Arise Sir Darci

Taking advantage of a good draw, the race panned out perfectly for Sir Darci (3 g Darci Brahma - Dominant, by Deputy Governor) to win the Auckland Co-op Taxis Mile on Feb. 12 at Ellerslie.

And not only did Sir Darci win but he won in fine style, showing good stretch and a lovely action in getting clear of his rivals by one and a half lengths for owners in the Fortuna Sir Darci Syndicate (managed by John Galvin).

Jockey Matt Cameron had Sir Darci straight into a trailing ‘box seat' position and took a hold when he travelled extra passing the 600 metres. Angled clear at the 250m, he flattened out in the manner of a horse destined for further success.

“With the rail being out so far (12 metres) you've got to be in the first three, otherwise you're just chasing them down, said Cameron. “But, he jumped and travelled sweet the whole way. The leaders kicked away and I got the drag in behind them and peeled off and he was too good.

“We've always had an opinion of him,” said Cameron. “He won his first race, even though it was at Gisborne, but there have been a few good horses that have come out of there and he is only getting better and better.

A lovely type of horse, with a temperament to match, Sir Darci was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $140,000 at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of The Oaks Stud.

He is a classic example of a mid range type of horse that Ellis has sought during his thirty two years of buying and syndicating yearlings, and demonstrates his eye for being able to determine what a young horse will develop into.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “To my eye, he is a colt that really resembled Darci Brahma (Danehill) as a yearling. He's from a very good family. He's a grandson of Domino (Grosvenor) which won the AJC Oaks, and a colt with class and he has a very nice presence.

While not as robust as some of the colts when coming through the education process, Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman was always complimentary of the ability Sir Darci had shown him in training, and at the trials, and with a couple of smart wins under his belt from only six starts he appears the sort to only improve. Especially when taking his pedigree into account.

“He is a talent,” said Galvin. “Last time in the Karaka 3YO Mile (Listed, 1600m) he struck a wet track and it destroyed his chances. So, today was a bit of a test to see if he could step up and win nicely. And, we can move on from here.

“There were two things for us today: distance, because we do think he is looking for more ground, and overall ability, and obviously I will talk to Jason (Bridgman) about both of those factors. But, it was a nice win in what was quite a tactically run race”, said Galvin.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz