Boom - Ben You Beauty

Given a strong chance by Te Akau trainer Donna Logan, Te Akau Ben (6 g Tavistock – Danalaga, by Danehill) won the $50,000 Class 4 1400 metres on Saturday at Kranji Racecourse in Singapore.

Te Akau Ben had continued to race in good form since winning three starts ago in the same class and distance, and Logan said pre-race: “He’s been really consistent this season, only once missing a top four finish, and only been beaten in his last two starts by a combined margin of less than a length.

“Again he’s had no luck in the barrier department, drawing 10, the third time in row he’s been drawn in double digits, but the 1400 metres in his best distance and he’s going so well that I think with luck from the draw he can win in this grade.”

Ridden by Ivan Espindola, who has fashioned a terrific aboard the horse, with two wins, two seconds, and two thirds, from his last six starts, Te Akau Ben received no favours in the run after hustling forward only be trapped wide near the pace, but in fairness he never flinched before scoring in a head-bobbing finish. 

On yielding turf, Te Akau Ben ran 1400 metres in a polished 1:22.6 and paid $7.00 & $2.40 on the NZ TAB tote. 

Trained by Donna Logan, who finished second in the premiership in her first year with Te Akau, Te Akau Ben showed promise before going to Singapore, winning well at the trials as a three-year-old before debuting with a notable third in the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres at Tauranga, and then transferred.

Winning for the fourth time from 18 starts, and indicating more to come, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $115,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, and now won in excess of $167,000 in prize money.  

Bred by Raffles Racing and owned by Mr. Ben Kwok and Te Akau Stud, his dam, Danalaga, winner of three to 2600 metres, has left six winners of 23 races, including More Than Sacred (More Than Ready) who won the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), Sunline Vase (Gr. 3, 2100m), and Waikato Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m), Sacred Empire (More Than Ready), a six time winner to 2000 metres, and winner of five to 2500 metres More Than Ever (More Than Ready).

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “Danalaga was a stakes performer by Champion Sire Danehill that placed in the Oaks and already left an Oaks winner, while becoming a very good producer. 

“He’s a straightforward good type, walks well, and I think he was really good buying.

“His pedigree suggests he will need a bit of time, but he should continue developing with maturity to race well as a four-year-old and older.”

Ellis added that he was a good deep colour and naturally athletic.

Te Akau Ben is inbred to immortal sire Northern Dancer through both sire lines.