4 Win Thursday - Corps D'Elite Excels

The first of four trans-Tasman wins on Thursday 29 May for Te Akau Racing - the runner-up in two of her four starts, Corps D’Elite (3 f So You Think – Illuminati, by Keeper) resumed with a compelling victory in the $17,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres (eligible $26,000 bonuses) on 29 May at Riccarton.

Having closed late for fourth in a poly-track trial on the course earlier in May, Corps D’Elite subsequently held her position in second when trialling on 20 May at Ashburton, and had shown she was knocking on the winner's door. 

Ridden by George Rooke, who finished second aboard stable-mate Celtic Bling (Embellish) in the opening event on the programme, Corps D’Elite began well from barrier two to lead, while being annoyed throughout by Respectabelle to her outside. However she quickened to advantage at the 300m and it soon became evident that nothing was going to challenge.

In the finish, she drew out to win by two lengths, justifying her $2.30 favouritism on the NZ TAB tote, and covering 1200 metres on the poly-track in 1:11.1.

“That was a well-deserved win and it should give her confidence going forward,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“She is by So You Think and traditionally they improve again as four and five-year-olds, his progeny, so we are really happy to see her win like she did as a three-year-old.”

Owned by the Te Akau Elite Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Corps D’Elite was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $160,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Wentwood Grange. 

Corps D’Elite is a daughter of 10-time Group One winner So You Think (High Chaparral), who included consecutive Group 1 Cox Plate wins in that record. He was purchased as a yearling by Bart Cummings at the 2008 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, and went on to win 14 races and $8.8 million in prize money before retiring to stud in Australia.

Also, a phenomenal sire, So You Think has sired progeny to win over 2000 races, including more than 100 stakes' wins, and nearly $136 million in prize money. 

He has sired Derby, Oaks', and Guineas’ winners, shown terrific versatility at distances, dominated by milers, and proved himself at the most competitive levels in Australia.  This season So You Think is currently sixth for winners in the General Sires’ List. 

Her dam, Illuminati, by Danehill sire Keeper, included a stakes’ win over 1400 metres among 10 career wins from 1200m – 1560m. 

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She’s a beautiful, loose-walking filly and there is plenty of So You Think in her physical make-up.

“She’s been prepared by a terrific team at Wentwood Grange, has plenty of presence, and looks the type to stretch over a bit of ground.”

Corps D’Elite was strapped by Rhiannon Smith. 

Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz