Avantage All Class

Classy filly Avantage (2 f Fastnet Rock - Asavant, by Zabeel) made it three wins from as many starts with a top-notch performance in the $22,500 NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 1200 metres, also collecting an $8,000 bonus, on 14 January at Ellerslie.

Owned by the Te Akau Avantage Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), having been purchased by David Ellis for $210,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the Oaks Stud draft, she scored her second victory by six lengths in the NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 800 metres on 28 October at Riccarton, and following a freshen-up was resuming off 78 days.

“I thought it was a very good win from a filly that hadn't raced for nearly three months,” Ellis said. “She had a good puff afterwards and there will be massive improvement out of her. And as the plan has been all along, she'll be peaking for the grand final in two weeks,” he said, referring to the $1m Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) on 27 January at Ellerslie.

The comments by Ellis were echoed by rider Opie Bosson. “It was a good run. She did it pretty easily and there's a lot of improvement in her,” he said.

With a plan to ride patiently from the outside draw (7), Avantage was last before securing a position three back on the inner. Bosson had her off the rail and four lengths from the leader at the 600m and after getting clear at the 250m she sustained a big run to win well.

After winning the Levin Classic (Gr. 1, 1600m) a day earlier aboard stable-mate Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock) at Trentham, it was another excellent ride by Bosson.

On Good3 footing, Avantage ran the 1200 metres in 1:11.3, last 600m in 35.1, and returned $2.00 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

“We deliberately wanted to give her a run at Ellerslie, so she could get used to it, go right-handed, and I think she will be hard to beat in the Karaka Million,” Ellis said.

“And you just have so much confidence when you see Opie on a horse. He seems to have plenty of time in a race, never panics, doesn't go for them until he needs to and he gave the filly as soft a run as he could.

“Avantage is raced by some of my best pals, loyal clients, and she will finish up being a very valuable filly and a great broodmare, and again it shows just what a fabulous stallion Fastnet Rock is.”

Presently, Avantage is $4.00 fixed odds favourite for the Karaka Million, ahead of stable-mate debut winner Sword of Osman (Savabeel) at $4.60.

Ellis suggested that all going well, Avantage could also contest the Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 24 February at Matamata, Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) on 10 March at Ellerslie, and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on 31 March at Awapuni, before having a spell.
Stable-mate Pinot Grey (Burgundy) fought solidly after trailing to finish third.

“She stuck it out nicely and she'll have a set of blinkers on in the Karaka Million,” said co-trainer Jamie Richards. “We wanted to save those for the big race. But, she is a filly that with a nice run in the race can be a good chance.”

Richards also said that a decision was yet to be reached as to which Te Akau horse Bosson would ride in the Karaka Million.

“Sword of Osman (Savabeel) is going to come here in the morning (Monday) and have a gallop, so Opie will ride him. But, we're very lucky and very fortunate that Dave has bought some beautiful horses and we've got a very strong hand for the big race (Karaka Million).

“(Avantage) we may tinker around with a little gear adjustment, maybe. But, she's a lovely filly that Dave (Ellis) bought at Karaka, she's three from three, and it's really important for us and our stable that these horses are performing as we lead into the (yearling) sales.

Syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis said: “It's always an honour to win races at headquarters (Ellerslie) and to New Zealand Bloodstock who is such a phenomenal supporter and the Pearl Series covers the whole country.

“It's a wonderful series that encourages not only breeders but also owners to race fillies and mares. And the bonuses are a great return to the owners.

“Avantage is a filly with amazing heart, plenty of spirit about her and still has developing to do and kudos to trainers Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards and the whole team that look after her.

“Dan Miller led the charge under Steve and Jamie's guidance when she was down in Christchurch, and she's an exciting filly.

“She has fantastic owners. You all believe in David and myself, trust us with your investments, really support Te Akau, and you make everything we do extremely worthwhile for everyone at home on the farm and the stables. And all we do is live to win races for you.

“We are also very proud to have qualified third placed filly Pinot Grey for the Karaka Million, and as of yesterday we had seven of the top eighteen.

“And thank you to Opie for the ride. He rode a group one winner for us yesterday and the Opie factor goes without saying.”

By champion Australian sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill), the dam of Avantage, Asavant (Zabeel), won the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) as a three-year-old at Riccarton, gaining a group one placing when finishing third in the Darci Brahma International Stakes (2000m), and while destined to get over more ground she is certainly showing her qualities as a two-year-old.

Avantage was strapped by Tegan Newman.

“Tegan is a top young lady, who won the final race last Friday at Matamata. She's really dedicated and deserves all the success she gets,” Ellis said.

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