Blooming in Blenheim

Following four fourths and a third in genuine performances from Te Akau horses, Sovereign Rose (5 m Pins - Pavan, by Centaine) scored a fine win in the Woodbourne Tavern Benchmark 65 1950 metres to cap proceedings at the two day meeting for the Marlborough Racing Club at Blenheim.

Formed in 1886, the Club held their meeting at the Waterlea Racecourse on Friday April 26 and Sunday April 28.

Capitalizing on a lovely ride by Lisa Allpress to win earlier in the month over 2100 metres at Timaru, Sovereign Rose was subsequently scratched from a wet track at Riccarton. The pair reunited for the assignment in what was exemplary display from both horse and rider.

Easy through the early stages to settle second last of eleven, Sovereign Rose was patiently handled to travel sweetly whilst seven lengths off the lead at the 600 metres. Working across heels at the 250 metres, she lengthened nicely when asked for her best and put her rivals away wide on the track.

Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman had said following her previous win that Sovereign Rose could pick up another victory at short notice, and so it proved.

“It was terrific for her to put a brace of wins together,” said Bridgman. “She had been deprived of luck at times, struck better footing [Dead4] on the last day of the meeting and it was a lovely ride by Lisa Allpress, who is one of the most professional jockeys in commission and has struck an affinity with the mare through this campaign.

For owners Dave & Nicky Hurst, Sovereign Rose was recording her third win. As part of the Racy Ladies Syndicate, Nicky Hurst also had a win during the week when Clos De Tart (Darci Brahma) won on debut at Te Aroha.

“It's not easy for any horse to win three races and for a mare with her bloodlines it's invaluable for her breeding prospects to have those wins on the pedigree page,” said Bridgman.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $280,000 at the 2009 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Sovereign Rose is from Pavan, who finished second to million dollar earner Tycoon Lil (Last Tycoon) in the 1998 New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), and also runner-up in the Australian Oaks (Gr. 1, 2000m). Pavan has also left eight-time winner Yours (Van Nistelrooy), and winner of seven Let Loushe (Black Minnaloushe). Pavan is a half-sister to talented mare Felenic (Cape Cross), who has the three-year-old gelding Unicorn Express (Lucky Unicorn) in the Te Akau stable of Mark Walker in Singapore. Having his first start Singaporean start on April 5, Unicorn Express ran an encouraging race for sixth and looks set to continue on with the potential he displayed beforehand when being prepared by Jason Bridgman at the Te Akau stables in Matamata.

The family has also left top Australian galloper Spacecraft (Star Way), a winner of ten races.

Credit - Jeff Dore