Prise De Fer Group 3 Gold Cup Perfection

Suited by the weight-for-age scale, Prise De Fer (6 g Savabeel - Foiled, by Snippets) justified favouritism stylishly in the $100,000 Coca-Cola Canterbury Gold Cup (Gr. 3, 2000m) on Saturday at Riccarton.

Having prevailed under the top weight (59kg) in an Open 1500 metres on Derby Day (5 March) at Ellerslie, and unluckily halted in his tracks when mounting a run from last in the Flying Stakes (Listed, 1400m) on 2 April at Awapuni, Prise De Fer was smartly placed by Te Akau trainer Mark Walker.

A Group 2 winner at 1600 metres, and Group 1 placed multiple times to 2040 metres, Prise De Fer was the highest rated runner and was confidently ridden by Jason Laking who recently celebrated NZ Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) success aboard stable-mate and NZB Filly of the Year Belle En Rouge (Burgundy).

Showing readiness when galloping last Monday at Matamata, Prise De Fer made the ferry crossing late on Tuesday (after his initial ferry crossing was cancelled) and settled in nicely at the Riccarton stables of trainer Andrew Carston, a previous foreman to Mark Walker.

Settled midfield on the inner and travelling sweetly in fifth at the 800m, Prise De Fer was clear to challenge on straightening and Laking always appeared confident as he punched him out to score by one length.

In a race won by the likes of Uncle Remus, Little Brown Jug, Random Chance, Avedon and Balmuse, Prise De Fer ($2.40 & $1.40) joined illustrious company after running 2000 metres in a polished 2:00.3 - a new race record.

“The owners have continued to be rewarded for their patience and it was another good win,” Walker said.

“I still think he's capable of another really good next season as a seven-year-old, as he's been well looked after.

“It was a lovely ride by Jason Laking, who continues to serve the stable very well when called upon. He presented the horse at the right time and it was a confident display.”

Breeders Raffles Farm also celebrated a memorable week, having bred stable-mate Imperatriz (I Am Invincible), a five-length winner of the NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) on Easter Saturday at Te Rapa, and followed that up with Prise De Fer.

Pushing his earnings over $500,000 after nine wins and seven seconds, Prise De Fer was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000, from draft of Trelawney Stud, at 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, and is owned by Te Akau En Guarde Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“It was a brilliant thrill to win the Canterbury Gold Cup and great training decision by Mark in picking out the race and stepping him from 1400 metres last start to win so well over 2000 metres,” Ellis said.

“He proved himself over 2040 metres in the Livamol and nice to see him score a really good middle distance win.

“Mark has had a great return to training for Te Akau and it's no surprise he's won nine premierships in his career.

“I'd like to thank Andrew Carston and Lydia Truesdale for looking after our horses down there. Andrew is one of the best stable foremen that Te Akau has ever had and he's doing a really good job of training in his own right, and Lydia is doing a super job for us, wanting to be at the races when she is on holiday visiting her family - she's a very important part of our team.

“In the race prior, I thought Belle of the Ball produced a massive effort for second in the Listed Warstep Stakes and it may have only been the outside draw that beat her.

“And Brando, who had to give the winner four and a half kilos, ran a great race for second in the Easter Handicap at Pukekohe, so we've had another good day.”

Prise De Fer provided the 37^thstakes win for Te Akau this season and the fourth for Mark Walker since recommencing as trainer on 1 April.

Prise De Fer was strapped by Lydia Truesdale (main picture with Jason Laking).

Photo credits - www.raceimages.co.nz & Canterbury Jockey Club