Champions' Day: Strength Across the Card for the Tangerine Team

While the spotlight will shine brightly on the $4 million NZB Kiwi, Champions Day at Ellerslie has always been about more than one race. It is a day where depth matters, it's New Zealand's richest race day with an incredible $8,550,000 in prize money on offer.

It is a day where preparation meets opportunity. Where emerging stars and established champions share the same stage. And this year, Te Akau arrives not just with four chances in the Kiwi - but with strength right across the programme that is worth highlighting. 

HKJC World Pool NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m)

The Derby defines a three-year-old. This year, that opportunity belongs to Towering Vision (Circus Maximus - Qiji Vision, by Iffraaj). A juvenile stakes' winner, the first for his sire, who has steadily built toward this Classic test, he announced himself as a genuine Derby contender with a powerful last-to-first victory over 1600 metres at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day.

He followed that with a brave second in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m), before contesting the Group 2 Avondale Guineas in his final lead-up. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $105,000 from the Windsor Park draft at Karaka 2024, Towering Vision now steps into the ultimate staying arena for his age group. Te Akau knows what it takes to win this race - Gingernuts delivered Derby glory in 2017 - and Saturday presents another opportunity to chase Classic honours.

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Classic (Gr. 2, 1400m)

In the weight-for-age feature, Quintessa brings elite credentials. A dual Group One winner of the Levin Classic (1600m) and the Proisir Plate (1400m), her electrifying last-to-first performance earlier this season remains one of the standout moments of the summer. Purchased by David and the team for $170,000 at Karaka 2022, she has now won six races, Group races trans-Tasman, and over $1 million in prize money. Ellerslie suits her, the occasion suits her, and Champions' Day is designed for mares of her class.

Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m)

The future of the sport is on full display in the Sistema Stakes - and Te Akau holds a powerful hand. Lara Antipova arrives unbeaten in three starts, most recently dominant in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes. Purchased for A$100,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions' Gold Coast Sale by David in conjunction for Fortuna, she has shown professionalism and brilliance beyond her age, and now contests one of only two Group One races for two-year-olds in New Zealand.

Alongside her stands Out Of The Blue - a $60,000 Karaka purchase by David, his journey represents the heartbeat of ownership. Syndicated among family, friends and new supporters to form the Te Akau Tangerine Army Racing Partnership 1, he has consistently competed with merit - unlucky in the Group 2 Wellesley Stakes, closing strongly in the Karaka Millions 2YO after missing the start, and finishing second in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper.

Te Akau has won this race eight times, most recently last year with Return To Conquer - a victory that marked the stable’s 100th Group One success. The tradition is established. The next opportunity awaits.

Windsor Park Trophy (3YO, 1500m)

Our two three-year-old fillies bring both class and consistency.

Origin Of Love, winner of the Group 3 War Decree Stakes, has competed admirably against the best of her age group - as runner-up in the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes and Group 2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes, competitive in the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas , and most recently fourth in the Group 2 Lowland Stakes. Purchased for A$440,000 from the draft of Arrowfield Stud at the Magic Millions' Sale by David, she continues to be competitive in elite 3YO company.

Bolli Belle steps up through the grades unbeaten in two starts. A $75,000 Karaka purchase, again for David and the team, with over half her ownership being first time ever owners, she has done everything asked of her so far and now earns her opportunity on a major stage.

Elsdon Park Plate (Rating 75, 1600m)

Even beyond the black-type features, quality runs deep. Top Shelf, runner-up in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic last season, and consistently placed this campaign, lines up over the mile. A sister to Te Akau purchased and trained Group 2 winner Brando, she carries both pedigree and class, and continues to build toward her major moment in the sun.

Champions' Day is not defined by a single race. It is defined by collective strength - by the ability to compete at the highest level across every division. One year on from Damask Rose’s historic Kiwi triumph, Te Akau returns to Ellerslie with depth, belief, and genuine opportunity right across the card - it is our incredible ownership family and team that make days like this possible! Bring on Saturday, the team is ready!