Rivalry Rules

Following a good debut performance, Sibling Rivalry (3 f Satono Aladdin – Justlikeyasister, by Gold Centre) recorded a stylish victory in the $18,500 Harcourts Monarch Maiden 3YO 1150 metres on 11 November at Te Aroha. 

Looking good while notching two wins and a second through the trials' stage, Sibling Rivalry had unwound strongly for fourth when debuting in the Maiden 1000 metres on 10 October at Taupo, and rated a top three chance from barrier six.

Ridden by Craig Grylls, Sibling Rivalry positioned outside the hindquarters of the leader, was pushed up to take control at the 300m and drew out to score by one and a half lengths. 

It was a positive ride by Grylls, the Champion Jockey from last season, and confirmed the promise shown by Sibling Rivalry from the outset, as a filly that exudes a nice way of going.

On footing rated Soft5, Sibling Rivalry ran 1150 metres in 1:09.0 and shortened from an earlier $8.00 & $2.70 fixed odds quote to pay $6.00 & $2.00 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a good ride of Craig’s to get her forward outside the leader and she quickened up nicely in the straight to win well,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“It’s great to see her in the winner’s circle so early in her career and she won with enough authority to suggest she can go on with it from here. Interestingly, she was also the final yearling to sell in her year.

“It’s been tough getting the horses ready, through a wet spring, but she’s found winning form and should take good confidence out of it.”

Owned by the Te Akau No Love Lost Racing Partnership, Sibling Rivalry was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $220,000 at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Kaha Nui Farm.

Japanese based shuttle sire Satono Aladdin (Deep Impact) has made a great impact in New Zealand, from where he stands at Rich Hill Stud, especially through the deeds of Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Tokyo Tycoon, also purchased by Ellis as a yearling at Karaka.

Satono Aladdin is the sire of NZ Champion Staying Filly Pennyweka, winner of both the NZ Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) and ATC Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), Group Two winner Lantern Way, and Group Three winners Sacred Satono and Lupo Solitario.

He has left some gorgeous looking progeny, and Sibling Rivalry fits the bill with her striking markings and beautiful physique. 

Her dam Justlikeyasister was a hardy mare that won five races to 1600 metres and now left three individual winners of nine races, including brother Hokkaido (Satono Aladdin). 

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She’s a lovely type of filly with plenty of physical substance and overall quality about her. 

“Her markings are not dissimilar to Tokyo Tycoon and she’s a filly that really fills the eye.

“He really is doing a great job at stud, Satono Aladdin, a son of the Japanese Champion Sire Deep Impact, and he’s leaving great looking progeny.”

Sibling Rivalry carries a cross of immortal sire Northern Dancer. 

She was strapped by Rhiannon Smith. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz