired effect.

“I’ve always had a good opinion of him and always thought he might need blinkers,” he said. “We put them on during the week and he really improved.

“The concern was the 59kg, but he did a good job and was too good.”

Slipper shortener

A debut winner on the course last month, Stay Inside’s performance to remain unbeaten saw his G1 Golden Slipper S. odds cut from $21 to $15.

“He’s exciting, it was a pretty handy win. I was surprised first time out and more confident today,” Michael Freedman said.

“He did everything right to keep the dream alive, he had to win, and win well as he’s going to be going to another level in three weeks’ time.”

He was given a perfect run in the trail and the colt exploded clear to score by 4l from Godolphin’s Vianello (Teofilo {Ire}) with winning jockey James McDonald barely moving a muscle.

“He was the ultimate professional. He’s close to the top and I love his attitude and he’s going to the Slipper and will be hard to beat.”

Stay Inside was bred and sold by Kingstar Farm to Newgate for $60,000 at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale and subsequently purchased by the Freedman brothers and Rick Connolly Bloodstock for $200,000 as a yearling at the Gold Coast.

Ingratiating

Stay Inside

Colette returns with impressive display

3 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Paul Vettise

Colette (Hallowed Crown) emphasised her versatility with a hollow first-up victory in the G2 Apollo S. on a wet Randwick track against a competitive lineup of top-level performers.

The James Cummings-trained Colette made impressive progress last autumn to post a maiden victory at Kembla Grange and three runs later claimed the G3 Adrian Knox S. and then won the G1 Australian Oaks.

She returned to win the Golden Eagle over 1600 metres in the spring and off the back of a lead-up trial proved too sharp in Saturday’s Yulong Apollo S. on a soft track, but she’s no one-trick pony as the mare has also proved effective on top of the ground.

Ridden by the very much in-form Rachel King, who has struck up a successful partnership with Godolphin, Colette defied her double figure odds with a towering display.

King said the diminutive mare, who has the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. and the G1 Sydney Cup on her radar, revelled in her work and produced a performance that augured well for her autumn campaign.

“She doesn’t think she’s a little horse and she thinks that she’s bigger and tougher than them and has got that huge heart. It was pretty comfortable and she travelled well on that track.

“She doesn’t think she’s a little horse and she thinks that she’s bigger and tougher than them and has got that huge heart." - Rachel King

“When she got to the top of the rise I knew I had plenty of horse underneath me. To do that without the blinkers on was great and she beat a really good field and she’s got an amazing will to win.”

The 4-year-old settled in behind the front-runner Prince Fawaz (Fastnet Rock) and peeled out to stride to the front 200 metres from home and put the issue beyond doubt.

International pedigree

Colette is a half-sister to the Listed Chairman’s S. winner Metastasio (Street Cry {Ire}) and they are out of the unraced Libretto (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}).

She is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Wareed (Ire) and G2 Woodbine EP Taylor S. winner Truly A Dream (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and the family of the G1 Irish Oaks winner Moonstone (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Rachel King pats Colette after winning the G2 Apollo S. | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Kolding (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}), also a former Golden Eagle winner, had finished second when resuming in the G2 Expressway S. behind Savatiano (Street Cry {Ire}) and again had to play second fiddle to a Godolphin representative.

His star stablemate Verry Elleegant {NZ) (Zed {NZ}) turned in an top effort for third, making ground relentlessly after being tardy away from the gates.

Another Chris Waller-trained runner Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}) was fourth ahead of Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {Ire}), who was doing his best work late.

Every Rose blooms in Light Fingers for Newnham

2 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Written by Jackson Frantz

Every Rose (Choisir) has accounted for a field of classy fillies in a tough, on-paced resuming performance in the G2 Light Fingers S. at Randwick.

The Mark Newnham-trained 3-year-old was set a task after drawing the outside barrier 14, but was quickly taken to the front by Joshua Parr. From there, Parr was able to dictate the tempo and rated his mount perfectly.

The resuming Never Talk (No Nay Never {USA}) made for a thrilling finale, flashing home from the rear to finish a narrow second, in what Newnham described as “heart in mouth stuff”.

“I was very confident at the corner, it was just a matter of if her condition would hold up in today’s conditions,” Newnham said.

The half-sister to Saturday-performed Smartedge (Smart Missile) deserved to win after defying a horror gate and unsuitable track conditions, according to Newnham.

Issues overcome

He said that he was delighted to see her return to the races in great order, after battling with various niggles throughout last spring and in her juvenile season.

“All preparation Josh and I have been very confident in her and on Monday after her trial he came back with the biggest smile on his face like he had already won the race. Generally, when he’s like that you know you’re going to be hard to beat.”

Newnham confirmed that the likely next move will be toward the G1 Surround S., in hope that his galloper can replicate former stablemate Nakeeta Jane (So You Think {NZ}) in completing a rare double.

“I’d say that’s where we will be headed, but I’d say she would need to conserve a bit more energy,” he said.

“The 1400 metres at Randwick is a good on-paced race for these sorts of fillies and it would be nice if we could pull off another one.”

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Every Rose

Darby Racing

Mark Newnham

Black type results: Flemington & Randwick

9 min read

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Flemington, G1 Black Caviar Lightning S., $750,000, 1000m

Race summary

Nature Strip (Nicconi) is now a five-time Group 1 winner, after turning the tables on current Longines world’s best sprinter, Bivouac (Exceed And Excel).

The Chris Waller-trained gelding benefited by the adoption of more conservative tactics and subsequently harnessed his speed more efficiently.

Distance specialist Pippie (Written Tycoon) lead the field up but was eventually headed by Nature Strip with 300 metres to run. She ultimately faded out, finishing sixth.

Godolphin galloper Bivouac looked set to explode entering the final two furlongs but was left wanting in his racetrack return. He was eventually headed by Fabergino (Maschino) who was doing her best work late.

Resuming G1 Coolmore Stud S. winner September Run (Exceed And Excel) rocketed into second under Craig Williams and will prove hard to hold out when contesting the G1 Newmarket H., in three week’s time over 1200 metres.

Pedigree notes

Nature Strip was passed in for $90,000 at the 2016 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale after failing to meet his reserve price of $120,000. He was bred by Golden Grove Stud who are based in Denman, NSW and races in the colours of prominent owner, Rod Lyons.

He is out of former Brian Mayfield-Smith-trained mare Strikeline (Desert Sun {GB}) who won six races from 28 starts. She won twice at Listed level, taking out the Cockram S. and the Dubai International Racing Carnival S. Her crowning moment came when winning the G3 Seppelt Wines McEwen Trophy over 1000 metres.

She is out of talented stayer Strike High (Pre Emptive Strike {Can}) who was placed in the G3 St Ledger S. and G3 Launceston Cup.

Flemington, G3 The TAB Vanity S., $160,000, 1400m

Race summary

The lightly-raced Leon and Troy Corstens-trained filly Zou Dancer (Zoustar) rose to the occasion in her first attempt at Group level, winning by 4.75l.

Jamie Kah rated her mount superbly, settling in the box seat before bursting clear of Island Joy (Hinchinbrook) and Longduan (Written Tycoon) at the top of the straight.

The resuming G1 VRC Oaks winner Personal (Fastnet Rock) looked the only danger to her chances, but was quickly accounted for when Kah asked for another effort. From there she extended her lead under light riding.

Salto Angel (Sacred Falls {NZ}) disappointed, failing to let down after settling in behind Personal.

Pedigree notes

Zou Dancer was a $150,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase by Bennett Racing and McEvoy Mitchell Racing from the draft of Newgate Farm.

Her dam Investigates (Strategic) is out of former Group 1-winning stayer Tributes (Quest For Fame {GB}) who was trained by John Hawkes and raced by Woodlands Stud Syndicates.

Her only win from 13 career starts came at Group 1 level in the 1999 G1 VRC Oaks, she was also Group 1-placed in the AJC Australian Oaks.

Flemington, G3 CS Hayes S., $160,000, 1400m

Race summary

The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained galloper Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) has returned to form ahead of the G1 Australian Guineas.

The 2020 G1 Blue Diamond S., winner was sent forward from barrier one by Luke Currie and settled down alongside Here To Shock (Shocking), who had crossed from barrier 13 to lead.

Currie sat pretty aboard the colt before shaking off key rival Aysar (Deep Field) who stuck on into second. He was followed in by Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel), who produced a bold performance in his first start for Annabel Neasham.

The resuming stayer Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) impressed, flashing home into fourth after being held up in running. Fancied New Zealand raider Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) was caught four-wide in the running and faded out to finish last.

Pedigree notes

Tagaloa was a $300,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase by Busuttin Racing from the draft of Arrowfield Stud.

He is the first and only foal mare Vasilissa (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn}).

She is out of three-time winner Penkenna Princess (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}), who triumphed in the G3 Fred Darling S. and was runner-up in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas.

Flemington, Listed Talindert S., $140,000, 1100m

Race summary

The James Cummings-trained colt Ingratiating (Frosted {USA}) has announced himself as one of Godolphin’s leading G1 Blue Diamond S. contenders with a dominant victory down the straight.

The colt stepped slowly from the machine, but settled quicky into stride. From there, Damien Oliver was able to find the back of Gulf Of Suez (Fighting Sun) before working into a forward position.

Oliver had a handful of horse underneath him 400 metres out and allowed his mount to extended under his own steam, before pressing the button nearing the final furlong.

The Peter Moody-trained Gimmie Par (Not A Single Doubt) rattled home into second and looks destined for black-type success when stepping out over further.

Pedigree notes

Ingratiating is out of the former Peter Snowden-trained mare Obsequious (Lohnro) who was recently sold by Godolphin for $27,500 at the 2020 Inglis July (Early) Online Sale.

She was a three-time winner between 1000 and 1200 metres and boasts multiple Group successes, winning the G3 San Domenico S. and the G2 Light Fingers S.

Obsequious is one of three foals out of former John Hawkes-trained mare Sycophant (Commands), who won at her only race start, making her a half-sister to the Cummings-trained gelding Esperance (Bernardini {USA}), who has won five races and collected $286,230 in prizemoney.

Randwick, G2 Apollo S., $250,000, 1400m

Race summary

Resuming Golden Eagle winner Colette (Hallowed Crown) has measured up at the highest level, finishing ahead of the Chris Waller-trained contingent Kolding (NZ)(Ocean Park {NZ}), Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) and Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}).

Rachael King produced a lovely rails ride and once a gap opened, she quickly shot clear, powering past Kolding who couldn’t stick on despite having the benefit of a run under his belt.

Verry Elleegant returned in good order, hitting the line strongly under James McDonald short of her best distance.

All-Star Mile wildcard hopeful Mugatoo (Ire) (Henrythenavigator {USA}) also impressed upon resumption, powering into fifth after settling last in running.

Pedigree notes

Colette is bred and raced by Godolphin. She is a half-sister to the Listed Chairman’s S. winner Metastasio (Street Cry {Ire}) and they are out of the unraced Libretto (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}).

Libretto, is a half-sister to the two-time Group 1 winner and sire Wareed (Ire) and G2 Woodbine EP Taylor S. winner Truly A Dream (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and the family of the G1 Irish Oaks winner Moonstone (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Randwick, G2 TAB Light Fingers S., $200,000, 1200m

Race summary

The Mark Newnham-trained filly Every Rose (Choisir) outsprinted a field of class opposition in her resuming run.

Jockey Joshua Parr played a vital role in the victory, rating his mount superbly from the front after crossing from the outside barrier.

Never Talk (No Nay Never {USA}) rattled home to finish second ahead of Away Game (Snitzel).

Pedigree notes

Every Rose was a $160,000 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale purchase by Darby Racing and de Burgh Equine from the draft of Tyreel Stud. She is the fourth foal out of former Chris Waller-trained mare Couredge (Show A Heart) who won once from 10 career starts.

She is also a half-sister to current Tony Gollan-trained gelding Smartedge (Smart Missile) who has been competitive at Sydney metropolitan Saturday level. He has won $417,775 in prizemoney and boasts six wins and eight placings from 31 starts.

Randwick, G3 Southern Cross S., $160,000, 1200m

Race summary

Boom gelding Masked Crusader (Toronado {Ire}) has made amends for a disappointing spring campaign, with a dominant first-up display.

Leading hoop Tommy Berry assumed a forward position aboard the Team Hawkes-trained galloper after crossing conservatively from barrier nine.

Southern Lad (Ocean Park {NZ}) and Albumin (Foxwedge) ensured a strong gallop, and the former looked to have the race at his mercy 300 metres from home.

Berry quickly got to work on his mount, making up 4l in the space of 50 metres and quickly put the race away inside the final half-furlong.

The Kris Lees-trained Gem Song (Your Song) worked home nicely in her racetrack return, finishing fourth after being set a task from back in the field.

Pedigree notes

Masked Crusader was a $340,000 2018 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale buy by Hawkes Racing and Cameron Cooke Bloodstock from the draft of Gilgai Farm.

He is the first of three foals out of former Mark Kavanagh-trained mare She’s Got Gears (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). She was a Listed winner on debut, taking out the AGL Renewable Energy S. when trained by Richard Laming.

Her dam Last Minute (Encosta De Lago) never placed but is a half-sister to R. Listed Inglis Premier winner and G2 Up And Coming S.-placed Public Opinion (Arena).

Randwick, G3 Robrick Lodge Triscay S., $160,000, 1200m

Race summary

Promising mare Tailleur (Shooting To Win) has added black type to her resume, with a tough on-paced performance.

Kerrin McEvoy used his mounts 53kg to advantage, pressing forward from barrier five. Electric Girl (Declaration Of War {USA}) attempted to challenge the James Cummings-trained galloper but couldn’t stick on when asked for an effort.

Tricky Gal (Magic Albert) was enormous first-up, finishing second by 0.5l after being caught three-wide without cover the trip, while the resuming Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) battled on into third and will benefit stepping out over further.

Pedigree notes

Tailleur is the sixth foal out of former Godolphin-owned and raced mare Clothing (Commands) who won four races between 1200 and 1300 metres.

She was set to go under the hammer at the 2017 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast but was retained by Godolphin, when her daughter Raiment (Street Cry {Ire}) won the G3 Birthday Card S. and G3 James Carr S. for trainer John O’Shea.

Three-years later she went through the ring and was purchased for $90,000 by Boomer Bloodstock. Her dam Rompers (Grosvenor {NZ}) won twice, taking out the AJC San Miguel Super Dry H., and SAJC Palace Reign H. She is also a half-sister to the dam of 2003 G3 C.S. Hayes S. winner Youth (Quest For Fame {GB}).

Black type results: Te Rapa

4 min read

Te Rapa, G1 Herbie Dyke S., NZ$400,000, 2000m

Race summary

Royal Performer (GB) (Medicean {GB}) bridged the gap from a lead-up open handicap success to Group 1 spoils with aplomb.

He raced in behind the leaders near the fence before rider Jonathan Riddell urged him to the front soon after straightening to give co-trainer Bob Vance his first training success at the top level.

The Chosen One (NZ) (Savabeel) showed he was in top order for his upcoming Australian campaign with his effort for second and On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa {NZ}) was third. Favourite Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) copped a chequered run and dropped out to beat one home.

Pedigree notes

Royal Performer is out of the unraced Polish Precedent (USA) mare Quadri (GB) and she has produced seven winners with Eva Kant (GB) (Medicean {GB}) also a stakes placegetter.

Quadri is a half-sister to the Listed Pretty Polly S. winner Fashionable (GB) (Nashwan {USA}), dam of the G3 Silver Flash S. winner Jack Naylor (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}).

The pedigree also features the three-time Group 1 winner Wandesta (GB) (Nashwan {USA}).

Te Rapa, G1 BCD Group Sprint, NZ$200,000, 1400m

Race summary

Avantage (Fastnet Rock) began like a bullet from the outside stall while the second favourite Levante (NZ) (Proisir) missed the jump by at least 6l.

Rider Opie Bosson had Avantage coasting along in second spot and they strode clear to win untested and the seventh Group 1 title of the mare’s career.

Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante) took second off Mascarpone (Shooting To Win) in a tight finish with Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) fourth and Levante did well to be the next runner home.

Pedigree notes

Avantage was sold on behalf of breeders Willie and Karen Calder at New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sale by The Oaks Stud where she was purchased by Te Akau’s David Ellis for NZ$210,000.

She is a daughter of the Listed Warstep S. winner Asavant (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}), who has also produced the multiple winner and stakes performer Asathought (So You Think {NZ}).

Asavant is a half-sister to the G1 HKJC Centenary Cup winner D B Pins (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) and they are out of the G3 White Robe Lodge S. and G1 Thorndon Mile runner-up Pins ‘N’ Needles (NZ) (Pins).

Te Rapa, G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic, NZ$100,000, 2000m

Race summary

Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) was sent out a commanding favourite and enjoyed a good run in the trail behind the leader Needle And Thread (NZ) (Makfi {GB}).

Rider Danielle Johnson was able to clear a pocket 250 metres from home and then bounded clear to win untested.

Slave To Love (NZ) (Savabeel) continued her progression to come off a win in the lower grade to finish second ahead of Needle And Thread, who boxed on gamely.

Pedigree notes

Amarelinha was bred by Waikato Stud and sold by the Matamata farm to David Ellis for NZ$300,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale.

She is a daughter of the unraced O’Reilly (NZ) mare Hopscotch (NZ) and she is a half-sister to Metal Bender (NZ) (Danasinga), successful four times at Group 1 level.

It is also notably the family of the G1 Goodwood H. winner Keeper, who sired six individual Group 1 winners.

Te Rapa, G2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas, NZ$100,000, 2000m

Race summary

Tokorangi (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) has been genuine throughout her career and the step up to a middle distance brought out the best in the filly.

She settled behind the leading division and when rider Andrew Calder angled her into the clear she proved too good.

Zee Falls (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) kicked on strongly after being in front at the top of the straight with Perfect Scenario (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}) third. The favourite Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing {GB}) came from last to finish fourth.

Pedigree notes

Tokorangi was purchased by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables for NZ$30,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale where she was offered by Bradbury park.

She is a daughter of Agent Ziva (NZ) (Savabeel), successful five times up to 1400 metres, and is a half-sister to the multiple winner and Group performer Maz Quin (NZ) (D’Cash), who also won and was a black-type placegetter in Hong Kong as Regency Dragon.

Tokorangi is the eighth individual stakes winner for her Westbury Stud-based sire Redwood (GB), whose leading representative is the G1 Captain Cook S. winner Rock On Wood (NZ).

Daily News Wrap

Black type for Tailleur

Tailleur (Shooting To Win) continued her impressive run of form with an all-the-way win in the G3 Triscay S.

The James Cummings-trained 4-year-old, who is in the mix for a start in the G1 Galaxy H., was well-rated by Kerrin McEvoy in the Robrick Lodge-sponsored event to account for Tricky Gal (Magic Albert).

Tailleur has quickly made her way through the grades with the tidy record of six wins from eight appearances and is a half-sister to the dual Group 3 winner Raiment (Street Cry {Ire}) and the family of the G1 Doncaster H. winner and sire Over.

Tailleur | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Guineas beckons

Talented mare Zou Dancer (Zoustar) opened her black-type account with a smart performance to win the G3 TAB Vanity at Flemington.

Trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, the filly has come a long way in a short time with three victories from her five appearances.

"I’d say you’d have to start looking at the Australian Guineas. We talked about it and we don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but we’ll have a talk to Jamie (Kah) and see what she thinks," Troy Corstens told Racing.com.

Job well done

Regardsmaree (So You Think {NZ}) is likely to be given a well-deserved break after posted another winning strike at Flemington.

The 4-year-old’s success in the Seppelt Wines Plate was the sixth of his 15-start career and trainer Nick Ryan believes he is a potential Group 1 performer.

“I think a race like the Sir Rupert Clarke S. in the springtime would be a really good race for him,” he said.

“It’s a handicap and he would get in with a lightweight and it’s on his home track here at Caulfield.”

Amarelinha back to best

Exciting galloper Amarelinha (NZ) (Savabeel) bounced back to her very best after suffering a narrow defeat at her most recent start, when she captured the G2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic at Te Rapa.

Trained by Jamie Richards for the Te Akau Hopskip'n'jump Syndicate, Amarelinha was sent out a NZ$1.40 favourite for the contest as punters believed she was a margin above her rivals after being beaten narrowly by Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic at Ellerslie.

Amarelinha (NZ)

“She is a really exciting filly and one we have held in high regard right from the time that David bought her at Karaka,” Richards said.

“She reminded us a lot of Probabeel and we didn’t race her as a 2-year-old, mainly due to copping COVID-19 at the back end of the season. She has more than made up for that this time in, as that was a pretty exciting win.”

Filly’s future unclear

The immediate future of Tokorangi (NZ) (Redwood {GB}), who showed her quality with victory in the G2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas at Te Rapa, has yet to be confirmed.

The filly is raced by a syndicate that includes prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir and is trained at Matamata by Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard.

Tokorangi (NZ)

“We’ll have a chat to the owners and she could go straight across the Tasman, but for me I’d like her to go to the Derby so we’ll see what happens,” Gerard said.

Tokorangi’s winning run in the Waikato Guineas saw her odds for the G1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby cut from NZ$18 to NZ$5 and co-second favourite behind NZ$4 market leader Rocket Spade (Fastnet Rock).

Fitting victory

The Jamie Richards-trained Festivity (I Am Invincible) was an appropriate winner of the Te Akau Shark – Farewell To A Legend, a race at Te Rapa named in honour of her former stablemate.

Dual Group 1 winner Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) recently passed away and Festivity did him proud with an impressive display.

“She’s very talented and we’ve taken her along quietly and it’s all falling into place now,” Richards said. “She’ll go to the G3 King’s Plate at Ellerslie in three weeks’ time.”

Festivity has now won five of her seven starts and gained a degree of compensation on Saturday as she had been a luckless fifth in the G3 Concorde H. at her previous appearance.

Golden performance

Gold Watch (NZ) (Swiss Ace) rounded off his current preparation in outstanding fashion with further success at Te Rapa.

His victory in the Waikato Stud 1400 was his fourth on the bounce and trainer Cliff Goss, 90, who believes he can make his mark at the top level.

“All he wants to do is win, he’s a very game horse. He’ll reach Group 1 company in the spring,” said Goss, whose daughter Cherry Taylor and husband Brent operate Trelawney Stud.

Tattersalls bonuses

Tattersalls has announced a new £250,000 (AU$446,380) Royal Ascot/Group 1 Bonus for graduates of its Craven Breeze-Up Sale, which is this year scheduled for April 13 and 14 at Park Paddocks, with the breeze over the Rowley Mile on April. 12.

Half of the bonus will be paid out to the connections of the first Craven Breeze-Up winner of any 2-year-old race at Royal Ascot, with £100,000 (AU$178,500) designated for the owner of the horse and £25,000 (AU$44,600) for the vendor.

The second half of the bonus, with the same owner/vendor split, will be paid to the first Craven Breeze-Up winner of a European Group 1 for 2-year-olds. The G1 Nunthorpe S. and G1 Prix de l'Abbaye, which are all-age and open to 2-year-olds, also qualify.

Looking Ahead - February 14

Nowra, Race 1, 12.55pm AEDT, Carpet Court Showcase H., $30,000, 1100m

Genkides (Super One) had trialled well before he made his debut before Christmas and gave a good account to finish third. He then missed out at Canterbury Park before going close at Scone where he ran second and from a handy gate can go one better.

Genkides as a yearling

Trained by Peter Robl, the 3-year-old was bought out of Rosemont Stud’s Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale draft for $90,000 by agent Ric Wylie and is a half-brother to seven winners and their dam Bridie Belle (NZ) (Al Akbar {NZ}) had plenty of racetrack talent. She was successful four times, including a brace at Group 2 level and hails from the family of the G1 Toorak H., winner Penny Edition (NZ) (Sovereign Edition {Ire}).

Nowra, Race 4, 2.45pm AEDT, Bomaderry Bowling Club Showcase H., $30,000, 1200m

Spectrometer (Exosphere) has far fewer convictions than his opposition and was a sound first-up fifth in the spring before he made all the running at Moruya to open his winning account. He enjoyed a break after that and showed he was on target for a bold resuming run with a recent trial placing.

Exosphere, sire of Spectrometer | Standing at Darley

The Gwenda Markwell-trained 3-year-old is the first foal of Sensitive (Street Cry {Ire}), who is a half-sister to the Group 2-winning siblings Renaissance (Lonhro) and Sessions. They are out of the Listed Millie Fox S. winner Seances (Canny Lad) and she is a half-sister to the G1 Flight S. winner Unworldly (Quest For Fame {GB}) and the G2 Shannon H. winner Gordo (Brief Truce {USA}).

Moe, Race 1, 1.45 AEDT, Moe Refrigeration Churchill Cup, $23,000, 1208m

Beautox (Brazen Beau) was offered at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Maluka Thoroughbreds and snapped up by Dream Thoroughbreds, Bluegrass Bloodstock and Ciaron Maher Thoroughbreds for $150,000. She is a daughter of Excellent Pins (Exceed And Excel), who was successful twice.

Beautox as a yearling

She is a half-sister to the G3 How Now S. winner Detours (Ad Valorem {USA}) and also the family of the G3 Danehill S. winner Aichi (Strategic). Beautox was a handy fourth first time out at Warrnambool and with plenty of time to get over that outing, the filly can show significant improvement in what looks a winnable contest for her.

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

NSW Race Results