Monsoon Time at Ashburton

The second of Te Alkau's three winners at Ashburton was Summer Monsoon ...

Similar to the win by stable-mate Swing Note (Encosta De Lago) a couple of races earlier, another stakes performer, Summer Monsoon (4 g Stratum - Princess Narine, by Red Ransom), also romped in on 30 August at Ashburton.

Fresh-up in the $10,000 Matt Smith Construction Rating 65 1250 metres, Summer Monsoon was patiently ridden second last by Shafiq, on a genuinely competitive pace, and although standing the leader seven lengths at the 600m it was plain to see he was full of running. Quickening widest in the straight to lead at the 200m, he proved a class above in winning by four and a quarter lengths.

After powering home wide on the track for second to dual Group Two winner Ocean Emperor (Zabeel) when trialling on 13 August at Te Teko, Summer Monsoon was strongly supported to start a $2.20 & $1.30 race favourite - odds that appeared generous given the trial form and a horse that had finished second in the Matamata Slipper (Listed, 1200m).

“I've got to thank the owners because it's been twelve months since he last raced, but he's had maturity issues and really just needed the time,” said trainer Jamie Richards.

“He was gelded and had a long break at Te Akau Stud, and came back in very good order. He's a progressive horse and able to find the form of his two-year-old days then he could work his way through the grades, nicely.

“A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes with him. The staff did a great job to get his feet right, and everything like that, so it's quite rewarding when you see them win in that manner and I'm sure he can only improve.”

Owned by the Te Akau 2016 Sydney No. 1 Breeding Syndicate, Summer Monsoon was purchased by David Ellis for $200,000 at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, and went through the line like a horse that could really kick some goals during his Southern campaign.

Summer Monsoon has an interesting mating. His sire, Stratum, is by Redoute's Choice (Danehill) out of Shantha's Choice (Canny Lad), while his grand-dam Monsoon Wedding is also by Redoute's Choice out of Shantha's Choice, making his grand-sire and grand-dam brother and sister. It is a pedigree that brings about not only a lovely Danehill cross, but a massive input of quality on both sides.

Summer Monsoon was strapped by Nik Bakar.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz