Go Gorgeous - Grace 'N' Grey

Requiring a tough effort, grey filly Grace ‘N' Grey (3 f Spirit of Boom - Gracious Grey, by Redoute's Choice) got home in the $14,000 Rating 65 1000 metres on 6 February at Tauherenikau.

Going forward from barrier 10 in a four-way speed duel, she was given brief reprieve when dropping to fourth at the 600m, before answering the call of rider Opie Bosson in the straight and displayed steely resolve in order to deliver.

“It was a really tough win and lovely ride of Opie's,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He got out of the speed battle at the right time, had the sit on them, and got up to win on the line.”

Swamped after leading in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 21 January at Pukekohe, won by stable-mate Maven Belle (Burgundy), Grace ‘N' Grey dropped in class for the assignment but her overall form, which included beating stable-mate and subsequent Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner Dynastic (Almanzor) was good and she bounced back accordingly.

In the race sponsored by South Wairarapa Veterinary Services, Grace ‘N' Grey justified favouritism when dropping from an earlier fixed odds quote ($3.80 & $1.65) to pay $2.40 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote. 

On Good4 footing, she ran 1000 metres in a smart 56.2.

By Champion Queensland Sire Spirit of Boom (Sequalo), Grace ‘N' Grey is from a mare by Champion Sire and Champion Broodmare Sire Redoute's Choice (Danehill). 

She was purchased for $240,000 by David Ellis CNZM at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, and owned by Te Akau Gracious Spirit Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Ellis bought Grace ‘N' Grey from Brendan and Jo Lindsay's Cambridge Stud, and said at the time: “She has a lovely line-up of stallions on her page, going back to immortal sire Northern Dancer, and hers is a truly international family. 

“There's a lot happening in the family. She is all class, a lovely colour, and proved very popular.”

Grace ‘N' Grey was strapped by Kendyll Lee. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz