LIke Mum, Like Son

“Blood is thicker than water” certainly applies to the family of debut winner All Decked Out (2 c Darci Brahma - Diamond Deck, by Octagonal) following his authoritative victory on July 13 in the Cecconi 2YO Challenge 1200 metres at Ruakaka.

His dam, Diamond Deck, was an impressive winner of the Highview Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at Hastings, beating subsequent Group One winner Special Mission (Towkay), while his grand-dam Shadea (Straight Strike) left household name Lonhro (Octagonal).

The 2002 Australian Horse of the Year, Lonhro won twenty-six races, eleven Group One, and eighteen at weight-for-age, while his brother Niello (Octagonal) recorded three of his four wins in Group Ones.

After closing stylishly for second in his first trial, Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman knew All Decked Out had inherited family talent and following a let-up the plan to win as a two-year-old came to fruition.

Whereas Diamond Deck came from off the pace for a fast closing second as a two-year-old on debut in the $50,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Two-Year-Old Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Avondale, All Decked Out travelled easily outside the leader on a steady tempo and came clear by one and a quarter lengths under minimal urging from jockey Matt Cameron.

Returning $4.80 & $1.80, All Decked Out covered the 1200 metres in 1:13.31, last 600m in 35.3, on footing rated Dead6.

A product of The Oaks Stud, owned by Queenslander Dick Karreman, All Decked Out won in the presence of General Manager Rick Williams and his son Dean who was quietly confident of victory.

“He was a special horse when he was born,” said Williams. “Diamond Deck was very special, but was injured early in her career and she was a three-quarter sister to Lonhro.

“He (All Decked Out) is a big, green, soft horse at the moment and just learning the game, so I was thrilled to see him win like that and it was a great job done by Jason (Bridgman). I know there are a lot of people on staff at Te Akau that really love this horse.

“He's a kind horse, lacked a bit a ring craft but was better than them and I was more nervous beforehand than I am in group races because I've thought he was special from when he was a foal. He got injured, so we kept him away from the sales and looked after him. Sometimes you get a feeling for a horse and I had a feeling about Diamond Deck and this horse I've got the same feeling for.

“Jason had been patient, we'd all been patient, it was great to see it happen and I know our jockey (Matt Cameron) thinks the world of him, so he's got a lot of admirers just at the moment,” said Williams.

“A two-year-old win is always nice and the dream is - and it's only a dream at this stage - is the prospect of turning him into a stallion to stand at The Oaks, but you've got to win a Group One and he's a long way off that.

“I don't believe he's a sprinter, so I think as he matures and gets the hang of the game he could be very competitive in group races, but one step at a time and you have to have a dream.

“I think a mile as a three-year-old will be a very good trip for him and he can be a 2000-metre horse later on. Hopefully he can show us that he warrants a trip for the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) [Nov. 9 at Riccarton].

“He's in good hands and I'm sure Jason (Bridgman) will get the best out of him,” said Williams.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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