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New Zealand Racing News
Sunday, January 31 2021
Local galloper impresses at Pukekohe

Local runner El Tirador (NZ) (Shocking) provided a dashing display on his home track at Pukekohe on Sunday when he strode home to defeat his age-group rivals over 1400m.

Posted by: AT 09:49 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 31 2021
Sinarahma set for another Group One target

Although he enjoyed a wonderful day at Trentham on Saturday, trainer Allan Sharrock was left with a niggling feeling of what might have been had his promising mare Sinarahma (NZ) (Savabeel) jumped with the field in the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m).

Posted by: AT 09:48 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 31 2021
South Islander goes close to massive Cup upset

Over the 147-year history of the Wellington Cup, the famous Trentham two-miler has witnessed any number of upset victories, but none would have been as great as the one that South Island stayer Bluey’s Chance (NZ) (Remind) nearly pulled off on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 09:46 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 30 2021
All About Magic takes Timaru Stakes

Consistent mare All About Magic (NZ) (Showcasing) got her just rewards when she came with a sustained finish from near last to capture the Listed Speight’s Timaru Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:07 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 30 2021
Sharrock gets prized trophy with Waisake

Race favourite Waisake (NZ) (Zed) completed a plan that was eight months in the making when he stormed home to take out the Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:06 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 30 2021
Melody Belle equals the mighty Sunline with Trentham victory

Dual New Zealand Horse of the Year Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) has equalled the record of the mighty mare Sunline after completing her 13th career Group One win when taking out the Gr.1 Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 10:04 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 30 2021
Force Of Will too strong in Desert Gold Stakes

Matamata visitor Force Of Will (NZ) (Power) carried on her winning way when she proved too strong for her rivals in the Gr.3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:03 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 29 2021
Vance scanning weather reports for signs of rain

Trainer Bob Vance won’t mind if the warm temperatures and fine sunny days in Auckland went missing at Pukekohe on Sunday.

Posted by: AT 10:02 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 29 2021
Tyler duo refreshed ahead of Trentham assignments

Fully recovered from a gruelling float trip from Southland, don’t be surprised if stablemates Dr Velocious (NZ) (Haradasun) and Tobilicious (NZ) (Natural Destiny) improve on their first-day performances when they contest the big prizes at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:01 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 29 2021
Wellington Cup favourite ready for two-mile mission

A day out from the running of the Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) trainer Allan Sharrock is itching to get the show on the road.

Posted by: AT 10:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 28 2021
Marsh keen on stakes success for honest mare

Trainer Stephen Marsh believes Belle Fascino (NZ) (Per Incanto) is deserving of success at black type level and will look to achieve that with the seven-year-old mare at Riccarton this weekend.

Posted by: AT 10:22 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 28 2021
Century for Richards and Te Akau Racing

Trainer Jamie Richards became the fastest in the history of New Zealand racing to reach 100 wins in a season when Exaltation scored at Hastings on Thursday.

Posted by: AT 09:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 28 2021
Life's a beach for Ritchie as he gets set for Trentham features

Trainer Shaune Ritchie couldn’t wait to get his toes in the sand at Waitarere Beach as he went about putting the final touches on his four stable runners set to compete at the Wellington Cup meeting at Trentham this Saturday.

Posted by: AT 09:57 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 28 2021
Unique virtual Karaka experience for Moroney

Paul Moroney has had a unique experience purchasing horses at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale this year.

Posted by: AT 09:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 27 2021
Aegon ready to embark on familiar path

Aegon’s (NZ) career looks set to mirror that of his sire Sacred Falls for a little while yet, with a trip to the Sydney autumn carnival on the way.

Posted by: AT 10:21 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 27 2021
Collett star resting up before Easter challenge

Promising miler Super Strike (NZ) (Super Easy) has another week to go on his summer holiday before trainer Richard Collett gets serious about a two-race campaign in the autumn that will culminate in a bid to win the Gr.2 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 10:20 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 27 2021
Cup meeting holds fond memories for Elliot

The Wellington Cup meeting holds fond memories for jockey Ryan Elliot and he is hoping to create some more at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:19 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 26 2021
Gibbs praying for a storm

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs is welcoming the wet weather forecast ahead of the Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:18 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 26 2021
Latta duo on trial for Oaks mission

Promising three-year-olds Passione (NZ) (Proisir) and Charms Star (NZ) (Per Incanto) will take their next steps on the path to a possible Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) assignment at Trentham in March when they tackle the Gr.3 New Zealand Bloodstock Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at the Wellington venue on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:17 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 25 2021
Training legend marks 60 years at National Yearling Sale

Legendary conditioner Dave O’Sullivan vividly remembers the first time he went to the National Yearling Sale as a raw 27-year-old with a newly minted trainers’ license in his back pocket.

Posted by: AT 10:16 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 25 2021
Levante on track for next Group One challenge

Two days after her superlative win in the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie on Karaka Million night on Saturday, exciting four-year-old Levante (NZ) (Proisir) was enjoying a relaxing morning in her paddock at the Matamata property of her trainers Ken and Bev Kelso.

Posted by: AT 10:15 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 25 2021
Threading a path to the Oaks

Needle And Thread (Makfi) had her crowning glory at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day when taking out the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) and now trainers Stephen Autridge and Kris Shailer are wanting to extend her reign.

Posted by: AT 10:14 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 24 2021
Montre Moi presents Derby credentials in Karaka Million 3YO Classic

A slashing late finish by lightly raced three-year-old Montre Moi (NZ) (Showcasing) at Ellerslie on Saturday evening has co-trainer Johno Benner excited for his Group One prospects at the same venue in March.

Posted by: AT 11:06 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 24 2021
Innes full of admiration for Karaka Million 3YO Classic winner

Rider Leith Innes admitted his confidence soared when he was legged aboard top three-year-old Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) in the Ellerslie parade ring on Saturday evening.

Posted by: AT 11:05 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 24 2021
Tiptronic back to best at Ellerslie

Trainer Graham Richardson reckons he may have finally figured out what makes stable star Tiptronic (NZ) (O’Reilly) tick.

Posted by: AT 11:04 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 23 2021
Aegon triumphs in epic Karaka Million 3YO Classic

In a titanic tussle that lived up to the pre-race hype, Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) kept his perfect record intact with a thrilling win over Amarelinha in Saturday’s Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 11:03 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 23 2021
Te Akau extends Karaka Million dominance

A brilliant performance by On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau), chased home by three of his stablemates, has added another chapter to trainer Jamie Richards and the Te Akau Racing team’s incredible dominance of the DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m).

Posted by: AT 11:02 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 23 2021
Te Akau Racing to the fore on Karaka Million racenight

Classy three-year-old Need I Say More (No Nay Never) made his first run at Ellerslie a winning one when he lumped topweight of 60.5kgs to victory in the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m), the first race on Karaka Million night.

Posted by: AT 11:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 23 2021
Levante simply brilliant in Westbury Classic

Racing fans were left shaking their heads at Ellerslie on Saturday evening after witnessing exciting mare Levante (NZ) (Proisir) take out the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m).

Posted by: AT 10:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 23 2021
Showemhowitsdone survives scary moment to take Gore Guineas

Connections of Riccarton visitor Showemhowitsdone (NZ) (Showcasing) had to endure some anxious moments before her victory in the Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m) was confirmed on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 10:50 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 22 2021
Karaka Million heavy hitters join forces

The two leading figures of Karaka Million night, Te Akau and racing group Boys Get Paid, are set to join forces for the first time at Karaka this week.

Posted by: AT 11:19 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 22 2021
Richards excited about potential match race

Trainer Jamie Richards won the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) last year with Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) and he is hoping he has a filly who can repeat the dose on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:18 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 22 2021
In-form fillies give strong Guineas hand to Dennis

This season is shaping up to be the best one yet for young Woodlands trainer Robert Dennis, and Saturday’s Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas (1335m) could be the race that confirms it.

Posted by: AT 11:17 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 22 2021
Nakhle puts sales cap on for Karaka 2021

You could forgive Daniel Nakhle if he told you he wasn’t quite sure what hat he was wearing on any given day of the week.

Posted by: AT 11:16 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 22 2021
Clotworthys break new ground with Seven Twenty

Shaun and Emma Clotworthy will take their Byerley Park stable into uncharted territory at Ellerslie this weekend.

Posted by: AT 10:43 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 21 2021
Aegon heads quality Karaka Million book for Innes

Ellerslie’s Karaka Million features are among the few major New Zealand races missing from the CV of top jockey Leith Innes, and he’s hoping star three-year-old Aegon can change that this weekend.

Posted by: AT 11:14 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 21 2021
Trentham dress rehearsal for Da Vinci Girl

Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman are looking forward to giving Da Vinci Girl her first look at Trentham on Saturday, with the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) her main aim at the Wellington track in March.

Posted by: AT 11:13 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 21 2021
Classic goals for McKee's Karaka Million pair

Stephen McKee will have two runners in the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Saturday and he has Classic ambitions for both horses.

Posted by: AT 11:12 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 20 2021
Te Akau vying for five-peat

Two years ago Probabeel (NZ) (Savabeel) overcame her outside barrier to win the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and trainer Jamie Richards is hoping another of his runners can replicate that performance in the Doubletree By Hilton sponsored race on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:31 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 20 2021
Melody Belle pleases in Te Rapa hit-out

Dual Horse of the Year Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) and stablemate Te Akau Caliburn (Camelot) had an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Wednesday ahead of their feature targets at Trentham at the end of the month.

Posted by: AT 11:11 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 20 2021
Classic targets for Marsh duo

Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is looking forward to tackling some Classic targets with a pair of promising three-year-olds.

Posted by: AT 11:09 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 20 2021
Australian campaign on horizon for Concert Hall

Three of Australia’s feature middle distance races are on the cards for classy Cambridge mare Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) this autumn.

Posted by: AT 11:08 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 19 2021
Karaka Million Barrier Draw

New Zealand Bloodstock will undertake a live barrier draw for the $1m DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) and $1m Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at their Karaka Sales Complex on Wednesday.

Posted by: AT 11:30 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 19 2021
Moana Jewel faces Sydney test

Wyong trainer Tracey Bartley remains optimistic about the chances of Moana Jewel (NZ) (Ocean Park) who heads to Randwick on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:28 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 19 2021
Australian campaign for Brando

He’s got the movie star looks and now exciting Savabeel colt Brando (NZ) will be out to showcase his talents on the international stage.

Posted by: AT 11:27 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 19 2021
Pike turns back the clock with Sacred Elixir

Fairytales don’t often come true, but Tony Pike is very hopeful that comeback horse Sacred Elixir (NZ) (Pour Moi) can provide him with one.

Posted by: AT 11:26 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 18 2021
Chris Johnson celebration raceday

The Canterbury Jockey Club racemeeting this coming Thursday, 21 January 2020, will celebrate the career of leading South Island jockey Chris Johnson.

Posted by: AT 11:25 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 18 2021
Moana worse for wear

Smart filly Moana (NZ) (Ocean Park) pulled up worse for wear following a bumping duel with boom colt Brando (NZ) (Savabeel) in Saturday’s Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in which she finished seventh behind Bonham (Per Incanto), who narrowly prevailed from Brando.

Posted by: AT 11:24 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 18 2021
Bosson loses court appeal

Champion jockey Opie Bosson is set to miss New Zealand’s richest race meeting, the Karaka Million at Ellerslie on Saturday, after his High Court appeal against careless riding charges was unsuccessful on Monday.

Posted by: AT 11:23 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 18 2021
Karaka Million dream turning to reality

Ruakaka trainer Kenny Rae is like a kid before Christmas as he counts down to Saturday’s $1m Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 11:21 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 18 2021
Emotional win for Corbett

It’s been a tough month for trainer Peter Corbett, but some light was put back into his life on Saturday when his pride and joy Dee And Gee (NZ) (Darci Brahma) recaptured form when storming home late to win the Waikouaiti Cup (2200m) at Wingatui.

Posted by: AT 11:20 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 17 2021
Delayed return for Hannam

Popular horseman Robbie Hannam has suffered a setback in his return from a broken femur that will see him off the scene for at least another seven months.

Posted by: AT 11:53 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 17 2021
Understated Otaki couple enjoy Group One success

Trainer Johno Benner was hard at work on Sunday morning cutting grass for the horses in the stable that he operates with partner Hollie Wynyard, a far cry from the dizzying heights the couple had experienced less than twenty-four hours earlier.

Posted by: AT 11:52 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 17 2021
Ton up but Johnson looking for more

Leading rider Danielle Johnson streaked to a century of wins for the season when she took out the Listed IRT No.1 Wellesley Stakes (1000m) on Quattro Quinta (NZ) (Darci Brahma) at Trentham on Saturday, but in typical fashion is hungry for plenty more winners in the coming months.

Posted by: AT 11:50 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 17 2021
Wellington Cup high on Sharrock's wish-list

A perfect dress rehearsal from Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) pre-post favourite Waisake (NZ) (Zed) at Trentham on Saturday has trainer Allan Sharrock brimming with confidence about his chances in the main event in a fortnight.

Posted by: AT 11:49 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 16 2021
Johnson brings up a century of wins at Trentham

The runaway leader of the National jockeys’ premiership, Danielle Johnson, notched her 100th winner for the season when she guided Te Akau Racing two-year-old Quattro Quinta (NZ) (Darci Brahma) to victory in the Listed IRT No.1 Wellesley Stakes (1000m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:07 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 16 2021
Avantage goes back to back in Telegraph

Class prevailed at Trentham on Saturday when versatile mare Avantage was at her very best in taking out the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) for the second year in succession.

Posted by: AT 11:47 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 16 2021
Valuable Trentham Stakes victory for Our Hail Mary

Well-related and talented staying mare Our Hail Mary scored a strong win in Saturday’s Gr.3 Dixon & Dunlop Trentham Stakes that counted for much more than its $70,000 stake.

Posted by: AT 11:45 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 16 2021
Bonham takes out Trentham three-year-old feature

Talented three-year-old Bonham showed she is a filly of the highest quality when winning the Gr.1 Devan Plastics Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:41 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 16 2021
Famous colours to the fore in Anniversary

Six decades on from the heyday of the legendary sprinter Yahabeebe, the same colours have played a starring role at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 11:40 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 15 2021
Te Akau pair sneak into Karaka Million

Te Akau have bolstered their numbers for the $1M Doubletree By Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) next week with a good result at Tauranga on Friday.

Posted by: AT 12:06 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 15 2021
Hunta Pence eyeing stakes three-peat

Hunta Pence (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) will be out to make it three stakes victories on-end when he contests the Gr.3 Dixon & Dunlop Trentham Stakes (2100m) on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:05 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 15 2021
Tyler mares primed for Waikouaiti Cup

Kelvin and Aimee Tyler will have a two-pronged attack in the Dunedin Casino Waikouaiti Cup (2200m) at Wingatui on Saturday, and they think both are in with a winning chance.

Posted by: AT 12:04 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 14 2021
Tavi Mac steps into Seabiscuit role

Taranaki trainer Allan Sharrock is hoping his diminutive sprinter Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) can provide the movie fairytale finish to Saturday’s Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 12:03 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 14 2021
Strike-rate standouts set for big day at Trentham

The Otaki stable of Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard boasts the best strike-rate in New Zealand this season, and a quality quartet of runners at Trentham on Saturday could further embellish their impressive record.

Posted by: AT 12:01 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 14 2021
Kiwi recruits make presence felt at Caulfield

Horses emanating from New Zealand made an impact at Caulfield on Wednesday, winning four of the eight races.

Posted by: AT 12:00 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 13 2021
Basarwa primed for Levin Classic tilt

Guy Lowry reckons he has talented Atlante three-year-old Basarwa in the best condition he could possibly have him in going into Saturday’s Gr.1 Devan Plastics Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham.

Posted by: AT 11:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 13 2021
Enzo's Lad vying for Telegraph three-peat

Evergreen sprinter Enzo’s Lad will be vying to record his third victory in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 12 2021
Weight could halt Wellington Cup tilt

The Graeme and Debbie Rogerson-trained Beauden (NZ) (Bullbars) could head to Trentham later this month to target the Gr.3 NZ Campus Of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m), although his trainers are weighing up other options.

Posted by: AT 12:23 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 12 2021
Browne duo head for a spell

The David and Emma-Lee Browne-trained Elephant (NZ) (Shocking) and Gone West (NZ) (Reliable Man) have headed to the spelling paddock in preparation for bigger assignments next season.

Posted by: AT 12:22 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 12 2021
Aegon set for Karaka Million

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman were buoyed by Aegon’s (NZ) (Sacred Falls) 1200m trial victory at Matamata on Tuesday ahead of his tilt at the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie later this month.

Posted by: AT 12:21 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 12 2021
Myers avid fan of West Coast circuit

Kevin Myers has long been one of the greatest supporters of country racing in New Zealand, and few horses embody that support better than Overtheriver (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu).

Posted by: AT 12:19 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 12 2021
Westbury Classic for Travelling Light

Group One winner Travelling Light (NZ) (El Roca) will head to Ellerslie later this month to contest the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1600m) after pleasing her connections with her runner-up effort in her 1000m heat at the Matamata trials on Tuesday.

Posted by: AT 11:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 11 2021
Ormsby sidelined following rodeo incident

Riding horses may be how Chad Ormsby makes his living, but it is riding bulls that is his biggest passion.

Posted by: AT 12:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 11 2021
Cunneen records maiden training victory

Riccarton trainer Meg Cunneen broke through to record her first victory when Mamma Sans (NZ) (Tavistock) won the Alex Hayward/Noel Wafer Pow Memorial (1810m) at Kumara on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:14 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 11 2021
Stakes targets beckon promising filly

Maria Farina (NZ) (Contributer) kept her unbeaten record intact at Ellerslie on Sunday in the Blue Bubble Taxis 1200 and now a Group Three target beckons the promising filly later this month.

Posted by: AT 12:13 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 10 2021
Day of contrasts for Benner and Wynyard

Trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard got their day at Awapuni off to the perfect start on Saturday when exciting three-year-old Bonham (Per Incanto) produced a remarkable performance to score handsomely over 1400m in her first run for nearly two months.

Posted by: AT 12:25 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 10 2021
Milford too strong in Ellerslie feature

The familiar combination of trainer Stephen Marsh and owner Lib Petagna combined to take out another feature three-year-old staying event at Ellerslie on Sunday when Milford (NZ) (Savabeel) dashed home late to win the Listed Te Akau Gingernuts Salver (2100m).

Posted by: AT 12:12 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 10 2021
On The Bubbles produces champagne performance

Te Akau Racing’s challenge for supremacy in the $1m DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) later this month was strengthened at Ellerslie on Sunday when On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) produced a comprehensive victory is his final lead-up to the big event.

Posted by: AT 12:10 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 09 2021
Cavallo Veloce back to winning form

Former good three-year-old Cavallo Veloce put nearly two years’ worth of frustration behind him when he bounced back to winning form with a dominant display over 1200m at Awapuni.

Posted by: AT 11:52 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 09 2021
Beauden defends Marton Cup crown

Exciting stayer Beauden returned to the scene of his 2020 triumph in the Listed Japac Marton Cup (2200m) on Saturday and made it back-to-back victories in the race with a devastating performance.

Posted by: AT 11:51 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 09 2021
Callsign Mav all class at Awapuni

Trainer John Bary admitted his overwhelming feeling was one of relief after he watched his stable star Callsign Mav lump topweight of 63kg to an emphatic victory over 1400m at Awapuni on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:49 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 08 2021
The Good Fight primed for Marton Cup

Shaune Ritchie is heading into the Listed Japac Homes Marton Cup (2200m) at Awapuni with The Good Fight (NZ) (High Chaparral) on Saturday in a buoyant mood.

Posted by: AT 12:03 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 08 2021
Connors launches West Coast raid

Wanganui trainer Raymond Connors has Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) aspirations with promising stayer Hurry Cane (NZ) (Nom du Jeu), and he will kick-off his campaign towards the two-mile feature at Kumara on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 12:02 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 08 2021
Topkapi takes next step towards NZ Oaks

A long-term plan to target the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) with promising Tavistock filly Topkapi (NZ) takes further shape when she tackles Sunday’s Listed Te Akau Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 11:14 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 07 2021
Rae million dollar dreaming

The Ken Rae and Krystal Williams-Tuhoro-trained two-year-old Follow Your Dreams (NZ) (Contributer) looked a picture when galloping between races at Ruakaka on Thursday.

Posted by: AT 12:01 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 07 2021
Staying test likely to suit Mongolian Wings

Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman know a thing or two about preparing three-year-old stayers and they are hopeful Mongolian Wings (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) can stamp himself as a genuine Derby contender when he tackles the Listed Te Akau Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie on Sunday.

Posted by: AT 12:00 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 07 2021
Feature targets for Sharrock fillies

Last start Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) placegetter Signora Nera (NZ) (Sweynesse) will be aimed at further black-type features, but trainer Allan Sharrock said what path the three-year-old filly takes will become a lot clearer after racing at Awapuni on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 11:58 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 07 2021
Singh thankful to be back

Central Districts jockey Madan Singh is delighted to be back on New Zealand shores after a holiday which nearly cost him his career. 

Posted by: AT 11:57 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Thursday, January 07 2021
Local does it Ever So Easy at Ruakaka

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs has always had plenty of time for Ever So Easy (NZ) (Super Easy) and he was delighted to see the three-year-old gelding justify his high opinion with a dominant victory in the Kamo Club (1200m) at his home track on Thursday.

Posted by: AT 11:00 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 06 2021
Former explorer enjoying jockey life

An urge to see the world more than a decade ago was a lifechanging experience for Canterbury jockey Tina Comignaghi.

Posted by: AT 01:35 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 06 2021
O'Malley enjoying southern stint

Central Districts apprentice jockey Sam O’Malley is currently sitting on 11 wins for the season and he is hoping to improve that at Reefton on Thursday where he has a handful of rides.

Posted by: AT 01:34 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 06 2021
OTI buys into Karaka Million contender

OTI Racing have purchased a 50 percent share in promising two-year-old Seven Twenty (NZ) (Power).

Posted by: AT 11:56 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 06 2021
Palamos withdrawn from Karaka Million

Te Akau Racing has confirmed that Palamos (Extreme Choice) will not take his place in the Double Tree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 23.

Posted by: AT 11:55 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Wednesday, January 06 2021
Marton Cup next for Grand Bouquet

Cambridge trainer Lauren Brennan is hoping to put Grand Bouquet’s (NZ) (Savabeel) Gr.3 NZ Campus of Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) campaign back on track with a bold run in Saturday’s Listed Japac Homes Marton Cup (2200m) at Awapuni.

Posted by: AT 11:54 am   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 05 2021
Surgenor mare blooming ahead of more Group assignments

Classy mare Showoroses (NZ) (Showcasing) will be back at Ellerslie on January 23 where she will contest the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) on Karaka Million night.

Posted by: AT 01:31 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 05 2021
Bosson to appeal suspension

Champion jockey Opie Bosson is appealing a suspension which has robbed him of two leading Group One rides and a chance of winning a fifth straight $1m Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (1200m).

Posted by: AT 01:29 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Tuesday, January 05 2021
Australian targets for Concert Hall

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are still coming down from the high of winning the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) with Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day, and they are now looking at international targets with the mare.

Posted by: AT 01:27 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 04 2021
Springsteen makes impressive return after lengthy absence

Talented galloper Springsteen (NZ) (Stratum) made his much-awaited return to the racetrack a winning one when he ground out a stirring victory over 1300m at Otaki on Monday.

Posted by: AT 01:25 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 04 2021
Darci La Bella out to emulate her older brother

Exciting three-year-old Darci La Bella (NZ) (Darci Brahma) showed she has inherited plenty of the family ability when she made a winning debut at Otaki on Monday.

Posted by: AT 01:24 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Monday, January 04 2021
Tavi Mac Telegraph bound

Trainer Allan Sharrock has confirmed his pocket-rocket Tavi Mac (NZ) (Tavistock) will have his next start in the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 16.

Posted by: AT 01:23 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 03 2021
Hercock bolsters senior riding ranks in the Central Districts

Former top jockey Kate Hercock hasn’t set herself any specific goals as she begins the second phase of her race-riding career off the back of a more than five-year absence from the raceday saddle.

Posted by: AT 01:47 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 03 2021
Il Affare to continue on Oaks path

Co-trainer Dawn Williams was in a philosophical mood when assessing the performance of promising three-year-old Il Affare (NZ) (Dundeel), who overcame a troubled passage to finish third in the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

Posted by: AT 01:46 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 03 2021
Melody Belle on track for Trentham feature

Trainer Jamie Richards had plenty of firepower in racing action on the track at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, but also took the time to stretch the legs of some of his team members being set for upcoming major assignments.

Posted by: AT 01:44 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Sunday, January 03 2021
Dream filly makes successful debut at Te Aroha

Trainer Ken Rae knew he had just the sort of filly he likes dealing with when he picked her up on the float on the way home from a trip away.

Posted by: AT 01:16 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 02 2021
Imelda Mary back to winning form

Former top three-year-old Imelda Mary (NZ) (Ferlax) made a welcome return to winning form when she took out the feature event over 1400m at Tauranga on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 01:43 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 02 2021
Ansu scores impressive debut win for Didham

Trainer Peter Didham’s phone started ringing almost immediately after his rangy two-year-old Ansu put on a professional display to win his debut at Tauherenikau on Saturday.

Posted by: AT 01:42 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 02 2021
Les Crayeres on song at Tauranga

Promising mare Les Crayeres (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) completed a winning double at Tauranga on Saturday when she took out the opening event on the card at the popular holiday racemeeting.

Posted by: AT 01:41 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Saturday, January 02 2021
Star Tsar on Cups path following Ellerslie victory

Progressive staying prospect Star Tsar (Fastnet Rock) staked his claim for a start in the Gr.1 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) in March with a dominant victory in Friday’s Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final (2400m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 01:40 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 01 2021
Rocket Spade delivers Guineas repeat

Owners Hermitage Thoroughbreds and trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have gone back-to-back, scoring their second consecutive victory in the Gr.2 SkyCity Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Ellerslie on Friday.

Posted by: AT 01:50 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 01 2021
Surgenor comes up roses at Ellerslie

A wide draw and a step up in class couldn’t hold down underrated mare Showoroses (NZ) (Showcasing) as she led from go to whoa to take out the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Ellerslie.

Posted by: AT 01:49 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 01 2021
Sponsor takes major prize in Royal Stakes

Valachi Downs principal Kevin Hickman picked up the thick end of the prizemoney from the race that he sponsored at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day when promising three-year-old Needle And Thread (Makfi) led all the way to win the Gr.2 Valachi Downs Royal Stakes (2000m).

Posted by: AT 01:48 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 01 2021
Richards and Johnson continue carnival roll

Trainer Jamie Richards, jockey Danielle Johnson and Te Akau Racing have continued their dominant Ellerslie Christmas Carnival form with a stakes double through the deeds of Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) in the Gr.2 Barneswood Farm Eclipse Stakes (1200m) and Savy Yong Blonk (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.3 SKYCITY City Of Auckland Cup (2400m).

Posted by: AT 01:38 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
Friday, January 01 2021
Avantage all class in Railway victory

The Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) was the pinnacle event on a day awash with black type features at Ellerslie on Friday and it more than lived up to its billing as the heavyweights of New Zealand sprinting took their shot at Group One glory.

Posted by: AT 01:37 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email
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