3 Win Boxing Day - Te Akau 2YO Quinella

A striking juvenile with an action to match, Tokyo Tycoon (2 g Satono Aladdin - All About The Coin, by Starcraft) led home a Te Akau quinella in the $70,000 Pukekohe Traders 2YO 1100 metres on Boxing Day at Pukekohe.

Having headed up a Te Akau trifecta when debuting in the Maiden 2YO 1100 metres on 26 November at Te Rapa, Tokyo Tycoon rated a top three chance from barrier two and as second favourite he paid $3.30 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

With stable rider Opie Bosson aboard, Tokyo Tycoon positioned fifth as stable-mate and eventual second placed Viva Vienna (All Too Hard) set a genuine pace. Clear on straightening at the 400m, Tokyo Tycoon gained advantage a furlong out and displayed terrific athleticism drawing clear to win by two lengths.

“He gave me a great feel and he does things right,” Bosson said. “He ran around a bit green towards the end, but he's a proper little racehorse.

“He really lifted and full credit to the home team at home, they've done an amazing job with him.”

Bosson added the track was not too hard, “just perfect and should suit everything”.

On Good4 footing, the 1100 metres was run in a slick 1:02.8 and last 600m in 33.3.

“I think he's still got a little bit of improvement to come and it's good that he showed he can go on any type of ground,” said trainer Mark Walker, after saddling his 10^thtwo-year-old win for the season.

“I thought Opie would sum it up pretty well and he really likes the horse. He's so quiet and that's probably why he likes him, as well.”

A month since winning on debut at Te Rapa, Tokyo Tycoon now has time to prepare for the $1 million Doubletree by Hilton Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) on Saturday 21 January at Pukekohe, and has an opportunity to become the seventh consecutive winner for Te Akau.

“It's nice timing to the Karaka Million and we're pretty happy with him,” Walker said.

“(Second placed) Viva Vienna did a bit of work. We were going to ride her back, but she obviously jumped too well and Craig (Zackey) used his initiative which you like to see. She'll improve for that run too.

“She's as tough as old boots, and the other filly (Rhetorical) had a break after Christchurch and she'll improve for today as well.”

Owned by Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) & Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Tokyo Tycoon was purchased by David Ellis CNZM in January at the Karaka Book 1 Sale, paying $125,000, from the draft of Rich Hill Stud.

Son of sire sensation Deep Impact, Satono Aladdin won the highest rated mile in Japan: Tokyo Yasuda Kinen (Gr. 1, 1600m) running an incredible 1:31.5.

All About The Coin is by New Zealand bred stallion Starcraft (Soviet Star), a world-class galloper and five-time Group One winner that claimed titles of Champion 3YO in Australia, Champion Sprinter in New Zealand, and Champion Miler in Europe.

“They're both smart horses,” said Ellis, alluding to the quinella.

“It's great to come here today and see the track in such beautiful order. The facilities are great and I'm so thrilled to see such a big crowd.

“Congratulations to the owners. He was the last horse to sell from the Karaka sales this year and he's shaping up as an exciting horse.

“Mark and our team have done a great job training him and he presented looking an absolute picture.”

Tokyo Tycoon was strapped by Ashley Handley.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz