Exaltation Excellent at Otaki

Impressive winner Exaltation  (5 m Not A Single Doubt - Meleka Belle, by Iffraaj) was on song again in the $12,000 Rating 74 1600 metres on 5 January at Otaki.

Earning her tag when powering home to win by nearly two lengths easing down on debut as a three-year-old at Riccarton, Exaltation has been patiently handled by trainer Jamie Richards to record a fourth victory from 13 starts.

After appearing sharp in prelim., she settled seventh for Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, tracked clear at a timely moment inside the 600m and, once balanced up, she strode out with plenty of purpose.

“Too good, Exaltation, and Joe Kamaruddin a couple today,” said commentator Tony Lee. “She got the prize really well, down the centre of the track. She fitted into the race nicely, got cover behind them, and released for a terrific victory.”

In race sponsored by Cavallo Farm & Chris Rutten Bloodstock, Exaltation beat a solid field, running 1600 metres in 1:36.4 on Dead4 footing and paid $3.30 & $1.70 on NZ TAB tote.

“It was a nice race for her and good ride, off the back of a run that didn't really go her way last time at Matamata, where she missed away and charged home late,” Richards said.

“She stepped a bit slower than we would have liked, but Joe (Kamaruddin) was able to find the back of one that gave him a lead in and it was quite a mature ride. I was very happy with that and kudos to Tracy (Collis) who went down to look after her.

“She is in foal, so every win helps and we wanted to give her one more at a mile before hopefully stepping up to 2000 metres.”

Although what she achieves is not inconsequential, her claim to fame is assured as a half-sister to former stable-mate Melody Belle (Commands), dual Horse of the Year and New Zealand record holder with 14 Group 1 wins.

Exaltation, too, was involved in milestone when becoming the 100^thwinner last season for Richards, on 28 January at Hastings, enabling the fastest century in history of NZ racing.

Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM had the distinction of buying Melody Belle ($57,500) as a yearling at Karaka, and following inspections was keen to buy her half-sister, from draft of Haunui Farm, at 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Sale. Both bred by Marie Leicester, she is owned by Te Akau 2018 Fabulous Fillies Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).  The same syndicate ownership also had plenty to celebrate when Festivity (I Am Invincible) claimed the Listed Hallmark Stud Handicap at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

When purchasing Exaltation, Melody Belle had won Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) and both the Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) at Awapuni and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m) at Eagle Farm, Brisbane along with Mongolian Khan Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Ellerslie. Her record stood at five wins from 10 starts and $913,244, which swelled to 19 wins from 41 starts and $4.3 million prize money before selling as a broodmare for $2.6 million.

From debut winner to Group 1 winner of the Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at her fifth start, with a stunning Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) victory between, Champion Two-Year-Old Melody Belle became a revelation.

“I thought that was a terrific win by Exaltation and she's in foal to Savabeel,” Ellis said. “She's an immensely valuable mare. I've been watching fillies win from this family for over 40 years and her breeders, the Sarten family and their daughter Marie Leicester, have always done a fantastic job and are really good horse people.

“Exaltation was sold in the same fillies syndicate as Festivity (I Am Invincible), who won the Hallmark Stud Handicap (Listed, 1200m) for us on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, and they're two very valuable mares.

“That Melody Belle went on to become such a star after I bought this filly as a yearling is an extra bonus for the owners and they can look forward to carrying on with her breeding career, which in itself is very exciting. If everything goes to plan, she will have her Savabeel yearling in the 2024 sale at Karaka.

“She was very well placed by Jamie to win today and Joe is riding so well. He's riding as well as most senior jockeys and he gets a two-kilo claim. It's a big advantage. And, also, on behalf of the owners I'd like to thank Chris Rutten for sponsoring the race. We have a great relationship with Chris, and are just thrilled to win his race.

Atop the Training Premiership this season, Richards took his domestic tally to 56 wins, 58 seconds, 58 thirds, including 19 stakes wins (five Group 1) in NZ and Australia.

Exaltation was strapped by Tracy Collis.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz