4 Win Saturday - Sans Doute No Doubt

A bull by the horns approach enabled Sans Doute (3 f Not A Single Doubt - My Prerogative, by I Am Invincible) to snare victory in the $50,000 Allied Security Special Conditions 1200 metres on Legends' Day at Te Rapa.

Taking heed of a front running victory in the first race, rider Opie Bosson was quick on the draw to get handy, albeit three wide, but Sans Doute established a definitive advantage when quickening two lengths clear in the straight and had the reserves to withstand late challengers.

“I was three deep punching the breeze and it's never easy, but it was a tough effort,” Bossson said. 

“She had her ears pricked the whole way up the straight, having a look around and just about dropped me after the winning post when she shied at something.

“She's still learning and loses concentration, but there's a lot of improvement in her and she's much stronger this time in.”

Sans Doute had given her rivals a start and beating in the Maiden 1215 metres on 28 December at Rotorua, before peaking after circling widest in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 21 January at Pukekohe, and scored her second win from six starts, which have included two seconds.

On footing upgraded to Good3 following the race, Sans Doute ran 1200 metres in 1:10.1, last 600m in 34.7, and shortened in betting to pay $3.60 & $1.40 on the TAB tote.

“Sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, and I said to Opie pre-race, if you jump well - there looked to be seven leaders in the race - but he cuddled her up for as long as he could and she needed the winning post, that's for sure,” said trainer Mark Walker.

Walker suggested Sans Doute could be aimed at the $80,000 Mufhasa Stakes (Listed, 1400m) on Derby Day, Saturday 4 March, at Te Rapa. 

A filly with obvious ability, Sans Doute was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $300,000 at the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, and owned by Te Akau In No Doubt Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). 

Considered a natural looking athlete with a great eye, both her sire and dam-sire were atop the 2021 General Sires list in Australia. 

“I'd like to congratulate the Waikato Racing Club and their sponsors for the way they've stepped up, with the temporary closures of Ellerslie and Te Aroha,” Ellis said

“To the owners, it's great to see you get such a good return with this filly.

“The racing industry is all about the owners and we're just so grateful to you all for coming here today, supporting us throughout the year, it's just brilliant.

“Sans Doute is from a fast family, full of black type winners, that included 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Ugo Foscolo (Zacinto), so a family we can relate to in New Zealand.”

Sans Doute carries a bloodline cross through her sire lines of Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Canny Lad, by speed sire Bletchingly. 

Sans Doute was strapped by Laura Macnab.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz