Horsepower On Hooves: Te Akau TV Weekend Preview Is Here
Date: 8 Dec 2023
Welcome to this episode of Te Akau TV! In this week's segment, Hamish catches up with NZ Co-Trainer Sam Bergerson to discuss what's on the horizon for the Tangerine contingent this weekend!
Before we dive in what is to come there has been so much to celebrate in the past week - we were thrilled to see two of our two-year-olds stake their claim for January's Karaka Millions! Ardrossan gelding Maracatu was a stylish winner, looking to secure a coveted place in exciting event, with Sister Ping an eye-catching third. We really enjoy seeing the enthusiasm of our incredible group of owners when their 'babies' step out, especially with many first-timer owners experiencing the thrill of racing. Watch this space as we have a talented brigade of juveniles ready to make their racing debuts in coming weeks.
And let's talk about Freeze Frame - a performance that stands out as one of the best runs of the season so far! From last place to a spine-tingling victory, Freeze Frame showcased the true spirit of determination. Waikato Thoroughbred Racing CEO Andrew Castles has a share in both Maracatu and Freeze Frame so it was a wonderful race day for him at his own "HQ" winning back to back races. Congratulations to all our winning owners.
Blue-blooded mare Stella Splendida continued on her winning way midweek, recording her third career win at just start seven - bringing up NZ season win 65 for the country's leading trainers, Mark and Sam! We're in full swing towards the weekend with another round of Group 1 racing.
We've already won 12 black-type races in New Zealand and Australia (plus one in Singapore) and are hoping to add a few more to that tally this weekend!
The weekend's racing, officially kicks off today at Riccarton on the synthetic and we are back at The Valley in Melbourne on Friday night as Rhetorical and last start winner Savoir Faire race under the lights.
Then we journey up the country to Trentham on Saturday where the Tangerine Team is ready to make waves! We're looking forward to seeing reigning titleholder Prise De Fer, Fashion Shoot and Brando step out at Group 1 level in the newly named TAB Classic (formerly the Captain Cook Stakes). A trio of Te Akau 2YO's also compete at Group 2 level in the Mode Technology Wakefield Challenge Stakes, a race we have won on a number of occasions previously. Midnight Blue takes his place late Saturday afternoon in the A$500,000 Ballarat Cup, before we settle in to enjoy at Saturday evening of Singapore racing, and then it's Rotorua and Werribee on Sunday to wrap up the weekend.
You may have noticed at Pukekohe on Saturday that there’s a special race for David Ellis; it is a milestone birthday for him this weekend. Happy Birthday David/DC - what an amazing lifetime committed to the industry we all know and love, your passion knows no bounds and we are very proud to call you our team leader!
The Christmas countdown is well and truly on but we don't have time to wrap the present, or locate the elves just yet. The coming week sees trials at Ellerslie, then next weekend it's party time at Te Rapa with Sky City Hamilton Waikato Cup Day where the team will be out in force hunting down some festive spoils.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Te Akau journey. Your support fuels our passion, and we can't wait to share more fun and success with you. Wishing you a weekend filled with excitement and Tangerine Triumphs!
Go The Tangerine!