Ellerslie Treble - Group 3 Honours - Need I Say More

Fresh from the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) in November, Need I Say More  (3 g No Nay Never - Bo Bardi, by Fastnet Rock) produced a stunning victory in the $70,000 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Karaka Millions night at Ellerslie.

Now the winner of five from seven, including four stakes wins, Need I Say More had the Jamie Richards polish on pre-race, stripping in magnificent order, and a great physical specimen he delivered as a $2.70 & $1.40 favourite should.

But it was no walk in the park, as those with intent on leading set a merry bat and rider Troy Harris had to seek cover off the pace. He managed a nice sit, three wide with cover in sixth, presented on straightening and the big chestnut powered down centre track to win handsomely.

The best credentialed in the 3YO Set Weights & Penalties, Need I Say More was handicapped with a hefty impost (60.5kg) which he carried commendably to run 1:09.4, last 600m in 34.2.

“He did it the hard way and didn't really have the speed to muster, but thankfully one went round to give us a little bit of cover,” Richards said. “It was a really tough effort to sit out there, carry that weight, and win like he did.

“He's going the right way. 1200 and 1400 metres and no further, and I think we'll be fine.”

Richards said he now hoped Need I Say More would improve off the run, in order to compete against six-time Group One winning stable-mate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) on 13 February at Te Rapa. Following the win, Need I Say More shortened to $12.00 fourth favourite for the upcoming assignment, on a course where his two starts have yielded wins in the Northland Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) and the Sarten Memorial (Gr. 2, 1400m).

Owned by the Te Akau Never Say Die Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), Need I Say More was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $130,000, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

“It's a great way to start the best night of racing in New Zealand,” Ellis said. “Some of our very best friends are in this horse and, gee, I thought it was some effort in order to win.

“He missed the kick a little bit, was three wide the trip, and giving the whole field weight there was no excuses for anything else. It was a hell of a big run.

“It's not easy to go from mid-November until the end of January without a race and come out and beat a good quality field of three-year-olds fresh-up. It would have to be a career best run, I think, and he's still got a lot more maturing to do. So, it's a really good training effort by Jamie and the team in the Racecourse Barn where he's stabled.

“I'm thrilled for Troy (Harris). He didn't panic after being caught three wide and it was a great ride. He's riding work for us every morning, working really hard, and deserves all the wins he gets.”

Need I Say More was strapped by Reece Trumper.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz