Matamata Win 2 of 4 - Say No More

Strong young galloper Need I Say More  (2 g No Nay Never - Bo Bardi, by Fastnet Rock) cut a pretty picture over the concluding stages of his debut victory in the $10,000 Maiden 2YO Maiden 1100 metres on 2 February at Matamata. 

Winning without serious urging off the front when trialling on the course, 14 January, Need I Say More was able to assume the pace making role again before dishing it up to his rivals for a two-length win.

Prior to the race, trainer Jamie Richards alluded to the fact that Need I Say More had beaten subsequent Woburn Farm 2YO Classic (Gr. 3, 1200m) winner Bonita Aurelia (Sweynesse) at the trials, which resulted in the warm order returning $2.10 & $1.20 in the race sponsored by Onsite Auto Electrical.

Chasing home Need I Say More, stable-mate Cornflower Blue (Savabeel) also raced very well on debut, following a second at the trials, and pair had four lengths to spare on their nearest rival. 

“He's a lazy horse in track work, but get him out here when the speakers are going and put a set of blinkers on him and he really wakes up,” Richards said. “He clicked on here at the trials and he looks a promising horse. 

“Full credit to Dave (Ellis), he bought him after the sale because he liked him so much and he's by a very good stallion, in No Nay Never, and he'll be back here in three weeks for the Slipper ($70,000 Waikato Stud Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m)). 

“Opie (Bosson) is riding in a great patch of form and the horses are going well, so long may it continue.”

“I've got a lot of time for Cornflower Blue, as well,” said Richards, who may look towards the $100,000 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) with the Waikato Stud filly on 22 February at Matamata.  

“She's bred to be above average and think she will be in the long-run. I think we'd have to give her the opportunity. Three weeks is enough time and it's a race Mark (Chittick) is dead keen to win. I think she could measure up in a race like that, as long as she does well between times.”

Owned by the Te Akau Never Say Die Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM - who also owns a share), Need I Say More was purchased by David Ellis for $130,000, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

“He was passed in at the sales, but I really loved the horse and came home and couldn't sleep knowing I didn't have the horse,” Ellis said. “I rang the vendor, Eion Kemp, who stayed in for a share because he loved him too. 

“We have some new owners in the horse, which we're thrilled about and it's a great way for them to start. I thought he was very impressive in his win and looked like he wanted to just keep running.”

By an unbeaten two-year-old and a sire making waves in Europe, No Nay Never is by Scat Daddy (Johannesburg) who sired 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify, while his dam, Bo Bardi, is by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill) and won over 1400 metres in Australia. 

Accepting on behalf of the owners, Te Akau administration manager Robyn Bregmen said: “It's a great day. He's actually my first horse and my first race. 

“I really liked him when I first saw him come off the truck, probably because he was big. There was only a small share left and I had a look at the owners and I knew quite a few of them so thought they would be great people for Derek and me to go to the races with.” 

Need I Say More was strapped by Sarah West.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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