4 WIN SATURDAY - Top Tier Top Shelf

On her way to bigger things, Top Shelf (5 m Savabeel – Saoirse, by Iffraaj) produced an impressive performance in winning the $65,000 Elsdon Park Open Handicap 1600 metres on Saturday at Ellerslie.

After delivering fresh-up off a tough trip in the Open Handicap 1400 metres on 19 September at Ellerslie, Top Shelf fought hard for third after drawing 13 and racing wide in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (1600m) on 3 October at Matamata. 

Bringing good course/distance form, including a win, as well as a second placing in the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m), she rated a top three chance from barrier four.

Ridden by Michael McNab, who achieved a milestone with the win, Top Shelf found a lovely spot in fifth, travelled sweetly, was clear on straightening for the run home and after levelling easily at the 200m she raced clear to win.

The manner of the win was pivotal, lengthening out as only good thoroughbreds can, and indicated that further black type assignments are beckoning. 

For McNab (40), a dual Champion Jockey, who leads the premiership in the early stages of the season, the win was his 1000th in New Zealand, while also having won 14 races in Australia.

“It’s something I’ve been looking forward to doing,” said McNab, on unsaddling. “I’ve had times when I didn’t know if I would be able to do it, so I’m very proud. 

“It’s pretty special, something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and it’s right up there. I’ve got my niece and my sister here and everyone at home will be very proud, too.

“She’s brilliant (Top Shelf) and I think she can get to very good company, and at 2000 metres, where there is not a lot of depth, and she’s heading on the right trajectory.”

McNab added: “I just want to extend a big thanks to Vicky, who works on my body and helped with my leg (injury), and I wouldn’t be riding without her. She’s absolutely amazing.”

On Good4 footing, Top Shelf ran 1600 metres in 1:34.4, while clocking the fastest last 600m (34.0), and paid $2.80 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a very good win, today, and top ride of Michael’s, and we’d all like to extend our congratulations to him getting to 1000 New Zealand wins,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“He’s always been a talented rider, he's had a lot of success on Te Akau horses, and he’s riding in career best form this season. He joins an elite club in getting to 1000.

“The owners have been very patient with Top Shelf, but she’s a big mare that continues to improve and we’re starting to see the rewards this season.

“Obviously, we’re desperate to get some stakes' wins with her now and the way she won looks like she’ll be capable of achieving that.”

On course, assistant trainer Reece Trumper said: “It worked out perfectly. We said to Michael (McNab) before the race that we thought they’d run at good speed.

“He sat off them, smoked his pipe, and she was dominant in the end. She never looked like getting beaten, actually.

“Well done to Michael (McNab) and it will be very special to Dave (Ellis), too. He just loves Michael and he loves him riding our horses.  He’s there (track work, Matamata) riding our horses twice a week, so he deserves every success he gets.

“We’ve given her (Top Shelf) plenty of time and I’m a strong believer that she can get to the elite level this season. 

“She was very immature as a three and four-year-old, but now as a five-year-old, this is her season and her time to shine.

“The more she does, the better she is going to get. She is a sister to Brando (Te Akau purchased and trained), who won a Group 2 Awapuni Gold Cup (2000m) and was twice Group 1 placed, and being by Savabeel, they get up over 2000 metres and she’s just so tough.

“I don’t think it matters what sort of trip you put her at, she just going to be very effective.”

Bred by Fairdale Stud and owned by them along with G B Fell MNZM, Gimme Some Of That Top Shelf Syndicate & Top Draw Racing Syndicate, Top Shelf is a sister to Te Akau bought and trained dual Group Two winner and dual Group One placed Brando (Savabeel). Her dam Saoirse has also produced promising four-year-old Cool Boy (Per Incanto), winning three of his first four starts in Hong Kong, for former Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards.

“She really won well and it was great for Michael (McNab) to record his 1000th win aboard a Te Akau trained horse,” said Te Akau principal Sir David Ellis.

“He’s been a big part of our team for a long time, has ridden Group One winners in the tangerine colours, has continued to really mature as a man and as a jockey, and I’m extremely proud of him.

“I’m thrilled for the Fell family and the owners in Top Shelf. She’s a lovely big mare, from a family we’ve had success with, and I think she’ll give them a big shake as she steps up in trip.”

A generational family that has sold yearlings for over 70 years in New Zealand, in more recent times the Fell family bred and raced high-class racehorse Tall Poppy (Kaapstad). 

A beautiful black mare with a fantastic turn of foot and determination to match, Tall Poppy won eleven races from 1400 metres to 2000m and culminated her career by winning the Group 1 NZ Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. At the highest level, she also won the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), Group 1 Waikato Sprint (1400m), two Group Two and two Listed races. 

Top Shelf was strapped by Nathan Trumper. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz