Lord Cosmos Stars

Backing up in fine style, Lord Cosmos (2 g Pierro - Cosmic Powers, by Not A Single Doubt) won the $60,000 Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1200m) on Saturday at Te Rapa.

Having powered home stylishly to win the Maiden 2YO 1100 metres in December at New Plymouth, following his debut second, Lord Cosmos spelled after the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) won by stable-mate Dynastic (Almanzor).

He was unpressured to win a trial on 19 April at Taupo, before resuming in fastest last 600m (34.2) for second a week earlier in the 2YO 1200 metres at Te Rapa, despite drawing the outside (11) gate, and warranted favouritism ($2.40 & $1.60).

Lord Cosmos was guided by Sam Weatherley, who continued his run of stakes' victories for Te Akau, after winning the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m) on Pin Me Up (Pins) and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on Maven Belle (Burgundy).

Last of six on a competitive pace, Lord Cosmos tracked up fifth nearing the 600m and really quickened home for a big win.

On irrigated footing that remained Soft5, Lord Cosmos ran 1200 metres in 1:11.7 and last 600m in 35.2.

For any horse to back up week on week is a taxing assignment, but, if anything, Lord Cosmos improved with a training regime that included jumping, swimming, and the treadmill.

“It was a really good win because it's not easy for a two-year-old to back up within seven days and full credit to all the staff involved that did such a good job with him through the week,” said trainer Mark Walker, after recording his fifth stakes success, among 13 wins, since resuming as trainer on 1 April.

“He's very athletic and I think we'll see an even better horse next season. At this stage, we will probably give him a spell, while there is still some warm weather in the afternoons, and while he's showing natural ability over shorter trips he could develop into a horse that gets over more ground.”

Owned by Te Akau Galactic Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Lord Cosmos was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from draft of Hallmark Stud, having originally been consigned by Newgate Stud Farm at the Magic Millions 2020 National Weanling Sale.

By Pierro (Lonhro): Champion First, Second, and Third Season Sire in Australia, he is from a Not A Single Doubt (Redoute's Choice) mare that won as a two-year-old.

“He came from a long way off them when he won his Maiden and did the same again to win a stakes' race, so he's a promising horse,” Ellis said.

“He's beautifully bred, was a lovely colt when we bought him and I'm just thrilled for the owners that he's won a stakes' race so early in his career.”

From five starts, Lord Cosmos has recorded two wins and two seconds.

“It's the third time we've won the race, after Kindacross (Cape Cross) and Catalonia (Commands), and it's great to win a race sponsored by one of our vets, Dr Douglas Black who has been my vet for over 30 years.

“Sponsorship is so important in racing and it's great to see Waikato Equine giving back to the industry. It's fantastic, really.

“Mark (Walker) has been back at the helm for five weeks and he won five stakes' races. He's over with a couple of our horses at the Gold Coast races today which both finished second in stakes' races. We've had a win and second with the two at Te Rapa. I thought the run by Supreme Khan was huge for second at Te Rapa.

“All our team continues doing a fantastic job and it's great to see Lord Cosmos win so well in one of the latter two-year-old races of the season.

“It was great judgement by Sam Weatherley, a really nice ride and, gee, he's had a good season in the tangerine.  My policy is that we put people on that ride work. Sam was at the track riding gallops for us again this morning and he's getting the rewards.”

Lord Cosmos was strapped by Reece Trumper.

“He was my pick of the two-year-olds at the start of the season and it's great to see him racing so well,” Trumper said. “We varied his work through the week and he's really chased strongly today.”

A young man with strong family history and a real eagerness for his role, Trumper has been given extra responsibility as assistant foreman at the Colt Barn.

“I'm very thankful for the opportunity that Dave, Karyn, Mark, and Sam have given me,” he said.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.com