3 Win Wednesday - Fon Memories Fab on Debut

The second double-figure priced winner in succession, Fon Memories (3 f Eminent – Trutorio, by Oratorio) debuted successfully in the $18,500 Westbrook Cellar Door Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 6 September at Avondale.

After stable-mate My Lips Are Sealed paid $11.40 & $2.20 when winning the previous race and corresponding event over 1200 metres, Fon Memories delivered at $10.40 & 2.40.

Fon Memories had sustained a very good gallop in the straight for close second on Heavy10 when trialling on 15 August at Avondale, and while emulation of the trial performance suggested an encouraging effort fresh-up, she required luck from a wide draw (9).

Ridden by Warren Kennedy, who was also aboard in the trial, Fon Memories steadied back to last on a competitive pace and stood the leaders six lengths on straightening before winding up an unrelenting finish to win well.

On Heavy10 footing, Fon Memories ran 1200 metres in 1:17.5.

“It was a big win today, especially to do it the way she did by coming from last,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. 

“We’ve thought for quite some time that we’ve got fillies in the stable by Eminent that we particularly like. Fon Memories is one of them and she’s going to keep on improving once she gets up in distance.

“She’s a big powerful girl and a terrific win for owner Ian Farrelly. He’s a champion bloke who supports us with horses to train and it's always great to see his blue colours salute. 

“In the short term, we will aim her towards the Soliloquy Stakes and we expect she’ll have no trouble eating up the distance when we step her up in trip. 

“It’s also great to train the first winner by Eminent. He was owned and raced by Sir Peter Vela and it’s very timely for him and Brighthill Farm to have winning progeny just as the breeding season is getting underway.” 

Owned by Ian Farrelly, who has experienced plenty of success in the stable, mainly with horses carrying the Pokuru prefix, Fon Memories was purchased by noted bloodstock agent Chris Rutten as a weanling at Karaka, from the draft of Brighthill Farm.

Not only was Fon Memories bred by Brighthill Farm owner Nick King, but the win provided the first success for their resident stallion Eminent (Frankel). 

The Te Akau stable is well represented by progeny of Eminent, with two bought in conjunction by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing manager John Galvin, who also celebrated a win on the programme by Dancarina (Sebring).

“Mark (Walker) has five in the stable and he’s obviously pretty happy with them because he keeps talking about them,” Galvin said.

“Our Eminent three-year-old filly Court Of Appeal is a very statuesque sort of filly and always has been. She did trial well in the autumn and again this season and she's preparing to debut on 15 September at Taupo.”

Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, along with daughters Lydia and Julia-Rose, have also supported Eminent with their dual winning mare Enhance (Saperavi), who left early winner Enrichment (Rock ‘N’ Pop), and now has a two and three-year-old filly in the stable by Eminent.

Fon Memories was strapped by Kohen Collett. 

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