Riccarton Treble - Trobriand Terrific in Guineas' Trial

Highest rated in the $40,000 Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m) on Saturday at Riccarton, Trobriand (3 c Kermadec – Arboreal, by Lonhro) proved too good.

Last season, Trobriand won the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m - below), was placed twice behind stable-mate Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m), and then spelled after finishing fourth in the Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).

He resumed with a notable third in the Northland Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 19 August at Ruakaka, and since finished well for close fourth in a trial on 15 September at Taupo.

Making his South Island debut from the Te Akau stables at Riccarton, and nominated for the $600,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 11 November at Riccarton, Trobriand was confidently handled by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar (a2), who won earlier on the programme aboard stable-mate Mazzucato (Tivaci). 

Content to settle back in the early stages, Trobriand tracked up wide inside the 800m, levelled in front with race favourite Bozo (Satono Aladdin) on straightening and had his measure over the concluding stages to score by three-quarters of a length. 

Commentator Matt Cross said: “Jockey Niranjan Parmar had so much horse underneath him getting to the outside rounding the home turn and he just let him get through his gears.” 

Coping with Heavy10 footing, Trobriand ran 1400 metres in 1:30.4 and paid $3.60 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.

“I don’t think he was entirely happy in the track conditions, but it was a good ride by Parmar, getting to the outside,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.

“It’s good that he’s shown to like the course at Riccarton. It was a really good effort and he’s now got a bit of time before the War Decree Stakes.”

The $100,000 War Decree Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) is contested Saturday 28 October at Riccarton. Most recently, Te Akau won the race in 2021 with Noverre (Savabeel) before he won the 2000 Guineas and who now stands at Waikato Stud - having previously won it with Hall of Fame (Savabeel), Risque (Darci Brahma), Burgundy (Redoute’s Choice), King’s Ransom (King’s Chapel), Tell A Tale (Tale of the Cat), and Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago). 

Trobriand has now won four of his eight starts earning $257,315 for his owners, the Te Akau Island Paradise Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), after being purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $260,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud. 

“He had a really two-year-old season and it’s really good to see go on as three-year-old colt,” Ellis said.

“We’ve got some really good longstanding Te Akau owners involved in the colt and given he’s won his first start down there Riccarton certainly helps his prospects heading towards the 2000 Guineas.

“Our horses seem to thrive when they trip away from home and the team in the south is doing a fantastic job.”

With a good quality pedigree, his sire Kermadec (Teofilo) included Group One mile victories in the Doncaster Handicap and George Main Stakes, while dam sire Lonhro (Octagonal) – the black flash –was Champion Three-Year-Old, Champion Miler, Horse of the Year, and simply outstanding Australian racehorse who won 11 Group Ones.

Te Akau has plenty of experience with the extended family, through high quality race mare and fourth dam Arletty (Centaine) leaving Axiom (Zabeel) the dam of Xtravagant (Pentire).

Trained by Te Akau to a sensational 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) victory, and including the NRM Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m), Xtravagant is now a leading young sire in Australia.

Trobriand was strapped by Amit Gujar. 

Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz