5 Wins in 24 Hrs - Sibling Rivalry Superb

Stepping up with aplomb, last start winner Sibling Rivalry (3 f Satono Aladdin – Justlikeyasister, by Gold Centre) repeated the dose in the $55,000 Yourride Rating 65 1200 metres on Saturday at Pukekohe - her win becoming the stable's fourth victory in less than 24 hours.

Having unwound strongly for fourth when debuting in the Maiden 1000 metres on 10 October at Taupo, Sibling Rivalry drew out to score by one and a half lengths in the Maiden 3YO 1150 metres on 11 November at Te Aroha and, boasting good trials' and race form, she rated a top three chance from barrier three.

Ridden by former Te Akau apprentice Wiremu Pinn, who was aboard on debut and notched two wins the day beforehand at Rotorua, Sibling Rivalry emulated the style of her previous victory by sitting outside the leader, remained on the bridle turning for home, and quickened to a winning advantage when asked to extend at the 200m.

“She wants to be a racehorse and it’s always good when they try their best,” Pinn said. “She’s a good filly and I’m sure she’ll improve off it. She’s got a big heart and really tries her best.” 

It was a formidable performance to win easing down by three-quarters of a length, while stopping the clock in a sharp time (1:10.2) for the 1200 metres on Good4 footing. On the NZ TAB tote, she paid $3.90 & $1.50.

“It was another really good win by Sibling Rivalry,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson, a day after winning three on the programme at Riccarton. 

“It’s quite difficult for three-year-old fillies to step up and win in Rating 65 grade at this time of year, racing against older horses, and it was a really good, tough, effort. 

“She sat on speed and then quickened away, which shows she’s got a fair bit of ability and will to win. 

“Obviously she’s well above average and we’ll look to build on that record in some three-year-old races and ultimately look for some black type opportunities.”

On course, Bergerson added: “Small but mighty, she’s not very big but tries really hard and she’s got a good, tough, racing style where she’s able to put herself on speed and gives a good kick. 

“It was a good win and she’s still learning and improving, so there's plenty more to come.

“A younger horse against the older ones is always tough, going up to Rating 65 grade, so we thought she needed to improve and on her work she had.”

Owned by the Te Akau No Love Lost Racing Partnership, Sibling Rivalry was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $220,000 at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Kaha Nui Farm.

“I thought she won really well at Te Aroha, so made her my Bet of the Day on Te Akau TV,” Ellis said. 

“It’s not easy going from winning a midweek Maiden to winning again on a Saturday, but she’s managed to and I thought she won with a lot in hand. 

“We sold shares in her after she won at the trials, and now she’s won twice and there’s still a 2.5% share, but I don’t think it will available for long. 

“It’s good to see Wiremu (Pinn) doing well in the rider ranks. He’s had his shares of ups and downs, but he seems in a good space which is showing in his riding. He’s always had the talent and we need jockeys like him riding well.”

Japanese based shuttle sire Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact), who stands at Rich Hill Stud, has made a great impact in New Zealand, especially through the deeds of Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Tokyo Tycoon, also purchased by Ellis as a yearling at Karaka.

Satono Aladdin is the sire of NZ Champion Staying Filly Pennyweka, winner of both the Group 1 NZ Oaks and Group 1 ATC Oaks (both 2400m); Group Two winner Lantern Way, and Group Three winners Sacred Satono and Lupo Solitario, along with recent Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) winner Bozo. 

He has left some gorgeous looking progeny, and Sibling Rivalry fits the bill with her striking markings and beautiful physique. 

Her dam Justlikeyasister was a hardy mare that won five races to 1600 metres and she's now left three individual winners of 10 races, including brother Hokkaido (Satono Aladdin). 

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She’s a lovely type of filly with plenty of physical substance and overall quality about her. 

“Her markings are not dissimilar to Tokyo Tycoon and she’s a filly that really fills the eye.

“He really is doing a great job at stud, Satono Aladdin, a son of the Japanese Champion Sire Deep Impact, and he’s leaving great looking progeny.”

Sibling Rivalry carries a cross of immortal sire Northern Dancer. 

Sibling Rivalry was strapped by Kohen Collett. 

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