Double for Te Akau Australia - Hinata Romps Home

Having her first start for trainer Mark Walker and the Te Akau Cranbourne Stable, Hinata (3 f Not A Single Doubt – Diana’s Star, by Northern Meteor) won fresh-up in the A$37,500 Maiden 1000 metres on 24 March at Bairnsdale (Victoria).

In training for Jo Lindsay (Cambridge Stud), and previously unplaced in four career starts prior to joining the Te Akau stable, Hinata went well for third in a jump out on 12 March at Cranbourne, and came in for inspired support.

Ridden by Liam Riordan, who earlier in the season combined with stable-mate Dynastic (Almanzor) for second in the Avoca Cup (1860m), Hinata situated second last, but travelled on the bridle and once across heels at the 200m she dashed home to win stylishly.

In the race sponsored by Orbost Club Hotel, Hinata ran 1000 metres in 59.5 on Good4 footing, winning by three-quarters of a length, and shortened appreciably in betting from an earlier fixed odds quote of $11.00 to pay $6.40 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was really satisfying to see her winning at the first start for the stable,” Walker said.

“We’ve put a lot of time and effort into her, and great to get another winner for Brendan & Jo (Lindsay) and the team at Cambridge Stud.

“She’s a filly that has appreciated being handled with kid gloves and she’s really grown in confidence.

“Ben (Gleeson) and the team had her parade in first-class order and Liam (Riordan) gave her a lovely ride.”

Purchased by Cambridge Stud for A$425,000 at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Hinata (pictured as a yearling) is by Champion sire Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice), who died in 2022 after making a huge impression as a stallion, including leading international progeny earnings for Australian sires in 2015/2016, and topping the 3YO Sires’ table.

Hinata became the fourth individual winner for dam Diana’s Star, by the ill-fated but influential stallion Northern Meteor (Encosta de Lago), who sired Zoustar, among others.

Diana’s Star is a half-sister to Australian Horse of the Year and stallion Dissident (Sebring), a five-time Group One winner.

Hinata was strapped by Emma Wilson.

Meanwhile, the additional runner on the programme for Walker, Midnight Blue (So You Think), also made a successful return to racing when surging late for close second in the Bairnsdale Cup (1600m).

Midnight Blue had co-led before working clear to win a jump out on 12 March at Cranbourne, was the highest rated runner in the Cup field carrying top-weight, and the winner of five races, 1800 – 2400m, appears in the right fettle to prove competitive up in distance.