Matamata Double ~ Hakkinen Our 'Flying Finn'
21 December, 2024
At just his second start, Hakkinen (3 g Savabeel – Miss Scandinavia, by Smart Missile) recorded a smart victory in the $25,000 Donaghys Rating 60 1600 metres on 20 December at Matamata.
After running home well for fourth over a sprint distance when trialing on 18 November at Waipa, he finished strongly for second following an economical trip when debuting in the Maiden 1400 metres on 8 December at Te Aroha.
Ridden by Wiremu Pinn, who obliged earlier aboard stable-mate Cognoscenti (Castelvecchio), Hakkinen settled last after bobbling as the gates opened, was six lengths astern at the 600m, but once sighting daylight on straightening he quickly ascended through the pack and cut a pretty picture to score stylishly by one and a half lengths.
A good quality type of horse, it certainly was a victory to behold and signalled what could be the start of a burgeoning race career.
“He stood in the gates, so we went to Plan B, but he showed a really good turn of foot without me having to do much on him and I think he’s got the makings of a pretty good horse,” said Pinn, on dismounting.
“He relaxed beautifully and he gives the feel of a horse that could easily get over more distance.”
On Good4 footing, Hakkinen ran 1600 metres in 1:37.4, last 600m in 35.6 (approx.), and as race favourite paid $2.40 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.
“It was another really good ride by Wiremu,” said Mark Walker, after Hakkinen brought about the 60th win this season for him and training partner Sam Bergerson.
“He’s a big horse that has taken time to mature, but he's a really nice staying prospect and he’s starting to put it all together now.
“I loved the way he lengthened and really strode out to the line. Once we get him up further in distance, a mile and a quarter, mile and a half, I think he’s really going to hit his straps.”
Owned by the Te Akau Flying Finn Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Hakkinen was bred by the 2016 Te Akau Scandinavia Syndicate and purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $250,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale.
By Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) winning three-year-old and eight-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), Hakkinen is from a mare by terrific sire Smart Missile (Fastnet Rock), a Group Two winner and Group One placed sprinter, the sire of over 1700 winners.
“He has a stunning pedigree,” said Ellis, who knows the family well having purchased Miss Scandinavia as a yearling in Australia, and she won twice to 1600 metres.
“This is her first foal and we’ve had so much success with buying first foals from good quality mares like Miss Scandinavia.”
Miss Scandinavia has an exceptional pedigree. Her grand-dam Miss Finland (Redoute’s Choice) was Champion 2YO & 3YO Filly in Australia, and winner of five Group One races including the Golden Slipper (1200m) and VRC Oaks (2500m). Her progeny sold for $500,000, $750,000, and $900,000, as indication of her quality.
Hakkinen was strapped by Kohen Collett.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz