Sans Doute in No Doubt

Ridden by reigning Champion Jockey Michael McNab, Sans Doute (3 f Not A Single Doubt - My Prerogative, by I Am Invincible) gave her rivals a start and a beating in the $14,000 Maiden 1215 metres on 28 December at Rotorua.

Winning all three trials before three starts yielding two seconds and fourth, Sans Doute drew clear to win a trial with her ears pricked on 12 December at Avondale, and stripped looking ready in condition.

Last early before improving three wide at the 800 metres, Sans Doute cruised around nearing the home turn and showed her dominance when drawing clear inside the final furlong to win easily by three and a half lengths.

“It was a very good win by Sans Doute, especially after being last early and going against the pattern of racing on the day,” said trainer Mark Walker.

Having already finished second in the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) at just her second start, Walker suggests that the confidence building win would see her earmarked for another stakes race.

On footing upgraded to Good3, San Doute ran 1215 metres in 1:11.5 and as hot favourite she returned $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

A filly with obvious ability, Sans Doute was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $300,000 at the 2021 Australian Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Arrowfield Stud, and owned by Te Akau In No Doubt Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Considered a natural looking athlete, with a great eye, both her sire and dam-sire were atop the 2021 General Sires list in Australia.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She is a very elegant filly, from a good family, and we thought she was the best filly in the sale by Not A Single Doubt.

“With him (Not A Single Doubt) no longer serving, fillies like this are becoming rare commodities and we were thrilled to be able to secure her.

“She is from a fast family, full of black type winners, that included 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Ugo Foscolo (Zacinto), so a family we can relate to in New Zealand.”

Sans Doute carries a bloodline cross through her sire lines of Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Canny Lad, by speed sire Bletchingly.

Sans Doute was strapped by Shaun Magee.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz