Saturday summary: Historic triumphs for Hitotsu, Fireburn and Nature Strip on The Championships' opening day

Written by

Richard Edmunds

12 min read

On a remarkable afternoon at Randwick, Hitotsu (Maurice {Jpn}) and Fireburn (Rebel Dane) completed Group 1 doubles that haven't been achieved in almost 30 years, while the incomparable Nature Strip (Nicconi) won his third TJ Smith S.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Race-Day Recap

•

Hitotsu (Maurice {Jpn}) has raced into Australian thoroughbred folklore as the first horse in 28 years to capture the Victoria Derby-Australian Derby double.

•

Sensational 2-year-old filly Fireburn (Rebel Dane) extended her winning sequence to five with another spectacular performance in the G1 Inglis Sires’, becoming the first filly to complete the Golden Slipper-Sires' double since 1996.

•

Champion sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) managed a historic feat of his own, joining Chautauqua (Encosta De Lago) as only the second horse to win the G1 Furphy TJ Smith S. three times.

•

In a dream result for the young training partnership of Ben and JD Hayes, Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) headed a New Zealand-bred clean sweep of the G1 The Star Doncaster Mile.

•

Promising 2-year-old Semillion (Shalaa {Ire}) made a stylish Sydney debut in the G3 Widden Kindergarten S.

•

Across the Tasman, record-breaking trainer Jamie Richards has handed the reins of Te Akau Racing over to another accomplished horseman in Mark Walker, and it was business as usual on Saturday as New Zealand’s leading stable collected Group 1 and Group 3 victories at Awapuni.

1/9

Derby double for Hitotsu

Exceptional 3-year-old Hitotsu (Maurice {Jpn}) collected his third Group 1 victory with a tenacious triumph in the G1 Bentley Australian Derby at Randwick on Saturday, earning himself a place among Australian racing's record books.

Hitotsu powers through to win the G1 Australian Derby at Randwick | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Now the winner of four of his eight starts including the G1 Victoria Derby and Australian Guineas in Melbourne, the remarkable colt became the first horse since the great Mahogany (Last Tycoon {Ire}) in 1994 to complete the Victoria Derby-Australian Derby double.

Although Hitotsu stepped out as favourite for Saturday’s prestigious Randwick Classic, there were some lingering doubts around the gruelling Heavy track conditions. And when Benaud (Reliable Man {GB}) and Alegron (Teofilo {Ire}) loomed on either side of him in the straight and were seemingly travelling better, his prospects appeared to be fading fast.

But Hitotsu’s fighting qualities shone through in the final 150 metres, summoning another mighty effort to pull ahead of those two rivals and snatch an off-the-canvas victory by 0.36l.

Ciaron Maher and John Allen after winning the G1 Australian Derby with Hitotsu | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

It was a second consecutive Australian Derby win for the combination of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and jockey John Allen, who teamed up with Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry {Ire}) 12 months ago.

“You’ve got to have the engine, you’ve got to have the lungs, and I’m fortunate that we’ve got a great team to prepare him,” Maher said. “He probably put the writing on the wall about a month before the Guineas, when he was in better shape than he was two weeks before the (Victoria) Derby. That gave us a lot of confidence.

“You’ve got to have the engine, you’ve got to have the lungs, and I’m fortunate that we’ve got a great team to prepare him (Hitotsu).” - Ciaron Maher

“We knew everything had to go right for him at the mile in the Guineas, and he got a beautiful ride by Johnny (Allen). Once he did that, I was full of confidence to come here. The only negative was the track, but I knew his ability would take him a long way. He certainly wasn’t at home on it, but his class and his ability shone through.

“He doesn’t need to race the older horses this season. We will get him ready for a Cox Plate now. As you can see, he is still furnishing, and we’ll take them on in the spring. He’ll have a break now – he’s done a phenomenal job.”

Freakish filly strikes again

With another supreme performance in Saturday’s G1 Inglis Sires’ at Randwick, Fireburn (Rebel Dane) emphatically silenced any doubters that remained after her astonishing win from nowhere in last month’s Golden Slipper.

Fireburn comes from the back of the field to claim victory in the G1 Inglis Sires' Produce S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

The standout 2-year-old filly extended her winning sequence to five with a repeat of her Rosehill heroics, charging home from well off the pace for another emphatic 1.43l victory over She’s Extreme (Extreme Choice).

Racing in the colours of owner-breeders Laurel Oak Bloodstock, Fireburn has now won five of her six starts and more than $3.7 million in stakes.

One of her biggest fans is jockey Brenton Avdulla, who had supreme belief in the filly leading into Saturday’s race.

Sebastian Hutch presents Louis Mihalyka with the G1 Inglis Sires' Produce S. trophy | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“I said to my manager this morning that I haven’t had so much confidence going into a Group 1 race,” he said. “I didn’t think they could beat her.

“I loved that Anthony Cummings said he should have beaten me the other day (with She’s Extreme in the Golden Slipper). I don’t think anything would have gone with her there, and today just showed that. That’s why I gave a bit of cheek at the 50 metres – 'Come on, come with me.' She’s a superstar.

"She deserves to be Champion 2-Year-Old. A bit of history I don’t think any filly has done it for a long time and there’s no reason why she can’t do the Triple Crown. If she does that she’s one of the greatest of all time.

“She was probably in the worst part of the track and once I set her alight she was off and she was quite soft again so it will take a good one to beat her in two weeks.”

Nature Strip completes TJ treble

Champion sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) collected the 20th victory of his remarkable career with another powerhouse performance in the G1 Furphy TJ Smith S. at Randwick on Saturday.

Nature Strip powers home to win his third G1 TJ Smith S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The brilliant chestnut has been an unstoppable force in the TJ Smith S. in recent seasons, adding Saturday’s success to his previous wins in both 2020 and 2021. He joined the great grey Chautauqua (Encosta De Lago) as only the second horse to win this race three times.

The result was obvious a long way from home on Saturday, as Nature Strip shook free of long-time adversary Eduardo (Host {Chi}) coming up to the home turn.

It was a one-act affair from there as Nature Strip charged down the Randwick straight to score by 3.36l from Eduardo and the 3-year-old Paulele (Dawn Approach {Ire}).

“It’s just unbelievable,” jockey James McDonald said. “To win this race three times, and he’s got The Everest – he’s won everything. He’s just an incredible, incredible horse. This one feels surreal. I just feel numb, because this horse is just a marvel. What he’s achieved in his career, he’s just a freak.”

"He’s (Nature Strip) just an incredible, incredible horse. This one feels surreal. I just feel numb, because this horse is just a marvel. What he’s achieved in his career, he’s just a freak." - James McDonald

From 37 starts, the 7-year-old Nature Strip boasts 20 wins, eight placings and more than $17.9 million in prizemoney, and now the world might be waiting.

“He’s got a cult following, and most people really appreciate this horse for what he is,” trainer Chris Waller said. “He’s very special – he puts them under a bit of pressure.

“He’s a better horse in the autumn, and he’s a good horse over 1200 metres. If you want to go with him, you’re in trouble.

James McDonald and Chris Waller after winning the G1 TJ Smith S. | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“It will be up to the owners to work out where they want him to go. I’m sure the main aim is to have him back here for The Everest, and if we can shoot over and see our friends at Royal Ascot, it would be pretty special.”

Kiwi-breds dominate Doncaster

The Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben and JD Hayes hit a new high at Randwick on Saturday as Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) led home a New Zealand-bred clean sweep of the G1 The Star Doncaster Mile.

Coming into the famous mile under the radar after a last-start fourth in The All-Star Mile at Flemington, the lightly raced Mr Brightside stepped into the spotlight with an irresistible late charge out of the pack.

Mr Brightside (NZ) wins the G1 Doncaster Mile H. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Ridden by Craig Williams, the 4-year-old swept past I’m Thunderstruck (NZ) (Shocking) and perennial big-race placegetter Icebath (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) for an impressive 0.58l victory.

“With all the change we’ve had over the last year – Dad (David Hayes) going to Hong Kong and Tom (Dabernig) leaving the partnership – to get a result like this is just the biggest thrill for all of our team,” Ben Hayes said.

“Brightside is a special horse to us. He was our first city winner and first stakes winner in Victoria, and now he is our first Group 1 winner. He is a special, special horse.

"(Mr) Brightside is a special horse to us. He was our first city winner and first stakes winner in Victoria, and now he is our first Group 1 winner. He is a special, special horse." - Ben Hayes

“This has been the long-range plan since he ran fourth in the Cantala in the spring. It’s just come into place beautifully, and aided by a perfect ride.”

Williams deflected that credit right back on to the young Hayes brothers.

“They’re the future,” he said. “When they came into the yard today for the biggest race on the first day of The Championships, they said the horse was going better than he’s gone in his whole prep. They gave me the confidence, and through their hard work and processes, this is the end result – they won a Group 1.

"...they said the horse (Mr Brightside) was going better than he’s gone in his whole prep. They (the Hayes brothers) gave me the confidence, and through their hard work and processes, this is the end result – they won a Group 1." - Craig Williams

“The way this horse has come over from New Zealand and, in one preparation, they just took the steps through his grades and really developed this horse. He’s still not the finished product yet, so I’m really looking forward to an exciting spring. He’s definitely a really exciting Group 1 weight-for-age horse in the making.”

Mr Brightside was bought by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for NZ$22,000 from Phoenix Park’s draft at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka May Sale, and was later passed in at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale with a NZ$50,000 reserve.

From 13 starts, Mr Brightside has now recorded seven wins, two placings and more than $2.4 million in stakes.

JD Hayes, Craig Williams and Ben Hayes after winning the G1 Doncaster Mile H. at Randwick with Mr Brightside (NZ) | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

Mr Brightside became the eighth New Zealand-bred Doncaster winner in the last 14 years, following on from Brutal (NZ) in 2019, Kermadec (NZ) in 2015, Sacred Falls (NZ) in 2013 and 2014, More Joyous (NZ) (More Than Ready {USA}) in 2012, Rangirangdoo (NZ) (Pentire {GB}) in 2010, Vision And Power (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}) in 2009 and Triple Honour (NZ) (Honours List {Ire}) in 2008.

Semillion stars on Sydney debut

Promising 2-year-old Semillion (Shalaa {Ire}) made a big first impression on Sydney audiences with a commanding performance in Saturday’s G3 Widden Kindergarten S.

Trained by Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, the colt had shown real promise in Melbourne with a debut victory in the R. Listed Inglis Banner, a second placing in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (Colts & Geldings) and a last-start fifth in the G1 Blue Diamond.

Semillion wins the G3 Widden Kindergarten S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Sent out as a warm favourite for Saturday’s opening race of The Championships at Randwick, Semillion raced up on the speed throughout and kicked strongly down the straight, holding out the late challenge of Voldemort (Not A Single Doubt) by 0.3l.

“He jumped well and Willie (William Pike, jockey) got him into a nice rhythm,” Michael Hawkes said. “The part I loved was he just dug deep when those horses came at him in the straight.”

“The part I loved was he (Semillion) just dug deep when those horses came at him in the straight.” - Michael Hawkes

The third stakes winner in Australia for Arrowfield Stud shuttle stallion Shalaa (Ire), Semillion was a $300,000 purchase by International Thoroughbred Solutions (FBAA) from the draft of Blue Gum Farm at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. His four-start career has now produced two wins, a placing and $452,850 in stakes. He races in the green and yellow colours of Werrett Bloodstock.

“His first-up run in Melbourne, when he won on Cox Plate Day, was outstanding,” Hawkes said. “To be fair, had he drawn a barrier in the Blue Diamond, we probably thought he could have won. To come up here and frank the form from Melbourne – he’s just a beautiful colt and has a great ownership group. We love making colts, and we’ve made another one.”

Saturday summary

Fireburn

Hitotsu

Semillion

Mr Brightside

Michael Hawkes

Gary Portelli

JD Hayes

Ben Hayes

James McDonald

Chris Waller

Ciaron Maher

Randwick

The Championships

Nature Strip

Fireburn breaks the Slipper curse

Written by

Richard Edmunds

5 min read

Just two weeks after her breathtaking triumph in the Golden Slipper, Gary Portelli’s freakish filly Fireburn (Rebel Dane) has gone where none of the last four Golden Slipper winners could.

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

With another powerful come-from-behind performance in Saturday’s G1 Inglis Sires’ at Randwick, Fireburn conquered the so-called ‘Slipper curse’ – becoming the first Golden Slipper winner to win another race since the Portelli-trained She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) in 2017.

The four years since then have been a lean period for the winners of the world’s richest 2-year-old race. The 2018 winner Estijaab (Snitzel) had three additional starts, finishing second in the Inglis 3YO Sprint, fifth in the G2 Challenge S. and seventh in the G3 Star Kingdom S.

Godolphin filly Kiamichi (Sidestep) won the Slipper in 2019 and made eight subsequent appearances, placing in the G1 Inglis Sires’ and G2 Light Fingers S. and finishing outside the placings in her other six starts.

Brenton Avdulla aboard Fireburn gets the G1 Golden Slipper-Sires' Produce S. double | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The 2020 Golden Slipper winner was Farnan, whose two subsequent starts produced a fifth in the G2 Run To The Rose and a 10th in the G1 Coolmore Stud S.

Last year’s winner Stay Inside finished fifth in two races during the spring – the G3 San Domenico S. and G2 Run To The Rose.

A famous double

Fireburn became the 15th juvenile to ever complete the Slipper-Sires' double, and the first since the exceptional Pierro in 2012. The only others to do it since the turn of the century were Sebring in 2008 and Dance Hero (Danzero) in 2004.

Pierro, the last to complete the G1 Golden Slipper-Sires' Produce S. double in 2012 | Standing at Coolmore

You have to go even further back in the history books to find the last filly to complete this famous double, with Fireburn breaking a 26-year drought that stretches all the way back to Merlene (Danehill {USA}) in 1996.

It all adds up to a remarkable campaign for Fireburn, who has come a long way since finishing fourth at double-figure odds on debut at Warwick Farm on December 8. She has been unbeaten and unstoppable in five appearances since then, and she may not be finished yet.

Portelli is now setting his sights on the G1 Champagne S. on April 16, where Fireburn has the opportunity to become the seventh winner of Sydney’s juvenile Triple Crown.

Gary Portelli | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

The previous winners were Baguette (Rego {GB}) in 1970, Luskin Star (Kaoru Star) in 1977, Tierce (Victory Prince) in 1991, Burst (Marauding {NZ}) in 1992, Dance Hero in 2004 and Pierro in 2012. Burst is the only filly to achieve that famous feat.

But Portelli is also looking even further ahead and hoping to shoot for some major targets as a 3-year-old.

“Without taking anything away from the opposition, I thought today’s race was probably not as strong as the Slipper,” he said on Saturday. “It only meant that she had to turn up in the same order, and all week she’s been telling me she’s spot on, ready to go. So I just couldn’t wait for the race, and I just watched it, and it was easy to watch.

“She’s got a big motor, and these horses come around once in a lifetime, I feel. You know, hopefully one day we’ll put the Fireburn Stand beside the Winx Stand.

"She’s (Fireburn) got a big motor, and these horses come around once in a lifetime, I feel. You know, hopefully one day we’ll put the Fireburn Stand beside the Winx Stand." - Gary Portelli

“The streak has started now, after she was unlucky in her first start. She doesn’t show me this at home – she just does this on raceday. She’s a special horse.

“I think she’ll be back here in two weeks’ time. We’ll see how she comes through the run. She’ll tell me over the next few days what she’s up to, but I hope so. I’d love to see her over the mile, and then we can put her away.

Connections of Fireburn after winning the G1 Inglis Sires' Produce S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“We’ll give her a really good spell, which unfortunately a lot of the Golden Slipper horses don’t get a chance to do, because the spring comes around so quickly. We’ll give her a good spell and make sure we’ve got a horse for next autumn, and who knows – there’s some big races worth a lot of money next year.”

Jockey Brenton Avdulla has no doubts around Fireburn’s superiority over her generation this season.

“She deserves to be Champion 2-Year-Old,” he said. “It’s a bit of history to do this double, I don’t think any filly has done it for a long time, and there’s no reason why she can’t do the Triple Crown. If she does that, she’s one of the greatest of all time.

"She (Fireburn) deserves to be Champion 2-Year-Old... there’s no reason why she can’t do the Triple Crown. If she does that, she’s one of the greatest of all time." - Brenton Avdulla

“She was probably in the worst part of the track today, and once I set her alight, she was off. She was quite soft again, so it will take a good one to beat her in two weeks.”

Fireburn

Gary Portelli

G1 Inglis Sires' Produce S.

Brenton Avdulla

Quality filly delivers Group 1 homecoming for Walker

Written by

Richard Edmunds

7 min read

When it comes to Te Akau’s relentless dominance of New Zealand racing, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Cover image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

The curtain came down this week on a record-breaking run by the Hong Kong-bound trainer Jamie Richards, whose seven years at the helm of the Te Akau operation produced over 750 wins, including 53 at Group 1 level. His runners amassed more than NZ$30 million in stakes, and his 47-win lead on this season’s standings have virtually guaranteed him a fourth premiership title.

Richards’ departure cleared the way for a homecoming by Mark Walker, who won five premierships with Te Akau in the 2000s before a hugely successful 12-year career in Singapore. Saturday was Walker’s first day back in charge of the tangerine team on home soil, and he kicked off on a perfect note with Group 1 and Group 3 victories at Awapuni.

Mark Walker | Image courtesy of Te Akau Racing

“It’s a real team effort,” Walker said. “Jamie left these horses in great order, and Sam (Bergerson, assistant trainer) and the team are a group of really good, young horsemen. I think there’s a lot to look forward to in the future.”

Saturday’s highlight came in the G1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce S., which the Te Akau stable won for the seventh time in the last two decades.

Maven Belle (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) became Walker’s third winner of the juvenile feature, following on from Maroofity (NZ) (Maroof {USA}) in 2003 and Kindacross (NZ) (Cape Cross {Ire}) in 2005, while Richards collected four consecutive wins with Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands), Avantage (Fastnet Rock), Yourdeel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) and On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau).

Sam Weatherley aboard Maven Belle (NZ) returns to the Awapuni birdcage after winning the G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce S. | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Ridden by Sam Weatherley, Maven Belle jumped brilliantly out of the starting gates and dominated the 1400-metre race from the front, kicking clear at the top of the straight and holding on to win by 1.25l.

“She jumped so well,” Weatherley said. “I didn’t really expect to be leading, but I didn’t want to give it away once I ended up there. She travelled beautifully all the way, and well done to Mark and the team.

“It’s been four years since my first Group 1 win and I’ve had 10 or 11 second-placings since then, so it’s been a bit of a frustrating run, but I’m over the moon to win another one. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to ride this filly today.”

“It’s been four years since my first Group 1 win... so it’s been a bit of a frustrating run, but I’m over the moon to win another one. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to ride this filly (Maven Belle) today.” - Sam Weatherley

Maven Belle has now had five starts for four wins and a placing. She won the G3 Woburn Farm 2YO Classic and G2 Matamata Breeders’ S. in February, then charged home for a close and unlucky last-start third in the G1 Sistema S. at Ellerslie.

A valuable homebred

Maven Belle was bred by Te Akau principals David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis, in partnership with Mark and Julia Walker, and she is raced by the Te Akau Maven Belle Racing Partnership.

She is by former Te Akau star Burgundy (NZ), who was a NZ$1.3 million purchase by David Ellis at the 2010 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. A half-brother to multiple Group 1 winner and quality sire Darci Brahma (NZ), Burgundy won five stakes races and placed in the G1 Telegraph H., then stood at Cambridge Stud from 2013 until his death in 2019.

Burgundy (NZ)

Burgundy is currently enjoying a career-best season, sitting in the top three on the New Zealand Sires’ Premiership with 31 winners from 78 runners including four individual stakes winners. He has been credited with his first two Group 1 winners over the last few weeks, with Maven Belle’s heroics preceded by fellow Te Akau homebred Belle En Rouge (NZ) in last month’s G1 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham.

“It’s a shame for Burgundy, who’s sadly not with us any more – he’s had such a great season,” Walker said. “Maven Belle is a very valuable filly now, and she’s one of the homebreds off the farm at Te Akau. This is a fantastic result for the team.”

“Maven Belle is a very valuable filly now, and she’s one of the homebreds off the farm at Te Akau. This is a fantastic result for the team.” - Mark Walker

A nervous wait

Walker had to endure a nervous half-hour before his comeback Group 1 triumph was confirmed, as the connections of runner-up Wolverine (NZ) (Tivaci) lodged a protest shortly after the race.

Racing in the colours of part-owners Australian Bloodstock, Wolverine is trained locally by Roydon Bergerson, who was attempting to become the first Awapuni trainer in nearly 50 years to win his home-town feature.

Wolverine was the only runner to make ground on Maven Belle down the straight, eating into her margin with every stride in a powerful finishing burst.

Wolverine's (NZ) connections lodged a protest in the G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce S. at Awapuni which was dismissed shortly after the race | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Maven Belle drifted out inside the last 100 metres and clearly impeded Wolverine, and the only questions were whether it was too late in the race, whether Maven Belle was too far in front, or whether Wolverine’s lost momentum might have made all the difference to the result. After a lengthy deliberation, stewards let the placings stand and confirmed Maven Belle as the winner.

Wolverine has still had an outstanding season, winning the G2 Wakefield Challenge S. and G2 Eclipse S. before finishing second in both the R. Listed Karaka Million 2YO and the Sires’ Produce S. Incidentally, Wolverine’s Eclipse S. victory came via a successful protest.

Bergerson and part-owner Chris Rutten paid NZ$50,000 to buy Wolverine at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale, and the high-class filly has earned over NZ$350,000 this season.

Wolverine (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock

Second-stringer steals the show

Walker also won Saturday’s G3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic, but not with the horse everyone expected.

The NZ$1.40 favourite was On The Bubbles, whose six wins in an 11-start career included last year’s G1 Sires’ Produce S., Karaka Million 2YO and two other Listed races. Saturday’s 2000-metre feature was the first step out beyond a metric mile for the Brazen Beau gelding, who came to the end of his run in the last 150 metres and had to settle for a close fourth.

Victory instead went to unheralded stablemate Amalfi Prince (Sebring), who produced a powerful staying performance to score by 1.25l.

Amalfi Prince stormed home to win the G3 Manawatu Classic at Awapuni | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

Amalfi Prince was bred in New South Wales and was initially offered by Marquee Stud at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale Round 2, where he was bought for $150,000. Ellis later added him to the Te Akau arsenal for a purchase price of NZ$90,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

From seven starts, Amalfi Prince has now recorded two wins and three second-placings, with the promise of more to come.

“That was really good,” Walker said. “He looks as though he could run a bit further than that, so he’s an interesting horse."

David Ellis, Mark Walker and Amalfi Prince after winning the G3 Manawatu Classic at Awapuni | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“As for On The Bubbles, Opie (Bosson) gave him a gun run. His pedigree said he probably wouldn’t run the trip, and now it looks like a mile is probably far enough for him. We had to have a go, and at least we know now. We’ll likely stick to a mile and shorter with him next season.”

Maven Belle

G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce S.

Mark Walker

Te Akau Racing

Burgundy

Awapuni

Amalfi Prince

G3 Manawatu Classic

This is paid content, please contact advertising@tdnausnz.com.au for more information.

Milburn Creek Yearling Preview

Sponsored by

6 min read

Milburn Creek is a boutique thoroughbred nursery and broodmare farm. Situated in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

7 min read

In today's instalment of 2022 Rapid Round - Jockey Edition, we feature a quickfire round with multiple Group 1-winning jockey and now trainer Ron Quinton.

TDN AusNZ: What is your earliest memory of racing?

Ron Quinton: There was a great champion back in my day by the name of Tulloch. He was a great champion, probably one of the best horses we have ever seen in this country, and I took a particular interest in him while I was at school.

TDN AusNZ: What has been your most memorable or notable moment in your career?

RQ: A very hard one to answer as I have had many notable moments through out my career both as a trainer and as a jockey. I guess my Golden Slipper wins were all very, very special where I rode Marscay, Sir Dapper, Rory’s Jester and Marauding to claim victory.

My association with the great grey mare Emancipation in the mid-eighties would be another one that is very hard to beat. She won 19 out of 27 starts and I won 18 of those on her. Throughout her entire career there was only one day I didn't ride her and that was a day she raced in Melbourne and won VRC Edward Manifold S. with Kevin Moses on board.

As a trainer, my highlights would probably be a quinella training four Coolmore winners and winning the Salinger S. in Melbourne with Easy Rocking, and I guess I better throw in the winning the Oaks down there with Bulla Borghese.

1/4

Gallery: Ron Quinton-trained Coolmore Classic winners, images courtesy of Sportpix

TDN AusNZ: What do you love most about your job?

RQ: I have always had a love for horses. I absolutely love riding them. I do enjoy training them too. I believe training is probably harder than being a jockey, there is a lot more involved. As a jockey you ride them, get off and walk away.

As a trainer you have to bring them home and try to make them better or go faster. I think, though, from a very early age I really liked horses and had a deep-rooted passion for them and this industry. A passion for an industry that has been so great to me. I have had a wonderful career, I am not the most successful trainer but I do well with the stock I get.

I don't really have any other interests. If I was to retire, I really don't know what I would do, I don't play golf. So horses are my life. My son recently asked me, 'Dad what would you do if you didn't train?' and I told him, ‘well, I'd probably go mad, Son’.

TDN AusNZ: Do you have a horse you are excited about in the near future?

RQ: We have a lovely filly by the name of De An Andretti. She showed me enormous potential having won her first race start, she went on to run as well in her second start but about nine days after she became very ill, she was a very sick horse for quite a long time. She is back on the road again now so this preparation will tell us a lot. She has an uncapped ability if she can return to what she has shown us before.

I also do have some nice young ones almost ready to come back to the stables; one is an Exceed And Excel filly out of Dixie Blossoms and I also have an Exceed And Excel colt out of Daysee Doom who is being broken in right now.

There are a couple of other yearlings that clients of mine have purchased at the Magic Millions Sale and the Inglis Classic Sale who I am quite excited about as well. What do they say about a trainer; ‘Whenever he has an untried horse, there is hope’.

De An Andretti | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

TDN AusNZ: Is there another trainer who has inspired you in your career?

RQ: Yes. There has been three, the first one is my former boss Theo (Theodore) Green.

The second, a lovely guy I had a 20-year association with, Neville Begg. I rode a lot of winners for Neville, we had a lot of great times over our 20-year partnership.

The third is John Oxx, I had a wonderful experience when I went away riding in Ireland for three years, I think I learnt quite a bit off John about the training caper. I did go over there as a jockey but I asked a lot, I mean a lot of questions and I think it really has helped me a fair bit with my training.

TDN AusNZ: What is it that makes you get out of bed every day to train horses?

RQ: Well, you’ve gotta do it! But when I do have a nice couple of horses in the yard that are showing promise and look like they may have good potential, well it makes it a lot easier.

Ron Quinton and Peeping | Image courtesy of Sportpix

TDN AusNZ: What’s been the hardest part in your career so far?

RQ: I've been relatively lucky, over the last couple of years I haven't had a great team of horses and that has been hard. It's probably the worst run I've had since I started training, I mean nothing has changed, we haven't changed anything at all. We feed the same, we do the same things with every horse that we have done with every horse in the past.

I think I just haven't quite had the quality of horse becasue it's very hard going to sales these days. If you only have $115,000 to spend it's very, very hard. I end up sometimes keeping some shares in a few of the horses we buy to help the other owners along.

I am hoping for a bit better run with some of these quality-bred young ones coming into the stable. Also have a couple of 2-year-olds here, if they can gallop they could make lovely 3-year-olds. I have a very nice Smart Missile horse and also a So You Think gelding, they both have been given every chance to mature. So coming into their 3-year-old year they could be okay.

TDN AusNZ: What is the best horse you’ve ridden and trained?

RQ: The best horse I rode has to be Kingston Town, I only rode him twice but he was the linchpin of my period as a jockey. I won the Cox Plate on him, he actually won three Cox Plates, I rode him in his middle win. Emancipation's definitely not far off him either, having said before she won 19 races out of 27 starts she was a champion mare there is no doubt about that.

The best horse I've trained, well, Easy Rocking won the Salinger S., he was my first Group 1 win, he only won five races but they were all Group races, so he was very special to me. And the two loves of the stables were Dixie (Blossoms) and Daysee (Doom). They were hard to separate, you know they were just winners. They were really talented mares and I'm looking forward to their progeny coming into the stable.

1/4

Gallery: Some of the best horses Ron Quinton has trained and ridden, images courtesy of Sportpix

TDN AusNZ: If you could win one race what would it be?

RQ: I'd love to train a Golden Slipper winner, it is the best 2-year-old race in the world and it is so highly recognised within the racing worldwide. Having won it as a jockey, it would be so very special to win it as a trainer. I might be dreaming but I remember Tommy Smith winning a number of Golden slippers, but he also trained and bred one. He told me how special that was so I would love to join him by training one.

Ron Quinton

Rapid Round

Pedigree Boosters - Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale

3 min read

In the build up to the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, we have picked out three yearlings who have had substantial pedigree updates in the past couple of months.

Today, we look at a couple of fillies who have siblings racing in great form in Hong Kong as well as an interestingly bred half-brother to one of this season's leading juveniles.

Lot 171 - I Am Invincible x Flamboyant Lass (Stratum), filly - On account of Newgate Farm

View pedigree

Nitrous (Deep Field) showed plenty of ability during his six local starts and now he is racing in great form in Hong Kong - the Tony Cruz-trained chestnut winning two of his last four starts. He is a half-brother to this filly whose promising 2-year-old half-sister Command Approved (Spirit Of Boom) won a recent Randwick trial for the Waterhouse and Bott stable.

Bred on the same I Am Invincible/Stratum cross as this season's stakes winner Festivity (NZ), this filly is out of a stakes-placed full sister to the dual Group winner Attention (Stratum).

Lot 171 - I Am Invincible x Flamboyant Lass (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Lot 288 - Trapeze Artist x Miss Amajardan (Hinchinbrook), colt - On account of Bhima Thoroughbreds

View pedigree

By a well-regarded first-season sire, this colt is a half-brother to one of this season's best 2-year-olds - Sejardan (Sebring) who at the time of printing had won his first two starts. He has continued to shine since then, winning the G2 Todman S. before a luckless G1 Golden Slipper S. ninth, finding plenty of trouble in running.

Bred on an interesting 3 X 3 cross of the dual stakes-winning successful broodmare Snippets' Lass (Snippets) - dam of Snitzel and Hinchinbrook - this colt is a descendant of the high-class race and broodmare Procrastinate (Jade Hunter {USA}).

Lot 288 - Trapeze Artist x Miss Amajardan (colt) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Lot 401 - Dundeel (NZ) x Santa Rocks (Fastnet Rock), filly - On account of Arrowfield Stud

View pedigree

The first two foals out of this filly's city-winning dam have both been racing well in Hong Kong - Whizz Kid (Shalaa {Ire}) finishing in the first four at each of his nine outings at Sha Tin and Happy Valley, winning two of his last four in easy fashion for the Tony Cruz stable.

And this filly's full brother Ready Player One (Dundeel {NZ}) is close to a win having caught the eye when finishing off strong in the placings at his two most recent outings.

Lot 401 - Dundeel (NZ) x Santa Rocks (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis

Pedigree Boosters

Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale

Black type results: Royal Randwick

11 min read

Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

G1 Doncaster Mile H., $3,000,000, 1600m

Whilst he was double-figure odds, it was no surprise to see the talented Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) take out the G1 Doncaster H. with his low eight and excellent 1600-metre record (it was his sixth success at the trip), he had the right sort of credentials.

Bred by R.I and Est Late M.A.G Johnson and purchased by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for NZ$22,000 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Weanling Sale, Mr Brightside was later passed in with a reserve of NZ$50,000 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

One of the three stakes winners - and the first Group 1 winner - for his Orange Court-based, G3 CS Hayes S.-winning sire - Mr Brightside is out of the unraced Lilahjay (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) who has also produced the Hong Kong-based, eight time winner Will Power (NZ) (Power {GB}).

Served last spring by Vadamos (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}) having foaled a Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) filly, Lilahjay also has a yearling filly by What’s The Story (NZ) (Savabeel) and a yet to be named Power (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) 3-year-old colt.

Lilahjay is a granddaughter of the classy broodmare Delia’s Choice (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) whose six winners include the Group 1 winners Foxwood (NZ) (Centaine) and Celtic Tiger (NZ) (Jetball) - the former going on to produce the G3 Frank Packer Plate winner Rockwood (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}).

Also third dam of the Singapore-based, multiple Group 1 winner Mr Clint (NZ) (Power {GB}), Delia’s Choice is a full sister to the multiple Group 1 winners Sovereign Red (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}) and Gurner’s Lane (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}).

Boasting Sadler’s Wells (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}), Sir Ivor (USA) (Sir Gaylord {USA}) and Secretariat (USA) (Bold Ruler {USA}) crosses, Mr Brightside is also line-bred to the outstanding mares Natalma (USA) (Native Dancer {USA}), Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}), Somethingroyal (USA) (Princequillo {Ire}), Almahmoud (USA) (Mahmoud {Fr}) and Flower Bowl (USA) (Alibha {GB}).

G1 TJ Smith S., $2,500,000, 1200m

Racegoers at Randwick were treated to a memorable spectacle with the wonderful sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) racing away to a dominant third consecutive G1 TJ Smith S. victory - in doing so equalling the achievement of the popular grey Chautauqua (Encosta De Lago).

One of his Widden Stud Victoria-based, dual Group 1-winning sire’s 24 stakes winners, Nature Strip was bred by Golden Grove Stud, purchased by his owners after being passed in for $90,000 at the 2016 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.

The winner of 20 of his 37 starts and over $17.9 million in stakes, Nature Strip is out of the G3 Ian McEwen Trophy winner Strikeline (Desert Sun {GB}), also dam of the Listed Fernhill H. winner The Barrister (Star Witness).

Served last spring by Shamus Award (Redoute’s Choice), Strikeline is a half-sister to the G3 Eclipse S. winner Bashful Girl (Perugino {USA}) and the high-class jumper Bashboy (Perugino {USA}) out of the Listed Hopetoun S. winner Strike High (Pre Emptive Strike {Can}).

Nature Strip is bred on a 3 X 4 cross of Danzig (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}) and a 7 X 7 cross of the Kentucky Oaks heroine Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}) via her outstanding sons Bold Reason (USA) (Hail To Reason {USA}) and Never Bend (USA) (Nasrullah {Ire}).

He is a descendant of the wonderful broodmare Friar's Daughter (GB) (Friar Marcus {GB}) whose Classic-winning sons Bahram (GB) (Blandford {Ire}) and Dastur (GB) (Solario {GB}) made a mark on the breed.

G1 Australian Derby, $2,000,000, 2400m

A bit of history at Royal Randwickandwick with Hitotsu (Maurice {Jpn}) the first G1 VRC Derby winner since Mahogany (Last Tycoon {Ire}) to also win the G1 ATC Derby - and what a tough win it was too, coming at only his second run back from a spell on the back of his equally gutsy G1 Australian Guineas victory.

Bred by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, Belford Productions Pty Ltd and Mr H Chambers, Hitotsu was purchased by his original trainer Wendy Kelly for $100,000 at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

One of the six stakes winners for his Arrowfield Stud-based sire, he is the third foal and second winner for the unraced Love Is Fickle (Redoute's Choice), a $250,000 Magic Millions graduate.

Unfortunately missing when paying a return visit to Maurice (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}) last spring, Love Is Fickle foaled a Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}) filly in early November. She is also the dam of a yearling filly by Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and the 2-year-old Matthew Smith-trained Shalaa filly Twelfth Night.

Love Is Fickle is a daughter of the G1 Avondale Gold Cup winner She's A Meanie (NZ) (Prince Salieri) - also dam of the triple Group-winning stallion Love Conquers All (Mossman) and the Listed winner She's Meaner (Falvelon) whose sire son Lean Mean Machine (Zoustar) won two Group 2 races.

Danehill (USA)-line mares are of interest for Maurice whose grandsire Grass Wonder (USA) (who stood briefly and unsuccessfully at Eliza Park) is out of a mare bred on the same Danzig (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can})/His Majesty (USA) (Ribot {GB}) cross as Danehill.

Other highlights of Hitotsu's pedigree include crosses of Never Bend (USA) (Nasrullah {Ire}) and his G1 Kentucky Oaks-winning dam Lalun (USA) (Djeddah {Fr}).

G1 Inglis Sires' Produce S., $1,000,000, 1400m

Joining Pierro (Lonhro), Sebring (More Than Ready {USA}), Dance Hero (Danzero), Encounter (Tierce), Merlene (Danehill {USA}), Burst (Marauding {NZ}), Tierce (Victory Prince), Full On Aces (Kaoru Star), Luskin Star (Kaoru Star), Toy Show (Showdown {GB}), Tontonan (Showdown {GB}), Baguette (Rego {Ire}), Eskimo Prince (Todman) and Fine And Dandy (Star Kingdom {Ire}) as G1 Golden Slipper S. winners also able to take out the G1 Sires' Produce S. win, Fireburn (Rebel Dane) once again put her superior wet track turn of foot on display.

The third Danehill (USA) (Danzig {USA})-line horse to take out the double and the 11th to win this race, Fireburn has done a great job winning five of her six starts.

A homebred for Laurel Oak Bloodstock who also raced her dual Group 1-winning sire Rebel Dane (California Dane), she is her sire’s second stakes winner from his first 13 runners.

Currently being relocated from Victoria, Rebel Dane has only 67 live foals from his first five years at stud.

Fireburn is the first foal for the winner Mull Over (So You Think {NZ}), a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Galizani (Galileo {Ire}) and granddaughter of the G1 Flight S. winner Danarani (Danehill {USA}). She was served last spring by Pierata (Pierro) with her only other foal being a Hallowed Crown (Street Sense {USA}) yearling colt.

The first stakes winner for So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}) as a broodmare sire, Fireburn carries Danehill and Nijinsky II (Can) (Northern Dancer {Can}) duplications.

G2 Chairman's Quality H., $300,000, 2600m

The traditional G1 Sydney Cup lead-up was won in tough fashion by the longshot Nerve Not Verve (NZ) (Shocking) who went into the race on the back of consistent form.

Bred by Cambridge Hunt Ltd and purchased by Bruce Perry Bloodstock for NZ$60,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale, she is the 24th stakes winner for her Rich Hill Stud-based, G1 Melbourne Cup-winning sire.

A half-sister to the G1 Auckland Cup winner Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}), she is is out of the placed Bilancia (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}), half-sister to the dual Listed winner Kasumi (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}).

Not having a great deal of luck in recent years, Bilancia was served last spring by Darci Brahma (NZ) (Danehill {USA}) with her most recent foal being the 3-year-old Sigourney (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) who ran a good race at her debut for the Moroney stables in New Zealand just recently.

G3 Kindegarten S., $200,000, 1100m

Semillion (Shalaa {Ire}) was back in winning form, rewarding favourite backers with a determined victory.

Bred by Robert Crabtree and purchased by International Thoroughbred Solutions for $300,000 at last year's Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, he is one of the five stakes winners for his Arrowfield Stud-based, dual Group 1-winning sire.

Semillion is the third foal produced by the Moonee Valley winner Sistonic (Bel Esprit), also dam of the city winner Seatonic (Sebring). She is a full sister to the Moonee Valley Listed winner Iconic (Bel Esprit) out of a daughter of the dual Group winner Scandinavia (Snippets) - best known as grandam of the mighty Black Caviar (Bel Esprit).

Bred on a 4 X 4 X 4 cross of Danzig (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}), Semillion can also boast amongst his relations the Group 1 gallopers All Too Hard (Casino Prince), Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) and Magnus (Snippets) as well as this season's G3 Quezette S. winner Gimme Par (Not A Single Doubt).

Served last spring by Capitalist (Written Tycoon), Sistonic foaled a Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) in early August having missed the previous season.

G3 Carbine Club S., $200,000, 1600m

An exciting performance by this short-priced favourite who appreciated the step up to the mile.

Bred by Torryburn Stud, Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock) was a $270,000 purchase for Chris Waller Racing at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale.

Bred on a 5 X 4 cross of Sir Tristram (Ire) (Sir Ivor {USA}), he is out of the stakes-placed Imperial Lass (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), half-sister to the triple Group winner La Sizeranne (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) - in turn dam of the Listed Queen Adelaide S. winner Za Moulin Rouge (Street Cry {Ire}).

The G1 ATC Derby winner Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) hails from this branch of the prolific My Tricia (NZ) (Hermes {GB}) family, one which has been so well-represented at the elite-level, by the likes of Grosvenor (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), National Gallery (NZ) (Sir Tristram {Ire}), Lankan Rupee (Redoute’s Choice), Lonhro (Octagonal {NZ}) and Niello (Octagonal {NZ}).

Imperial Lass was served last spring by Wootton Bassett (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) having foaled, in early September, a filly by Pierro (Lonhro). Her previous foal - a filly by Zoustar (Northern Meteor) - is a member of Torryburn’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale draft.

G3 Adrian Knox S., $200,000, 2000m

It was a comprehensive victory for Honeycreeper (Teofilo {Ire}) who was wearing blinkers for the first time.

The Godolphin homebred is the 103rd stakes winner for her sire and the first foal for the dual city winner Painted Firetail (Lonhro).

Served last spring by Exceed And Excel (Danehill {USA}), Painted Firetail is also dam of the 2-year-old Flycatcher (Epaulette) and the yearling Serin (Sidestep).

Foaling an Epaulette (Commands) filly last spring, Painted Firetail is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Gouldian (Street Cry {Ire}) out of a Metropolitan-winning daughter of the dual Group winner Blue Note (Fr) (Habitat {USA}).

Blue Note did a great job at stud producing 11 winners including the G1 Middle Park S. winner Zieten (USA) (Danzig {USA}) and the G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Blue Duster (USA) (Danzig {USA}) - in turn grandam of the triple Group 3 winner Fantasia (GB) (Sadler’s Wells {USA}).

G3 PJ Bell S., $200,000, 1200m

A stakes winner at two and now again at three, Heresy (Street Boss {USA}) was part of a trifecta for Godolphin stallions with the third-placed Arcarded also being by Street Boss (USA) (Street Cry {Ire}) whilst the runner-up Zapateo is a daughter of Brazen Beau (I Am Invincible).

A Godolphin homebred, Heresy is one of her sire's 61 stakes winners. Her dam is the G3 VRC Thoroughbred Breeders' S. winner Montsegur (New Approach {Ire}) who has produced another three winners.

Served last spring by Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) having produced a filly by that same stallion in late October, Montsegur is a half-sister to the G3 Canonbury S. winner Tessera (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) and a full sister to the triple Group winner Paulele (Dawn Approach {Ire}) who was a brave G1 TJ Smith S. third - a good day for the family!

Montsegur's multiple city-winning dam Chatoyant (Flying Spur) is a half-sister to the G1 Empire Rose S. winner Bonaria (Redoute's Choice), the G3 Illawarra Classic winner Time Out (Rory's Jester) and the G3 Sweet Embrace S. winner Legally Bay (Snippets) - in turn dam of the dual Group 1-winning sprinter Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock) and the G2 Roman Consul S. winner Jolie Bay (Fastnet Rock).

A descendant of the famed matriarch Chelandry (GB) (Goldfinch {GB}), Heresy carries three Mr Prospector (USA) (Raise A Native {USA}) strains and her pedigree brings together the close relations Northern Dancer (Can) (Nearctic {Can}), Danehill (USA) (Danzig {USA}), Machiavellian (USA) (Mr Prospector {USA}) and Halo (USA) (Hail To Reason {USA}).

Royal Randwick

Black type results

Black type results: Ascot and Morphettville

2 min read

Ascot: G2 Karrakatta Plate, $500,000, 1200m

Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni {Fr}) remained undefeated with this dominant performance, sealing her claim to the title of Western Australia's best 2-year-old of the season.

A homebred for the Walsh family's Amelia Park, she is the third Australian stakes winner from just 12 local runners for her sire, the Aga Khan, G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner who has had 59 stakes winners (including six Group 1 winners) overall.

Amelia's Jewel is the first foal for the stakes-placed import Bumbasina (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}), half-sister to the G2 Pearl S. winner Epona Plays (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and the G3 Athasi S. winner Dolce Strega (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}).

Served last spring by Capitalist (Written Tycoon), Bumbasina foaled a Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal {USA}) colt in early August with her previous foal being a colt by Merchant Navy (Fastnet Rock) - a yearling who fetched $160,000 to the bid of Yenrise Pty Ltd at the recent Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

The second Chelandry (GB) (Goldfinch {GB}) Group winner for the day (Heresy by Street Boss {USA} the other), Amelia's Jewel is by a stallion out of a mare bred on the same Busted (GB) (Crepello {GB})/Danehill (USA) (Danzig {USA}) cross.

Listed Comrade S., $125,000, 1600m

A debut stakes win for Bruce Almighty (Playing God), a consistent performer who has now won seven of his 43 starts with a further 17 placings to his credit. The eighth stakes winner for his Darling View-based, dual Group 1-winning sire, he was bred by Mungrup Stud out of the Group 3 mare Isanami (Tayasu Tsuyoshi {Jpn}).

Morphettville: Listed Manihi Classic, $107,250, 1100m

A second stakes win for Lombardo (I Am Invincible), a horse who really knows how to find the line having won seven of his 13 starts. Purchased by co-trainer Mick Price for $300,000 at the 2018 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale with co-breeder - Burnewang North's Cathy Hains - remaining in the ownership - Lombardo is one of his sire’s 75 stakes winners. His dam is the stakes-placed, multiple city winner Swinging Babe (Encosta De Lago), also dam of the stakes-placed Resistant (Choisir).

Ascot

Morphettville

Black type results

Black type results: Bendigo

1 min read

Listed Bendigo Guineas, $200,000, 1400m

Doing a good job stepping up in grade off a Class 1 win, Gundec (Kermadec {NZ}) recorded his third win from eight starts. Bred by the St Aubins Scone Partnership and purchased for just $10,000 by Scone Equestrian from an online Inglis Sale, he is the third stakes winner for his Darley-based sire. His dam is an unraced half-sister to the stakes-placed winners Paulini (Singspiel {Ire}) and Tide (Galileo {Ire}).

Listed Golden Mile H., $200,000, 1600m

It was a fourth stakes win for Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) who took his prizemoney tally to beyond $924,000. A homebred for the Tait family, he is one of his former shuttling sire’s 27 stakes winners. His dam is a half-sister to Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}) out of the G1 Thousand Guineas winner Whisked (Whiskey Road {USA}).

Bendigo

Black type results

Black type results: Awapuni

3 min read

Cover image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

G1 Manawatu Sires' Produce S., NZ$245,000, 1400m

A fifth win in a row in this race for Te Akau Racing with Maven Belle (NZ) (Burgundy {NZ}) showing both speed and heart.

A homebred filly, she is one of the seven stakes winners for her late sire, a G3 Breeders' S. winner who died after serving seven books of mares.

She is the third foal and first winner for the stakes-placed, six-time winner Doyenne (NZ) (Kilimanjaro {GB}) whose half-sister is the G1 Telegraph S. winner Levante (NZ) (Proisir).

Served last year by Embellish (NZ) (Savabeel), Doyenne was a bargain broodmare purchase for just NZ$4500.

Boasting Nureyev (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}) and Sir Gaylord (USA) (Turn-To {Ire}) crosses, Maven Belle can count amongst her relations the G1 French Derby winner Bering (GB) (Arctic Tern {USA}), the G1 Secretariat S. winner Bayrir (Fr) (Medicean {GB}) and the local G3 BTC Classic winner Cryptavia (NZ) (Gold Brose).

G2 Awapuni Gold Cup, NZ$110,000, 2000m

Tough to the line recording her second stakes victory, Zola Express (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) enhanced her already great record.

Bred by the Alchemy Family Trust and Windsor Park Stud, she is one of the seven stakes winners for her Windsor Park Stud-based, G1 Newmarket H.-winning sire.

Bred on a 5 X 4 cross of Sir Tristram (Ire) (Sir Ivor {USA}) and a 5 X 6 cross of Mill Reef (USA) (Never Bend {USA}), she is out of the lightly raced Zolana (NZ) (Golan {Ire}), half-sister to the dam of the recent G3 Sunline Vase winner Bellatrix Black (NZ) (Redwood {GB}).

Zolana’s third dam is the G1 Avondale Gold Cup winner Bellota (NZ) (Oakville {GB}) whose descendants include the Group 1 winners Rocket Racer (NZ) (Balmerino {NZ}), Lotteria (Redoute’s Choice) and Taatletail (NZ) (Faltaat {USA}).

Zolana retired from stud duties after producing just two foals, her other being This Is Me (NZ) (Thewayyouare {USA}) who had just two unplaced runs.

G3 Manawatu Classic, NZ$80,000, 2000m

A longshot winner in this feature contest, Amalfi Prince (Sebring) was having his seventh start having previously been beaten in a BM65 event.

Bred by Stephen Wilde and purchased by David Ellis for NZ$90,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Ready to Run Sale, Amalfi Prince is the 74th stakes winner for his late sire.

He is the second foal produced by the stakes-placed, multiple city winner Campania (Dubai Destination {USA}), granddaughter of the G2 Karrakatta Plate winner Born Priceless (Pricelessly {USA}) whose dam is the G3 Queen’s Plate winner Born Rich (Beau Sovereign {NZ}).

Served last spring by Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral {Ire}), Campania produced a filly by that same stallion in early September having missed the previous season. Her previous foal is a colt by Zoustar (Northern Meteor).

Listed Flying S., NZ$60,000, 1400m

Another roughie result at Awapuni with Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) finishing off strongly. One of the 33 stakes winners for his late sire, the homebred for the St Germaine Syndicate is out of the G3 Gold Trail S. winner St Germaine (NZ) (Keeper).

Awapuni

Black type results

This is paid content, please contact advertising@tdnausnz.com.au for more information.

Job Board

5 min read

Elsdon Park - Stud Hand Role

Stud hand role with career progression and development opportunities.

Centrally located in Matamata, New Zealand. Elsdon Park is a newly established thoroughbred breeding farm is seeking a seasoned stud hand to join our experienced, dedicated and fun team.

With JML Bloodstock’s elite broodmare band including Group 1-winning mares Lucia Valentina and Sofia Rosa, the successful applicant will be working with quality bloodstock and will enjoy the advantages of new facilities and a supportive team.

Duties/skill sets include but are not limited to:

- Handling young thoroughbreds with positive horsemanship

- Assisting with sales preparation and presentation of thoroughbreds across Australasian sales

- Working closely and competently with vets, farriers and other industry professionals

- Assisting with the upkeep of the farm grounds

- Work well in a small team

- Always be honest, reliable and dedicated to your team and the animals you are working with

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be part of a new and expanding operation.

An attractive remuneration package for the successful applicant with the possibility of on-farm accommodation.

Please email your covering letter and CV to Kerrie Cox at kerrie@elsdonpark.com.

Applications close Friday, April 22.

Daandine Stud - Stud Manager

An exciting opportunity exists for a motivated and experienced individual as Stud Manager of Daandine Stud.

Daandine Stud is a progressive boutique Thoroughbred operation situated in the picturesque Goomburra Valley on the Darling Downs.

Daandine has been run by the same family for four generations.

The Stud operates as a private breeding /yearling production farm selling yearlings at the major sales, principally the Magic Millions.

Written Tycoon, Capitalist and Isotope have all been bred and sold by the Daandine Stud.

The position requires the successful applicant to have experience in foaling mares, yearling preparation, farming, fencing and general farm maintenance. A medium rigid truck licence is an advantage.

The position offers the opportunity for the right applicant to work with quality bloodstock with an enthusiastic team working to produce racing stock from a farm that is well-established in the industry.

An attractive salary package is available including a three bedroom home on-farm which is negotiable with the successful applicant.

Applications are held in the strictest confidence.

Contact: Resume and References to craig@boomerbloodstock.com

VINERY STUD - Marketing and Bloodstock Officer

A unique position has become available at a leading horse breeding operation in the famed Upper Hunter Valley.

The role is a full-time position in the marketing and bloodstock divisions, based at Segenhoe, just 10 minutes east of Scone.

We require someone who can implement marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and position our stallions at front of mind.

As the Marketing and Bloodstock Officer, you will work closely with our bloodstock team to effectively create and disseminate content relating to the farm and the successes of the Vinery horses. You will also be involved in event planning, client communications, data entry, sale and nominations administration and updating all of Vinery’s public channels.

More about the role:

- An exciting and varied position

- The chance to learn graphic design

- Enhance your photography skills

- Coordinate and develop content for digital marketing campaigns

- Manage and create content for social media

- Regularly post to, and update, the Vinery website

- Photograph bloodstock for client updates

- Meet advertising deadlines

- Assist the bloodstock team with sales and nominations

- Enter data on ARDEX horse management software

- Coordinate creative agencies and other third parties related to marketing projects and outsourced work

- Opportunities to travel to sales and races

1/5

Skills required:

- Excellent time management

- Self-motivated

- Superior written and verbal communication skills

- Creative and able to think outside of the box

- Digital savvy with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Mac OS

- Willingness to learn new things

- Ability to work well as part of a team

- Good organisational skills with the ability to work to deadlines

Desirable skills:

- Experience with horses and/or the Thoroughbred industry

- Working knowledge of ARDEX

This role is for an immediate start and carries an attractive remuneration package that is commensurate with experience plus the national standard rate of super.

We are motivated to find the right person for our team. There will be many opportunities for on-the-job training so please don’t hesitate to send in your application.

Apply now!

Your application must include:

- A cover letter outlining your motivation to apply for this opportunity

- Your resume

Email your application to racheal@vinery.com.au or feel free to call Racheal with any questions on 02 6543 8333 during business hours.

TYREEL STUD - FOALING ATTENDANT/YEARLING ASSISTANT

Tyreel Stud is a boutique thoroughbred breeding operation located in the Hawkesbury Valley district of Sydney and we are seeking an enthusiastic person to join our dynamic team as a Foaling Attendant and Yearling Assistant to play a key role in Tyreel Stud’s future progress.

The successful candidate would display a keen interest in all areas of thoroughbred stud work with an emphasis on the care and wellbeing of all horses. This position is available for someone who has had previous foaling and yearling experience.

This position may suit someone who has not had the opportunity to be in a managerial position but would like to have the opportunity to grow into the position of Yearling Manager.

There is a large emphasis on this role to have had previous experience with foaling and yearling work.

You will have the opportunity to work with some quality stock and people. This position is available to start during May or June.

The role will include:

• Yearling sales preparation and attendance at sales

• Broodmares

• Foaling and foal growth, development and handling

• Weaning

• General farm maintenance

The right applicant will be rewarded with an attractive salary and conditions. Tyreel Stud is located at Agnes Banks, NSW (Hawkesbury Valley) - just one hour from Sydney CBD.

An attractive remuneration package including above-award salary package + accommodation included. If you feel now is the time to work with some future Classique Legends of the industry please get in touch with us.

To apply and/or for more information please call Linda Monds on 0427 948 244 or email your interest/resume to linda@tyreel.com

Looking Ahead - April 3

Sponsored by

5 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.

We start off on Sunday at Sale, with a pair of well-credentialled 3-year-olds shooting for maiden victories. Our other selection is at Gawler, where a bold debut performance at Morphettville last month appears to be strong form.

Sale, Race 3, 2.10pm AEST, Kwik Tip Bins Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1108m

Forbes, 3-year-old colt (Capitalist x Booklet {Tale Of The Cat {USA}})

On the face of it, there might be nothing remarkable about Forbes’ formline – just one second-placing from five career starts to date. But a closer look points to him being hard to beat in a maiden race at Sale this weekend.

The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt made his debut in the Listed Merson Cooper S. at Sandown in November of 2020, finishing second and beaten by 0.1l. The horse that beat him was none other than the superstar Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}).

Forbes has admittedly mixed his form since then, finishing eighth at Canterbury, fourth at Caulfield, second-last in the G2 Danehill S. at Flemington and a last-start fourth at Bendigo last October. But anything close to his best would make him hard to beat in the third race at Sale on Sunday, where he will be ridden by Ethan Brown from gate six.

Forbes was bred by Nick Vass and was offered by Newgate Farm at the 2020 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, where James Harron Bloodstock bought him for $750,000.

Forbes as a yearling | Image courtesy of Magic Millions

He is by Capitalist out of Booklet, whose three wins included the Listed Adelaide Guineas. She also placed in the G2 Blazer S., G3 PFD Food Services S., Listed Desirable S. and Listed Twilight Glow S.

The third dam of Forbes is the outstanding Kiwi mare Spyglass (NZ) (Sir Sian {NZ}), whose six wins included the rare Group 1 double of the Ellerslie Sires’ Produce S. as a 2-year-old and the Auckland Cup as an older mare.

Booklet is the dam of two foals to race, and both have performed at stakes level. Forbes’ half-brother Groundbreak (All Too Hard) has won four races and also finished fourth in the Listed Talindert S.

Sale, Race 5, 3.30pm AEST, Duart Homestead 3YO Mdn Plate, $35,000, 1208m

Is This Love, 3-year-old filly (Redoute’s Choice x Breakfast In Bed {Hussonet {USA}})

A win is well overdue for This Is Love, whose three starts to date have produced three second-placings – beaten by ever-shrinking margins of 1l, 0.5l and 0.3l. With Ethan Brown taking the ride for Peter and Paul Snowden from a handy draw in gate two, Sunday might finally be the day.

Is This Love was offered by breeders Segenhoe Stud at the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where Yu Long Investments bought her for $425,000.

By legendary sire Redoute’s Choice, the filly is a daughter of Breakfast In Bed, who won seven races and placed in the Listed Nudgee H., Just Now H. and Gai Waterhouse Classic.

Is This Love as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

But it has been as a broodmare that Breakfast In Bed has really made her mark, with two winners headed by Is This Love's top-class full brother King's Legacy. Also trained by the Snowden's, King's Legacy won the G1 ATC Sires' Produce S. and Champagne S., along with placings in the G1 Golden Rose and G3 BJ McLachlan S.

Breakfast In Bed is also a half-sister to Group 1 winner Oohood (I Am Invincible), and is a close relative of outstanding stallion Not A Single Doubt.

Gawler, Race 3, 2.35pm AEST, Kingsford Hotel Mdn Plate, $21,800, 1500m

Flittell, 3-year-old gelding (Choisir x Donnica {Flying Spur})

This race looks like an ideal second step for Flittell, who ran a big race on debut over 1250 metres at Morphettville on March 19. Sitting in 10th place among a 12-horse field with only 400 metres remaining, he charged home down the straight to finish third. The extra 250 metres of Sunday’s race should be ideal for the Shayne Cahill-trained runner, and Campbell Rawiller will take the ride from gate two.

Bred by Fernrigg Farm, Flittell has made three trips through the sale ring. He was bought for $31,000 at the 2019 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, $60,000 at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, and NZ$80,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale.

Flittell as a yearling | Image courtesy of Inglis

Flittell is by Choisir out of Donnica, who is a sibling to two black-type producers. Her full sister Roedean (Flying Spur) placed in the G3 Blue Diamond Preview (Fillies) and is the dam of high-class filly Me Me Lagarde (Star Turn) – the winner of the Listed Gold Edition Plate and runner-up in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas. Donnica’s half-sister Not Jude’s Choice (Celtic Swing {GB}) is the dam of multiple Listed winner Balf’s Choice (Written Tycoon).

Looking Back

Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock) lived up to expectations and then some, powering clear for a super-impressive win in Saturday’s G3 Fujitsu General Carbine Club S. at Randwick. Our other two selections, Asteria (Capitalist) and Shalaman (Shalaa {Ire}), both finished outside the placings.

Looking Ahead

Looking Back

Daily News Wrap

Sponsored by

10 min read

Minor setback for Anamoe

There will be a close watch on Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) leading into next Saturday’s G1 Queen Elizabeth S. at Randwick after the superstar 3-year-old was reported to have had a minor issue over the last few days.

A dazzling 6.57l winner of the Rosehill Guineas in his most recent appearance, Anamoe reportedly had a temperature spike earlier this week.

“James Cummings has advised that Anamoe was found to have a slightly elevated temperature for a short period earlier this week,” Racing NSW stewards said in a statement.

Anamoe | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“He said that two subsequent blood samples taken from Anamoe on March 30 and April 1 identified slight abnormalities with the blood profile of the colt.

“Mr Cummings has further advised that Anamoe has not missed any work as a result of the abnormalities and he would provide Stewards with a further update on subsequent blood samples to be taken next week.”

Godolphin trifecta in PJ Bell

The all-blue colours of Godolphin ran rampant in the last race of the day at Randwick on Saturday, filling all of the first four positions in the G3 China Horse Club PJ Bell S.

Heresy (Street Boss {USA}), a last-start fourth placegetter in the G1 Surround S., lived up to her favouritism with a 0.41l victory, and she was ably supported by stablemates Zapateo (Brazen Beau), Arcaded (Street Boss {USA}) and Larkspur Run (Shamardal {USA}). All of the quartet are trained by James Cummings.

Heresy leads home the first four Godolphin runners in the G3 PJ Bell S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“It’s nice for the stable to get the first four, and that’s my first trifecta,” Cummings said. “It’s difficult to cheer three horses at once!

“We don’t normally like running so many of them against each other. They could all go their separate ways now – one can go to Scone, one to Adelaide, one to Brisbane and one could run in two weeks in the JB Carr, so it gives us a lot of options.

“Heresy had been going so well in this preparation. She was 100-1 in the Light Fingers and Surround, and she didn’t have the best of luck and could have finished closer. This really vindicated the training that she had been putting in.”

Honeycreeper bursts into Oaks contention

Jockey Hugh Bowman is a five-time Australian Oaks winner, only one short of Roy Higgins’ all-time record, and Saturday’s G3 TAB Adrian Knox S. at Randwick may have handed him a last-minute shot at an equaliser.

Previously an Oaks winner aboard Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed {GB}), Streama (Stratum), Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi {GB}), Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) and Unforgotten (Fastnet Rock), Bowman guided Honeycreeper (Teofilo {Ire}) to a commanding win in Saturday’s final lead-up to the fillies’ Classic. The Godolphin filly stretched out powerfully in the last 100 metres to score by 3.15l.

Honeycreeper produces a powerful run to win the G3 Adrian Knox S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“I presume she’s in the Oaks next Saturday, and funnily enough I don’t have a ride,” Bowman said. “Who would have thought?

“She won’t have any troubles with the Oaks distance. It was a dominant performance and she’ll race very well next week, if she backs up in the Oaks. The ground is very testing, but she seemed to travel through it well. I had a lapful of horse and just let her increase within herself, and she did the rest.”

Trained by James Cummings, Honeycreeper has now had 11 starts for three wins and six placings. She was a last-start placegetter in the Listed Tasmanian Oaks.

Black-type breakthrough for Nerve Not Verve

Talented mare Nerve Not Verve (NZ) (Shocking) hit a new career high with her first black-type victory in Saturday’s G2 Schweppes Chairman’s Quality at Randwick.

Close up in a G1 New Zealand Oaks and G2 Lowland S. as a 3-year-old, Nerve Not Verve has been hard to follow at times but has struck a rich vein of form in recent weeks. After winning at Moonee Valley in late February, she ventured to Sydney for a second placing in the G3 Epona S. and Saturday’s valuable first stakes success.

“She actually came close to retirement after running terribly at Moonee Valley one day,” trainer Mike Moroney admitted. “But I just thought she was badly in season that day, and then she came out and won her next start.

Nerve Not Verve (NZ) claims a first black-type victory in the G2 Chairman's Quality at Randwick | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“She’s a really good staying mare. I’ve always been a believer that she would stay. I think it’s the combination of her learning to relax a little bit more, as well as this sort of ground that she’s obviously adept in. She’s done a great job.

“We’ve got a little to think about now whether we head to Queensland or what we do with her. She’s deep into her preparation, but as you know with mares like that, they can stay in form.”

A half-sister to the G1 Auckland Cup winner Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}), Nerve Not Verve was bought for NZ$60,000 by Bruce Perry Bloodstock from the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale. She has now had 39 starts for seven wins, 11 placings and $483,783 in stakes.

Another Carbine Club for Waller

Champion trainer Chris Waller celebrated his third G3 Fujitsu General Carbine Club S. victory in the last four years as Straight Arron (Fastnet Rock) dominated the $200,000 feature at Randwick on Saturday.

Making just the third start of his career and his first at stakes level, the up-and-coming gelding powered clear to score by 2.66l in the hands of top jockey James McDonald.

Straight Arron followed in the footsteps of Waller’s 2019 Carbine Club S. winner Ringerdingding (Sebring) and 2021 winner Kiku (Zoustar).

Straight Arron dominated the field to win the G3 Carbine Club S. at Randwick | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

“It was good to see him show good acceleration – he made it look easy,” Waller said. “We’ll just slowly raise the bar. He looks like he is a nice, progressive horse. He is well-bred. The owners are nice and patient, so they’ve given me the opportunity to give him time. I’ve found, with horses like that, they can keep raising the bar. He’s got a really bright future, and his pedigree would suggest he can get to 2000 metres.”

A son of G1 Queensland Oaks placegetter Imperial Lass (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), from the family of Group 1 stars Tavago (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) and La Sizeranne (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}), Straight Arron was a $270,000 purchase from Torryburn Stud’s draft at the 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Torryburn Stud will offer a half-sister to Straight Arron by Zoustar, catalogued as Lot 223 in the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Another One goes one better

Runner-up in last year’s Newhaven Park Country Championships Final at Randwick, Another One (Super One) returned 12 months later and went one better.

The 4-year-old gelding got the better of Commando Hunt (Time For War) and Amulet Street (Epaulette) in an exciting finish, and he is now the winner of six races and more than $780,000 in a 15-start career.

Another One went one better to claim victory in the Newhaven Park Country Championships at Randwick | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

“This horse has improved and matured,” trainer Gary Colvin said. “They were all asking, ‘Is he better than last year?’ And I said I thought he was. That was a terrific win.

“I’ll think about the Town Plate at Wagga and then giving him a spell, and hopefully someone might pick him up for The Kosciuszko.”

Cherry Tortoni heads Payne double

Trainer Patrick Payne enjoyed a big day at Bendigo on Saturday, winning the Listed Bet365 Golden Mile with Cherry Tortoni (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and the $200,000 The Big Screen Company Bendigo St Leger Trial with The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}).

Payne took particular satisfaction from Cherry Tortoni’s performance, which was the sixth win of a 19-start career that has often seen the gelding drop a long way back in the running and give himself too much to do.

Cherry Tortoni was victorious in the Listed Golden Mile at Bendigo

“He’s a very genuine horse, and maybe he’s tagged with a little bit of a stink next to his name,” Payne said. “But he’s a very honest horse and still only a young horse, he’s only a 4-year-old.

“There might be a race for him in Adelaide, but we’ll just wait and see. There’s no need to rush him.”

Gundec takes Guineas

Symon Wilde turned a $10,000 price tag into black-type success when Gundec (Kermadec {NZ}) won Saturday’s Listed Mitchelton Wines Bendigo Guineas.

The colt was bought for only $10,000 from an Inglis Online Sale in 2020, and he has now earned $199,200 in a career that has featured three wins and a second placing from eight starts to date. He also contested the Victoria Derby at Flemington in the spring, finishing 12th.

“We bought him to run in the Derby and he got there, but we did a speed gene test on him and it showed that he might be better, more effective, over shorter trips,” Wilde said. “We've trained him that way since then and he's been really sharp.”

Millar celebrates first Group 2 win

New Plymouth trainer Janelle Millar picked up the biggest win of her career when progressive staying mare Zola Express (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) won Saturday’s G2 City of Palmerston North Awapuni Gold Cup.

The win was Millar’s first at Group 2 level and fifth stakes win overall. Two of those black-type successes have come this season with Zola Express, who has now had 17 starts for five wins and six placings. She won the Listed Wanganui Cup in November and ran second in the G3 Taranaki Cup in February.

Zola Express (NZ) wins the G2 Awapuni Gold Cup | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“She just keeps on improving, and she deserves this win,” Millar said. “This is probably the biggest race I’ve won, and this is right up there with the highlights of my career. Every win is a good one, but these are extra special. This is something we have worked towards for so long, and this is a horse that just tries so hard every time.”

Millar is a granddaughter of highly respected former Taranaki trainer Jack Taylor.

Germanicus breaks frustrating run

An upset victory in Saturday’s Listed Bramco Granite and Marble Flying S. at Awapuni ended a frustrating run for the talented Germanicus (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}).

It was the first win a 16-start dry spell dating back to January 20 for the gelding, who has now scored a total of five victories in a 28-start career.

A son of Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter St Germaine (NZ) (Keeper), Germanicus has frequently struck bad luck in a recent run of form that includes a third in the G3 Anniversary H., sixth in the G1 WFA Classic and sixth in the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile.

Danica Guy with Germanicus (NZ) after winning the Listed Flying S. at Awapuni | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk

“He always tries hard but is always unlucky and gets himself into awkward positions,” trainer Danica Guy said. “It’s such a relief to see him do that today.

“There was a question mark dropping back in distance today, but his work had been enormous. He just needs a bit of pace on to take bad luck out of the equation, and he got it today.”

Daily News Wrap

Debutants

1 min read

First-time starters lining up on Sunday, April 3

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1 min read

First Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, April 2

First Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, April 3

First Season Sire Results

First Season Sire Runners

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

Second Season Sires’ Results

Results: Saturday, April 2

Second Season Sires’ Runners

Runners: Sunday, April 3

Second Season Sire Results

Second Season Sire Runners

NSW Race Results