5 Win Saturday - Fellini Fearless

A super Saturday indeed! 

Five winners - four in New Zealand and a Group 3 title to Quintessa in Melbourne - there was a lot to celebrate as we officially bade winter farewell ... Fellini is as honest and consistent as the day is long, and it was again his turn to shine, delivering Te Akau's third win for the day ...

Fully deserved of his sixth victory, Fellini (5 g Belardo – Silke Top, by Librettist) won the $40,000 Rating 75 1800 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

Better suited to the Good4 footing, after racing consistently well on heavy tracks without success, Fellini, who had previously won from 1000m – 1400m, and also appeared likely to appreciate stepping up in distance.

Confronted with the outside gate (13), after overcoming a similar situation from barrier 10 to finish fourth in the Rating 75 1600 metres on 10 August at Riccarton, Fellini was sent forward by jockey Wiremu Pinn to camp in second, literally jogging when taking over around the home turn, and never looked in danger of defeat.

It was another good ride by former Te Akau apprentice Wiremu Pinn, seizing the opportunity to be back in the tangerine colours, having won earlier on the programme aboard The Victress - he has now ridden four winners in eight days for the stable. 

In the race named Group 1 Raceday Party 14 September, on footing upgraded from Soft5 to Good4 after race three, Fellini won by one and a quarter lengths, running 1800 metres in 1:50.0, and reduced from an earlier fixed odds quote of $8.00 to pay $5.10 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB tote.

A terrifically durable and consistent galloper, who finished third in the Karaka Million 2YO and fourth in the Group 3 El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy 1200m – which comes around again next Saturday at Hastings – Fellini was unable to salute as a four-year-old, but as a recently turned five-year-old could go on to win more races.

“It was really good to see him back in the winner’s circle today,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“While it's been a while between wins, he has wonderful ownoers who have been super patient, but he’s also been very consistent.

“He’s also got a hidden talent. He’s been schooling very well over the jumps and we think that is really helping his form. 

“It was good to see him run out the 1800 metres so strongly, with a view to future races, and Wiremu (Pinn) summed things up perfectly.”

From a talented international family, and owned by 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. 

It was fitting that Fellini was bred by Kevin Hickman (Valachi Downs), as the race named in his honour: Vale Kevin Hickman, earlier on the card was won by stable-mate The Victress, and the memorial service for Hickman was held on the same day at The Christchurch Town Hall. 

“It was a great shame for the New Zealand racing industry and his family to lose Kevin, after suffering a long illness, and his notable input will always be remembered in both business and horse racing,” Ellis said.

“He was a particularly personable character, happy in everyone’s company, and he had a great passion for the racing industry.

“For Fellini and his owners, while he may have been unable to win last season, I thought the manner in which he won today suggests there is more to come.

“He’s handled a range of footing, while probably better suited on reasonable tracks, and there will be plenty of nice races coming up for him.”

Fellini was strapped by Talib Hussain.

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