4 Win Saturday - Aequus Accomplished

17 March, 2024

4 Win Saturday - Aequus Accomplished


On a magic day for Te Akau owners - the stable notched up four wins at Tauranga ... here's the fourth!

Making it two wins from her last three starts, Aequus (4 m Iffraaj – Equanimity, by More Than Ready) took out the $40,000 Rating 75 1200 metres on Saturday at Tauranga.

She had built nicely to a course/distance win two starts ago at Tauranga, before doing well off a three wide trip for close third in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 22 February at Wanganui, and rated a top three chance from barrier one.

It also meant four in a row on the programme for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, following wins by Family Ties, Fashion Shoot and Valentine.

In addition, the win provided a double during the week for the stable with progeny of dam Equanimity (More Than Ready) after year younger half-sister Tranquila (Iffraaj) won the $18,500 Entain–NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1600 metres (eligible $26,000 bonuses) on Thursday at Ashburton.

From the ace draw, Aequus was assured an economical trip for jockey Ashvin Goindasamy, who is relishing his riding role with Te Akau and, after situating in the trail and approaching the home turn with plenty to offer, she quickened to a winning advantage inside the 200m and won comfortably.

In the race sponsored by World’s End Bar & Restaurant, Aequus ran 1200 metres in 1:10.3, last 600m in 34.2 (approx.), on footing that remained Soft5 throughout the day, and paid $6.60 & $2.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

Aequus has now won three of her 10 starts for owner/breeder Sir Peter Vela KNZM (Pencarrow Stud).

“It was a terrific win today and a lovely ride by Ashvin,” Walker said.

“She’s a mare from the renowned Pencarrow Stud and we’ve experienced so much success with horses we’ve trained for them and those we’ve bought at the sales.

“The good thing with Sir Peter (Vela) is that he’s prepared to be patient and gives them time and Aequus is a classic example because she’s getting stronger as she gets older.

“Aequus is stringing together a nice record now. We’ll get her home, see how she eats up and pick a suitable race after that.”

Pencarrow racing manager Garry Cossey said: “She was given a lovely run from her good draw (1) by Ashvin.

“It was a superb effort at Wanganui, last start, off a tough run, and fantastic to see her back that up with a Saturday class win. Clearly she has an affinity with the Tauranga track.”

It was another fitting victory because not only did Te Akau train the dam, Equanimity (More Than Ready), who impressed winning her first two starts as a three-year-old, but also her grand-dam and 2008 NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year Insouciant (Keeper), trained by Mark Walker.

Like her mother, Equanimity debuted with a brilliant victory over 1230 metres, while in a brief career she certainly displayed the talents harboured within a terrific family.

Equanimity was the first foal out of Insouciant and now, including the Maiden success by Tranquila (Iffraaj), each of her four progeny to race has won. Tranquila was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM at Karaka, and in training for Cambridge Stud.

Also in the family are 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winners Dorabella (Postponed) and Media Sensation (I Am Invincible), plus beautifully gifted galloper and eight-time winner Crusoe (Volksraad).

Te Akau and Pencarrow Stud have had a successful association over the years, headed by the purchasing and training of five time Group One winning stallion Darci Brahma (Danehill), who was Champion 2YO, Champion 3YO and Champion Sprinter/Miler as a 4YO. Te Akau also bought and trained five time stakes' winning stallion Burgundy (Redoutes Choice), as well as preparing Insouciant to win the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600), Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and finish second in the Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (Gr. 2, 2000m) to secure her the NZB Filly of the Year title.

Aequus was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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