English Rose Blooming Good

Te Akau apprentice Chelsea Burdan continued her good strike rate with stable runners when riding English Rose (4 m Makfi - Bislieri, by Encosta De Lago) to victory in the $10,000 Sunrans Spa Rating 65 2100 metres on 21 June at Otaki.

Burdan commenced her career with a win aboard Lady Zeraph (Makfi) in September at Waipukurau, and now recorded six wins from 24 starts (strike rate: 4) for Te Akau. She rode Richard of Yorke (Oasis Dream) to victory by 7 ¼ lengths on 8 June at Trentham, and the 18-year-old is going from strength to strength as a young jockey. 

English Rose, a sister to 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Sofia Rosa (Makfi), had continued to race well after scoring fresh-up by three and a quarter lengths over 1400 metres in March at Rotorua. She was claimed in the last few strides over 2100 metres on 26 May at Hawera, and with weight relief to 52.5kgs her $5.50 & $2.50 tote odds had her clear second favourite in the betting market.

Being three wide in midfield, from barrier 10, appeared preferable to the rail on Heavy10 footing and English Rose travelled sweetly into a challenging position, fourth, at the 600m. Set for the stern run home, she drew to a length advantage inside the 200m and kept going solidly to the line. 

“It was hard work in that ground,” Burdan said. “She was settled around at the start and coming here today I thought she would have a pretty good chance in that field. Although three wide she was happy in her work and I felt quite confident through the run. She came into nicely at the 600 (metres) and kept up a strong enough gallop. I just kept pushing her out and she was happy.” 

English Rose had been ready to go last Sunday at Waipa, before the meeting was abandoned prior to her race.

“She got into the birdcage on Sunday, but that's as far as she got,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “I was really pleased with the way Chelsea rode her and she followed instructions. Troy Harris has been riding her in work and he was confident she would run well, and it certainly is important we have people of his calibre in our team. 

“Alexis (White) did a really good job of travelling her and Richard of Yorke down there. She does a lot of miles on the road and the team at the middle barn, where she resides, have done a really good job and it keeps the moral high as it starts to get colder in Matamata. 

“She's a filly with a really nice pedigree, but has taken time to mature. We're starting to see a fully mature horse now and I don't think that will be her last win.”

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis, from the draft of Westbury Stud, at Karaka, English Rose is a mare with terrific residual value, given her pedigree and sisterhood to Sofia Rosa, and although taking time to mature she has now won twice in this campaign for the Te Akau English Rose Syndicate.

“It was a tough effort by the mare and a good ride by Chelsea,” Ellis said. “She's a young woman who will go to the next level. She's working hard, looks good on a horse, is determined to do well, and she will get a lot more opportunities. 

“It took Jamie (Richards) to 97 wins which is an incredible effort by a young guy in his first season as sole trainer. I think it goes to show what a great future he has as a trainer. 

“Having won Group races on both sides of the Tasman, seven Group Ones altogether, and to have what will undoubtedly be the Horse of the Year (Melody Belle), indicates what a top job he and the team are doing. 

“We've got terrific staff around us. From the breaking in process here at the stud to being educated by world-class track work riders, it all helps in getting these wonderful results.”

Commenting on horses purchased and syndicated throughout the season, Ellis said: “We've just bought our 61^sthorse, syndicated 60 horses since the Ready the Run Sale (November) and we only have two very small shares left in two horses.

“Everything is perfect on the farm. We have a lot of grass. We've had nice rain, very mild May/June and we're in great shape. We were dry in early April, but May was a great month for growing grass and the yearlings and horses spelling are thriving.”

English Rose was strapped by Alexis White. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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