Ellerslie Double - The War Wins

Presented in tremendous order and continuing to prosper, War Of Succession (5 g Tavistock – Ziffel, by Zabeel) was a strong winner in the $55,000 Horizon By SkyCity Rating 75 1600 metres on Saturday at Ellerslie. 

Having arrived out of the pack with a strong finish for second when resuming in the $55,000 Rating 75 1600 metres on the course (20 September), with stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM aboard, the same combination appeared formidable opposition to their rivals and rated a top three chance from barrier four.

Away well to secure a nice spot in sixth, War Of Succession travelled ominously when tracking up at the 600m and once presented to the outside of runners in the straight he quickened to lead a furlong out and drew out to score dominantly. 

“He relaxed beautifully and probably looking to step up again in trip, but he won really well,” said Bosson, on dismounting, following three wins on the programme. 

“He still had the zip for a mile second-up and he’s a tough horse, loves Ellerslie, and is going the right way.”

On Good4 footing, War Of Succession ran 1600 metres in 1:35.9, last 600m in 35.2 (approx.), and held firm in betting to pay $4.80 & $2.20 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a really good win, especially at a mile (1600m) again, and he’s certainly a promising horse in the making,” said Mark Walker, Te Akau training partner with Sam Bergerson. 

“Obviously he’s taken a little bit of time to mature, but he’s racing like a horse that can really go on with it.

“I was really pleased with the way he won, today. Opie (Bosson) gave him a nice run and I think that once we get him up over more distance, again, we’ll really see the best of him.”

War Of Succession was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, and is owned by Te Akau 2022 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). 

A fine specimen by dual Group One winner Tavistock (Montjeu), out of a mare by Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), the genetic cross has proved a revelation and includes Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther.

The same Tavistock/Zabeel cross has also produced Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) winner, now successful stallion, Tarzino (ex. Zarzino), and includes Group One winners Tavago, Johnny Get Angry and Toffee Tongue, along with Group Two winner Hasselhoof. 

“It was good to get another win on a really good day of racing,” said Ellis, following the win earlier on the card by stable-mate Charmrose (Charm Spirit). 

“Two wins on any Group One Day is a great result, and this horse looked in such terrific condition, so well done to Sam and Reece and the team at Matamata.

“He’s got a really good group of owners, has now won three of his last four starts to 2100 metres and I think they’ve got the right type of horse for Cups' races. He looks to have a bright future over ground.

“They’ve been patient and it’s great to see them being rewarded with a horse that has now recorded four of his five wins at Ellerslie. 

“The horse was bred by Sir Brendan and Lady Lindsay, at Cambridge Stud, and like a lot of Tavistock’s progenies, we’re seeing him improve with age.

“All the team is doing a fantastic job with these horses and we’re very happy and very proud with the ways it’s all going.”

War Of Succession was strapped by Hayley Hassman. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz