Brazen By Name, By Nature
31 December, 2024
Given a perfect trip by jockey Wiremu Pinn, Brazen Affair (3 f Brazen Beau – Southern Romance, by Medaglia d’Oro) won the $18,500 Cosana Honey Maiden 1100 metres on 30 December at Taupo.
A stylish trial winner before debuting as a two-year-old in May, Brazen Affair resumed finishing second in November at Tauherenikau, but was unable to handle the downgrading Heavy8 footing in the Maiden 3YO 1100 metres on 5 December at New Plymouth.
Trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson elected to add blinkers and the combination with good footing was just what the doctor ordered.
Trailing the leader from barrier two, Brazen Affair travelled up sweetly approaching the home turn, received a timely split, and raced clear after leading at the 200m to win easily by two and three-quarter lengths.
“I was pretty confident,” said Pinn, on dismounting. “I think the wet track tripped her up last time.
“She relaxed nicely with the blinkers on and it opened up on the corner (home turn) so it was pretty much gifted.
“It was a good win and hopefully she gets some confidence and can go on with it.”
On Good4 footing, Brazen Affair ran 1100 metres in 1:06.2 and drifted considerably in betting to pay $5.20 & $1.60 on the TAB tote.
“It was good to get a win with her after she showed good ability early on, but needed a wind operation,” Walker said.
“So, it’s certainly satisfying to get a win for the owners and shows the operation was successful.
“It was a really good ride of Wiremu’s and we’ll just see how she pulls up before making further plans. Given she’s had the wind op, it’s likely these types of shorter races will suit her.”
On course, racing manager Reece Trumper added: “Her track work had been very sharp in blinkers and the boys were very confident heading into today.
“The wet track tripped her up at New Plymouth, but she progressed well out of that.”
By the same sire, Brazen Beau (I Am Invincible), as Karaka Million 2YO and Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winning former stable-mate On The Bubbles, Brazen Affair was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $110,000 at the Karaka 2023 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Westbury Stud, and is owned by Te Akau Brazen Beautiful Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). Included in her ownership is Shanti Brown, David and Karyn's personal assistant, who was thrilled with the win.
Champion 3YO Racehorse in Australia, Brazen Beau, by Champion Australian Sire I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit), has left 320 winners, including 27 individual stakes' winners, with On The Bubbles among his best performers.
Her dam Southern Romance is by very good sire and broodmare sire Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado), while third dam Tennessee Midnight, by breed shaper Danehill (Danzig), is the dam of Group One winner Aloha (Encosta de Lago), multiple Group Two winner Libertini (I Am Invincible), and family of Group One winner Seabrook (Hinchinbrook).
At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She’s a filly that reminded us of On the Bubbles, with a deep girth, short-coupled, and good mover.
“It’s a family best known for leaving good fillies.”
Brazen Affair has bloodline crosses to Danzig, Northern Dancer, and speed influence Bletchingly.
Brazen Affair was strapped by Cooper Stumbles.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz