Derby Day Win No.2 - Markus Aurelius

Markus Aurelius (4 g Ghibellines - Evancho, by Shinzig) made it three consecutive with an easy victory in the $50,000 Rating 74 1600 metres on Derby Day (7 March) at Ellerslie.

Impressive winning on New Zealand Cup Day in November at Riccarton, he had resumed with a smart victory in the Rating 74 1400 metres on 3 February at Te Rapa, with Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin (a3) aboard, and again they paired up for success.

With weight relief to 59kg and ideally drawn in barrier two, Markus Aurelius lobbed a perfect trail and eyes lit up when the leader opted off the rail turning for home. The resultant gap enabled the impetus required for the big son of Ghibellines (Shamardal) and he took full advantage in powering up to win by three lengths.

Shortened from $4.20 & $1.80 fixed odds a day beforehand, Markus Aurelius returned $3.60 & $1.60 in tote betting, running the 1600 metres in 1:37.5 on footing downgraded to Slow8 after racing two. The race was sponsored by Graeme Thomson Antique and Estate Jewellery.

A horse working through the grades in terrific fashion, with three lengths the shortest margin of his last three wins, Markus Aurelius is earmarked for a tilt at the Easter Handicap (Gr. 2, 1600m) on 24 April at Ellerslie.

“Handicap conditions and off the minimum, we've had a circle around that race for him,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “We'll see where we end up in his next couple of races. I know he's only coming out of a (Rating) 74, but he's putting together a good record. He's carried a bit of weight there today, so we can up the sights a little bit.

“A few of the Southern boys have stayed involved in his ownership and good to see them here for the race.

“Joe (Kamaruddin) rode him well and he's a horse that's going to work right through the grades. I said to Joe to use his barrier (2) and get him in the race and it's panned out beautifully.”

A bargain purchase by David Ellis CNZM when outlaying $13,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale, from the draft of White Robe Lodge, Markus Aurelius extended his record for owners in the Te Akau Great Southern Man Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis) to five wins, two seconds, and third, from 10 starts.

Markus Aurelius carries a lovely Danehill cross, through the dam side of Ghibellines and as the sire of dam sire Shinzig. His dam, Evancho (Shinzig), won four times to 2100 metres.

Markus Aurelius was strapped by Sarah West.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz