I Choose You Too - Te Rapa Double

Back in class for the $14,000 BBO Rating 65 1100 metres on 3 February at Te Rapa, I Choose You (3 f I Am Invincible - Choose, by Starcraft) proved a class above her rivals.

A debut winner and twice Group Three placed during her two-year-old season, I Choose You produced a notable third in the Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) in October at Ashburton, during an abbreviated spring campaign, and returned to winning form after suffering a check mid-straight in the Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m) won by stable-mate Maven Belle (Burgundy) on 21 January at Pukekohe.

Pushed up to position midfield by rider Opie Bosson, I Choose You travelled on the bridle, camped on the leaders turning for home, and once clear she pinned her ears to score by three and a half lengths.

“She got through the (slow) ground and won really well today,” said trainer Mark Walker, after preparing his 112^th winner for the season.

“It was a lovely ride of Opie's. It was great to see her relax so well and it's onwards to better things for her.”

On Soft7 footing, I Choose You ran 1100 metres in 1:05.6, last 600m in 35.5, and paid $2.40 & $1.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM at 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Yarraman Park Stud, I Choose You is owned by the Te Akau 2021 Fillies' Breeding Syndicate  (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

I Choose You is by Champion Australian Sire I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit), from six-time winner (1200 - 1400m) Choose, by New Zealand bred stallion Starcraft (Soviet Star), a world-class galloper and five-time Group One winner that claimed titles of Champion 3YO in Australia, Champion Sprinter in New Zealand, and Champion Miler in Europe. 

There is no doubt I Am Invincible is a phenomenal sire and that Ellis has a very good eye for selecting them, with Champion Three-Year-Old and triple Group One winner Imperatriz leading the way.

Syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM said: “Thank you to BBO for the special services in land development that they provide to the club, through a whole raft of ventures.

“We have some of our owners in the filly here to celebrate the win, Club President John Elstob and his partner Denise and Warren Flaunty and his daughter Shaneen. 

“She was unlucky on Karaka Million night and to see her come out and win so stylishly is a great confidence builder. 

“Mark Walker and the team are unstoppable and they're all working so hard despite all the wet weather conditions. 

“We've just finished buying yearlings at Karaka, where David (Ellis) signed for 29 horses and while here today with owners I've also got the laptop which is going nuts with people wanting shares and making inquiries.

“It's these results during what could well be another record season for Te Akau that translates into confidence from people interested in buying shares.”

I Choose You was strapped by Lauren Russo.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz