Home Track Treble - Win No.3 Millefiori

Notching a third win on the local programme for trainer Mark Walker, Millefiori (3 f Iffraaj - Miss Bluebell, by Savabeel) was most emphatic in the $12,000 Fairview Motors Matamata Rating 65 1400 metres.

After winning her first two starts as a two-year-old, Millefiori was well favoured in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) won by stable-mate On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau). Out of sorts in the spring, she had recently recaptured a zest for racing and put her rivals away with consummate ease.

Under stable rider Opie Bosson, Millefiori stalked up fourth nearing the home turn and raced clear to win impressively by two and a quarter lengths.

“She kept coming up underneath me and just cruised around them from the 800m,” said Bosson, who departs for a European holiday after riding this Saturday at Eagle Farm.

After saddling three winners on the card, trainer Mark Walker revealed that schooling horses over fences earlier in the week may have helped attribute to the success.

“I did something different with the race day runners on Monday and put five of them over the big hurdles,” he said. “It resulted in three winners, one beaten a nose, and the other finished third.

“We're always looking to vary their work to keep them interested and a lot of horses benefit from jumping.

“I was really happy to see Millefiori return to winning form today. I know she showed so much promise early on and she just lost her way a little bit, but I think she's getting her confidence back again.

“She seemed to get through the ground really well, Opie said, so we can expect to see more from her in the near future.”

Millefiori trimmed up from a morning fixed odds quote of $7.00 & $2.50 to pay $5.10 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote. She ran the 1400 metres in 1:27.9, last 600m in 38.6, on Heavy10 footing.

By proven international stallion Iffraaj (Zafonic), sire of 21 Group 1 winners, out of a young mare by seven-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), Millefiori is from the family of Winx (Street Cry) and therefore a very valuable filly.

Her grand-dam, Operavega (Stravinsky), is a half-sister to impressive winner Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar), who stakes claim to being mother of the undisputable all-time champion Winx - world record holder with 25 Group 1 victories.

Owned by Te Akau Millefiori Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $65,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Archer Park.

“I'm so excited to see this filly back in winning form,” Ellis said. “We've got some wonderful owners in her, including Dirk & Nicky Oberholster, from Totara Park Stud, who bred the filly.

"Ben Masters and his partner Tash and mother Debbie are also involved - Ben and Tash produce stunning videography for us, including our sales' videos. And Wendy and Mick Willock too who celebrated win number 50 with Te Akau today!

“Millefiori wasn't far behind On the Bubbles when it came to the way she won her two-year-old races and when you know they've got class and quality, but having had a lull in form, it's great to see them bounce back.

“It was very impressive and Mark Walker, he's a very smart bloke and it's great to see how much he's enjoying being home working with the team.

“I'm very proud of all the team, here at the stud and at the stables in Matamata. It's what makes Te Akau Racing work and we certainly couldn't do it without them. The combination of our dedicated and talented team and our wonderful owners is a tremendous one.

“It's also been a great week for Karyn and me because we've sold the last of the yearling shares and we can now look forward to their continuing education as they go on to become racehorses.”

Race sponsor Fairview Motors Matamata was represented by Vaughan Nowell, who presented the spoils to part-owners Mick and Wendy Willock who, as mentioned, celebrated their 50^thwinner trained by Te Akau.

“It's the first race we've sponsored since Mark (Walker) has been home and it's great to have him back in town,” Nowell said.

“David (Ellis) has had a long association with Herbie Dyke, who started Fairview Motors, and he and Karyn are great supporters.”

Millefiori was strapped by Reece Trumper.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz