4 Win Saturday - Mehzebeen Listed Magic

New Zealand Cup bound mare Mehzebeen (5 m Almanzor – Salkantay, by Zabeel) staged a terrific all-the-way win in the $100,000 Nautical Boat Insurance Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2600m) on Saturday at Riccarton.

Runner-up in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) as a three-year-old, and denied room when finishing sixth in the corresponding event last year, Mehzebeen had been building nicely in the campaign and indicated her readiness when diving through to just miss (second) winning the Waverley Cup (Open Handicap, 2200 metres) on 20 October at Waverley,

With Samantha Spratt aboard, who also won the previous event aboard stable-mate Mazzucato (Tivaci), Mehzebeen received an uncontested lead after beginning smartly from barrier one, established a handy advantage inside the 800m, and had plenty in the tank for a home straight effort to win by half a length over fast closer Beavertown Boy (Shocking). 

“We were drawn one and I thought we were going to sit in the trail, but when nothing went I thought we’ll take up the lead,” Spratt said.

“She tootled along, we got pretty easy sectionals, it was a bit of a track gallop, and she kicked off the corner nicely. 

“Halfway up the straight I was waiting for another horse to come and give us something to compete against, but it was very good.”

On footing that remained Soft5 during the 11-race programme, Mehzebeen ran 2600 metres in 2:39.6, quickening from the 600m in 34.8, and was well supported to pay $6.00 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a really good win by Mehzebeen and a great pick up ride by Sam Spratt, after (Craig) Gryllsy was not being able to make the weight,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“It was a lovely ride from Spratty. No one wanted to lead and, gee, she rated her perfectly in front and she was really strong through the line.

“It’s great for the ownership group. She ran second in the Oaks as a three-year-old, not a great four-year-old season, but she’s come back stronger as a five-year-old and now won a valuable stakes race.”

Providing she pulls up in good shape, Mehzebeen will contest the $400,000 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m) next Saturday (16 Nov.) at Riccarton.

“We do believe she will run out the two miles (3200m) and we’re looking forward to the race,” Walker added.

Purchased by Sarai Stud for $50,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Mehzebeen is owned by M E & & Y M Davis, Mrs B & W R Duncan, Mrs K J & T L Howe, D J & Mrs S P Rolston, Sarai Stud & Mrs S Waddell.

It was another special moment for Frenchman Xavier Kos and his wife, Beatrice Hild, at Sarai Stud, who worked on the advice of former New Zealand Bloodstock manager Danny Rolston, now working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in buying the filly.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the owners, Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM said: “He’s a great judge of a horse, Danny (Rolston), one of the best I’ve ever met, and he and the other owners very kindly gave us this filly to train. 

“It’s a wonderful training effort by Mark & Sam to have her peaking at just the right time, during Cup Week at Riccarton, and she presented in wonderful order.

“Also congratulations to Sam Spratt who rode her so well and to the all the Te Akau staff that have worked with her.”

Mehzebeen is from the family of Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Te Akau Coup (Thorn Park) and Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner Don Garcia (Danehill), both purchased by Ellis as yearlings at Karaka, and also triple stakes winner Sacramento (Pierro).

Instrumental in the stamina gene pool of Mehzebeen, dam sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), the leading New Zealand sire of stakes winners, is a major influence in the pedigrees of so many great staying thoroughbreds. 

Reflecting on the day for Te Akau Racing, Ellis added: “It’s great for all the owners and everyone at the stables to win four races on such an important day of racing: two here on 2000 Guineas Day at Riccarton, and two at Te Rapa.

“The track at Riccarton has been prepared in absolute pristine condition, with some cushion early on, on what is a pretty hot day, and it should be close to Good4 by the time they run the Guineas.

“I’m absolutely thrilled the way the horses are performing from our South Island stable here at Riccarton. I went and had a look at all the horses yesterday and they look fantastic. 

“The stable is being incredibly well run by Hunter Durrant and a great team of staff, and we also had our owners function here last night with about 70 people at the Christchurch Club, which was a lot of fun.”

Mehzebeen was strapped by Ashlyn Lee.

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