Ashburton Treble - Mehzebeen Motors Home

New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) runner-up Mehzebeen (4 m Almanzor – Salkantay, by Zabeel) was super in winning the $40,000 Agraforum Comcat Rating 65 2200 metres on 16 October at Ashburton. 

She scored comfortably over 2200 metres before producing a terrific effort for second in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) last season, and struck the ideal footing and distance to win again at her fourth start this campaign. 

Settling eighth inner at the post with a round to go, Mehzebeen was standing the leaders six lengths when 10^th passing the 600m, and was held up behind horses when seeking room in the straight. However with the 'patience of Job' she secured a late split to dash home under the urgings of jockey Warren Kennedy.

It was a sublime performance by horse and rider: with Mehzebeen able to frank the staying ability she displayed as a three-year-old, while leading jockey Warren Kennedy is riding with immense confidence.

On Good3 footing, Mehzebeen ran 2200 metres in 2:20.8, last 600m in 33.4, and as race favourite returned $2.70 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was good to see her back to her best, winning over 2200 metres and the firm track suited, but it was just a great ride by Warren (Kennedy) who’s riding in fantastic form and seeing things a long way from the finish,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. 

“It was really pleasing to see her pick up and finish off the way she did, spearing between runners with a really good turn of foot, and we’re hoping to get into the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed 2600m) during Cup week.”

The $100,000 Metropolitan Trophy (Listed 2600m) is contested on the first day of Cup Week in Christchurch (Saturday 18 November), as a lead-up to the New Zealand Cup (Gr. 3, 3200m). 

Purchased by Sarai Stud for $50,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Mehzebeen is owned by M E & & Y M Davis, Mrs B & W R Duncan, Mrs K J & T L Howe, D J & Mrs S P Rolston, Sarai Stud & Mrs S Waddell.

It was another special moment for Frenchman Xavier Kos and his wife, Beatrice Hild, at Sarai Stud, who worked on the advice of former New Zealand Bloodstock manager Danny Rolston, now based with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in buying the filly.

“She was selected by Danny Rolston, one of the great judges of yearlings that I know and he’s involved in racing her with some really good friends,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM.

“There’s a great team in the ownership that just love breeding and racing thoroughbred racehorses and this mare is a really nice staying prospect.

“He’s by a young sire (Almanzor) that Te Akau has supported and had good success with, and Mehzebeen has the racing style and looks the type to go on and win some decent races.

“Hopefully she can get into the Metropolitan Handicap, which has been won by some really good staying horses including Campionessa (Contributer) who won it for us last year.” 

Mehzebeen is from the family of Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Te Akau Coup (Thorn Park) and Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner Don Garcia (Danehill), both purchased by Ellis as yearlings at Karaka, and also triple stakes winner Sacramento (Pierro).

Instrumental in the stamina gene pool, dam sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), the leading New Zealand sire of stakes winners, is a major influence in the pedigrees of so many great staying thoroughbreds. 

Mehzebeen was strapped by Hunter Durrant. 

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