3 Win Wednesday - Exuberance Excellent
Date: 3 Oct 2024
In the colours of major racehorse owner Ozzie Kheir, Exuberance (3 f Savabeel – Miss Opulence, by O’Reilly) won the A$37,500 Maiden 1200 metres on 2 October at Cranbourne (Victoria).
Having circled from last with a big run for third when debuting in the Maiden 3YO Fillies 1140 metres on 13 September at Geelong, Exuberance had the benefit of barrier one and services of champion jockey Craig Williams.
Away smartly to lead, Exuberance was challenged in earnest turning for home but under the guile of Williams she lifted to hold them off in a close finish.
“She had to be gritty to beat the challengers and it was great to get a win on the board for Ozzie Kheir and the other connections which include Joe and Max Smithies who bred the horse at Monovale Farm in Cambridge,” said trainer Mark Walker, who prepared his fourth winner from last six runners from the Te Akau stables at Cranbourne.
“She is still a work in progress, having just her second start. She got to the front alright, was clearly headed at the 200m, but fought back very well to win, so she’s a filly with ability that is heading in the right direction.
“Laura Winks has done a great job riding her in track work, and Jason (Levin) who straps her is also terrific in his handling of her. Although she hasn’t been the easiest filly to deal with, I think she’ll keep improving with race day experience and we’re happy with her progress.”
In the race named Get Your Pinker Pinker Tickets Today, on Good4 footing, Exuberance ran 1200 metres in 1:11.1 and as race favourite paid $3.00 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.
Exuberance is a sister to talented former stable-mate Zeitaku, purchased by David Ellis CNZM from the 2020 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka, the winner of three races from 1300m – 1400m. This is also the family of Champion Middle Distance Horse Sir Slick (Volksraad) and Group 1 NZ Derby winner (sire) Puccini (Encosta de Lago).
Exuberance races in the navy blue and pale yellow colours of Ozzie Kheir, carried by Sir Dragonet (Camelot) to win the Group 1 2020 Cox Plate, Verry Elegant (Zed) in the Group 1 2020 Caulfield Cup and Group 1 2021 Melbourne Cup, Pier (Proisir) in the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas, also now by Group One winner and NZB Filly of the Year Molly Bloom (Ace High), as well as fellow Kiwi-bred Jimmystar (Per Incanto).
Kheir had previously reported: “I met Mark (Walker) for lunch and really enjoyed his company and passion towards horses.
“He is obviously extremely good at his work to achieve what he has in New Zealand and I’m very excited to have him train this filly (Exuberance), who looks a really nice type.”
Walker also has a two-year-old homebred Frankel (Galileo) filly in the stable for Kheir.
“She’s more of a staying type of filly,” Walker explained. “We will give her a two-year-old prep just to make sure she knows what she’s doing as a three-year-old, as she looks an Oaks filly.”
Exuberance was strapped by Jason Levin.
Photo credit - www.nzracingnews.co.nz - Pat Scala, Racing Photos