Hat-Trick for Talisker
Date: 23 Oct 2023
Capping a hat-trick of wins, Talisker (3 g Embellish – Glenkinchie, by Redoute’s Choice) had no trouble in the $18,500 Wide Span Sheds 3YO 1300 metres on 22 October at Ashburton.
Nominated for the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), Talisker made it three from three in this campaign, having strode clear to win easing down when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres (poly track) on 31 August at Riccarton, and finding reserves for a strong victory in the Rating 65 1200 metres on 6 October at Timaru.
He certainly appeared a promising three-year-old, after finishing third to stable-mate and subsequent $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) when they debuted last November at Te Rapa, finished powerfully for second to stable-mate Trobriand (Kermadec) in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), and stretched out late in the Karaka Million 2YO event itself.
Backed as nigh unbeatable ($1.30), Talisker was polished again from the gates to lead, travelled on a nice rein for jockey Sam Weatherley, who also rode him in the Eclipse Stakes and, although not appearing overly enamoured on footing downgraded to Heavy8, he proved too strong when running home in centre track.
“It was not an ideal surface for him, but a really good win nonetheless,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.
“It was an intelligent ride by Sam (Weatherley), getting out to better ground, and he can head straight to the Guineas now where I think he’s a live chance.
“He got away with the heavy track conditions today, but I do think, like a lot of the progeny by Embellish, they really show their best on good ground and he looks an exciting sire for the future.”
While stable-mate Star Of Justice (3 f Justify – Fair Isle, by Fastnet Rock) made it two from three with victory in the Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) last Monday at Ashburton, ahead of contesting the $500,000 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on New Zealand Cup Day (Saturday 18 November), Talisker also continued a sequence on his path to the $600,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on the first day of Cup Week (Saturday 11 November), where the opportunity of emulating his sire (Embellish) who won the race in 2017 awaits.
Trobriand is also on target for the 2000 Guineas, and scheduled to contest the $100,000 War Decree Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) next Saturday (28 October) at Riccarton, as his lead-up.
Owned by Te Akau Classic Edition Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Talisker was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $70,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Landsdowne Park, and among the first offerings of Te Akau trained 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Embellish (Savabeel), whom Ellis also bought as a yearling at Karaka.
“For a horse that doesn’t like the soft tracks, that was very impressive I thought,” Ellis said.
“It was a really nice win with a view to the 2000 Guineas, and Sam Weatherley flew down especially to ride him.
“He’s had some good successes for Te Akau, winning the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) for us in September at Riccarton, and also won the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m) on Pin Me Up (Pins).
“I’m really proud of the way the team is going in our stables at Riccarton. Talisker was strapped by Kendyll Lee, whose doing a fantastic job, and Hunter Durrant is in charge of the South Island stable and they don’t come any better than him.
“It’s exciting to have a horse by Embellish heading towards the Guineas, and an advantage that Talisker is by a stallion who won the race and that he’s prepared at the venue (Riccarton).
“We love the progeny of Embellish. They’re coming to the fore now as three-year-olds and we think he has the makings of a very good sire.”
Embellish, standing at Cambridge Stud, a sister to Group One winner Diademe, has already left some promising gallopers, among them What You Wish For, bought by Ellis at the same sale (within 10 lots) as Talisker.
Dam Glenkinchie, by Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire Redoute’s Choice, won as a two-year-old over 1000 metres in Australia, while the family includes outstanding galloper Racing To Win (Encosta de Lago), winner of five Group One races, and successful stallion Purrealist (Tale of the Cat).
Talisker carries a bloodline cross of Epsom Derby winner Sir Ivor, the sire of legendary stallion Sir Tristram.
Talisker was strapped by Kendyll Lee.
Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz
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