4 Win Saturday - Fellini Claims the Cup

Continuing excellent form, Fellini (5 g Belardo – Silke Top, by Librettist) won the $50,000 McCrae Painters & Decorators Ashburton Cup (Open Handicap, 1600 metres) on Saturday at Ashburton.

No sooner had trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson had success with Inspired By Art (So You Think) winning fresh-up in the Rating 65 1200 metres at Te Rapa, than Fellini obliged as their first runner on the card at Ashburton.

A winner of the Rating 75 1800 metres on 31 August and close second in the New Zealand Cup Trial (Open Handicap, 1800 metres) on 14 September, both at Riccarton, Fellini was back in distance for the Ashburton Cup, although previously course/distance placed at his only attempt.

Ridden by visiting Australian jockey Liam Riordan, Fellini began well from barrier 12 and with a snappy piece of riding was able to secure a position three back on the rail. Across heels and presented to the outside on straightening for the run home, he kept extending before being driven out late to win comfortably.

On Good3 footing, Fellini ran 1600 metres in 1:36.1 and paid $8.70 & $2.60 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“He certainly showed his ability there (Liam Riordan), obviously from a barrier very wide out (12), to get three back the fence, popped off at the right time, pulled the stick through when he was sort of lugging in and it was a fantastic ride,” said Bergerson, from the course.

“The horse is in super form, looks great, and the team down here are doing a great job with him. I can’t thank them enough for all their hard work.”

Fellini may now prepare for the Listed $80,000 Sothys Spring Classic (Listed, 2000m) on Saturday 26 October at Riccarton.

“We thought he may not stay, but he seems to be enjoying the mile plus, now, and with age he’s starting to mature a bit. 

“We were scratching our heads after his two-year-old season, he was fantastic then, and tailed off as a three and four-year-old, but he’s certainly coming right now.” 

Mark Walker added: “It was a very good win today and, gee, that was a brilliant ride by Liam (Riordan). Drawn barrier 12, they should show that ride at Apprentice School. 

“I’d like to thank the owners, they’ve been very patient. At this stage, he’s just coming of age again, handling his racing better, and Hunter (Durrant) and the team at Riccarton have got him going really well.

“His training is varied to include a lot of jumping and it seems to be really agreeing with him. 

“We’ll also have a think about the Group 3 TAB Mile on the middle day of Cup Week, but he’s certainly in a rich vein of form.”

A terrifically durable and consistent galloper, who finished third in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and fourth in the Group 3 El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy 1200m, Fellini was unable to salute as a four-year-old but has a real spring in his step as a recently turned five-year-old.

From a talented international family, and owned by the Te Akau Fine Fashion Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Fellini was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $40,000 from breeders Valachi Downs at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale. A year beforehand at Karaka, his half-brother Chancellor (Vadamos – Silke Top) sold for $185,000. 

Grand-dam Zaza Top (Lomitas) was Second Top filly in the German 2YO Handicaps and continued her success at stud, having already left Champion 3YO in Germany Zazou (Shamardal), and Zoe Dream (Galileo), winner of seven from 2300m to 4050m in France. She has also left Group Two placed Za Za Gabor (O’Reilly) in New Zealand, a half-sister to Silke Top. 

Fellini was strapped by Hollie Smith. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz