Written by Trent Masenhelder
Cover image courtesy of Trish Dunell
The feature race in New Zealand on Saturday may be the G3 Metric Mile at Awapuni, but the opening event at Tauranga is certain to create plenty of interest, given it’s for 2-year-olds.
Just six juveniles are slated to face the starter in the 950-metre maiden, with two of those - Knowledge Is Power (NZ) (Written Tycoon) and About Last Night (NZ) (Capitalist) - trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson for the all-conquering Te Akau Racing operation.
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson | Image courtesy of Te Akau Racing
Te Akau has already notched a 2-year-old win this season, with the Star Witness filly Bellatrix Star taking out the first juvenile race of the new term at Wanganui on September 2.
“The two we have in on Saturday, I think they’re both going to end up being really good horses,” Te Akau principal David Ellis told The Thoroughbred Report.
“The two (Knowledge Is Power and About Last Night) we have in on Saturday, I think they’re both going to end up being really good horses.” - David Ellis
“We’ll give them one or two starts, then a break, then get them ready for the (NZ$1 million) Karaka Million 2YO (at Ellerslie on January 27).”
Ellis said Bellatrix Star went for a two-week spell after her debut victory and has just gone back into work.
Knowledge Is Power was consigned by Curraghmore at this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1). The colt was bought by Ellis for NZ$260,000. He is the first foal of the six-time winner Hectopascal (NZ) (Pins) - a half-sister to the stakes performers Meeghan (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}) and Reevederci (Reliable Man {GB}). The colt is closely related to the Group 3 scorer and Group 1 placegetter Ice Queen (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}).
Knowledge Is Power (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Bred by Gerry Harvey, About Last Night was offered by Westbury Stud at the 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale (Book 1). She was purchased by Ellis for NZ$75,000. The filly is the second foal of the unraced Fastnet Rock mare Kissmelikearocksta, who is a sister to the Listed winner Triple Ex. About Last Night’s grandam, Love And Kisses (Encosta De Lago), placed at Group 1 level and she is a half-sister to the stakes performer Rose Pattern (Redoute’s Choice).
“The filly will probably win on Saturday, but the colt’s pretty good, too,” Ellis added.
“The filly (About Last Night) will probably win on Saturday, but the colt’s (Knowledge Is Power) pretty good, too.” - David Ellis
“About Last Night hails from a lovely family.”
Knowledge Is Power will be handled by Opie Bosson and he jumps from barrier four, while About Last Night, who has the services of Warren Kennedy, will break from stall two.
About Last Night (NZ) as a yearling | Image courtesy of New Zealand Bloodstock
Meanwhile, Westbury Stud’s freshman sire Ferrando (NZ) - a son of Fast ‘N’ Famous - will have his first runners. The Group 2 winner will be represented by Grove Street (NZ) and Skymax (NZ) - both for Team Rogerson.
