Dynastic Dominant

Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner Dynastic (3 c Almanzor - Meir, by Volksraad) showed terrific attributes winning fresh-up in the $80,000 El Roca - Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m) on Saturday at Hastings.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, and owned by the Te Akau 2021 Stallion Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Dynastic became the sixth consecutive Karaka Million winner for the stable in January at Ellerslie, and now is back with a vengeance.

Beautifully prepared by trainer Mark Walker, having trialled twice and had an exhibition gallop in preparation, the resumption of such a high-quality colt could not have been better, especially with questions raised about him handling heavy footing.

Sent forward by stable rider Opie Bosson, but caught three wide near the pace, Dynastic really found when asked to extend mid-straight, seeing off the touted Pier (Proisir), drawing out for a pleasing victory on many levels.

“As soon as I gave him a couple with the stick, he put his ears back and had a crack, which is ideal,” Bosson said.

“He's got such a beautiful movement about him and the further the better.”

On Heavy10 ground, Dynastic run 1200 metres in 1:17.8 and drifted in betting to pay $3.90 & $1.60 on TAB tote.

“He's just a magnificent animal,” Walker said. “He was all out at the 200m, but just showed what a heart he's got because he picked himself up when the other horse came and lifted again. It was a fantastic effort, really.

“It's terrific for the syndicate. There are a lot of great people in it. Everyone was pretty nervous heading into today's race with the (heavy) track, but the horse didn't let us down, that's for sure.

“You've just got to hope, now, that he comes through the first-up run well enough. We've got three weeks to nurse him along to the Hawkes Bay Guineas.”

The Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) is held on 1 October at Hastings, while Dynastic also holds a nomination for the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 5 November at Riccarton, and, between times, may contest the Sarten Memorial (Gr. 2, 1400m) on 22 October at Te Rapa.

Presenting the trophy in their 12^thyear of sponsorship, Russell Warwick (Westbury Stud) said: “Congratulations to Te Akau and the 2021 Stallion Syndicate put together by David Ellis.  His stallion syndicates have had enormous success from the stable in recent years and Te Akau continues to develop good colts and potential stallions.

“It is great for New Zealand to have that sort of investment and initiative to be able to secure those types of horses, heading off overseas competition and able keep them on home shores.”

In reply, syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis said: “We're very proud to win this trophy. It's good to see these two-year-old horses train on to then come out at three and just show how good they are.

“He showed a lot of heart out there. He'd been three wide without cover, pushed forward, and the genius of Opie Bosson got the best out of him.

“Congratulations to Mark Walker and his team, and the staff at home, what a marvellous job preparing this horse to resume.

“He's a champion trainer with nine titles to his credit in two countries and it's great to have him back.

“And to the owners that have invested in this Stallion Syndicate, congratulations and we can't do this without your support of Te Akau and the New Zealand racing industry.”

Dynastic was the second stakes' winner this season for Walker, after Champion 3YO Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) won the Foxbridge Plate (Gr. 2, 1200m).

Dynastic is from the first crop of Cambridge Stud stallion Almanzor (Wotton Bassett): the European Champion Three-Year-Old, who claimed the same titles in Ireland and France, from a Sir Tristram/Volksraad dam line of stakes' producing mares.

Therefore, by one of the best credentialed stallions to shuttle in the last decade to New Zealand, Dynastic was purchased by Ellis with a view to the 2000 Guineas and other three-year-old classics.

“Winning the Karaka Million with Dynastic was a real bonus and to see him resume in such great style was a real thrill,” Ellis said. “He looks as though he's in for a pretty exciting season.

“It was a really good training effort by Mark (Walker) to have him in the right condition to win in testing conditions.

“I'm thrilled for the team in the Colt Barn and having 20 winners in the first six weeks of the season is something everyone can be proud of.”

Ellis also commented on the performance of second placed Sans Doute (Not A Single Doubt) in the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m).

“It was a fantastic run by the filly and she'll be so much better on good ground,” he said. “It looked like Opie (Bosson) might have stolen it, but she just tied up in the going.”

Dynastic was strapped by Reece Trumper.

“Reece is doing such an outstanding job for us and a very astute young man,” Ellis said.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz