Season Review - One Kiss, All Class

As we continue our review of Te Akau's record breaking season (196 domestic wins), we reflect on our third of 34 stakes' wins recorded by the team - One Kiss continued the fine record of stable success with our southern team leading up to, and including, the New Zealand Cup Carnival ...

The $65,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) has long been a sought after race and One Kiss (3 f Tivaci - Discreet Evening, by Discreet Cat) got the spoils on 17 September at Riccarton.

Having won two of three trials before racing greenly on debut in the Maiden 1200 metres on 24 August at Taupo, won by stable-mate and subsequent Wellington Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) winner Cognito (So You Think), One Kiss took the step up after being reported to have done everything right in the interim. 

In the zone following a winning ride aboard stable-mate Navalha (Sebring) earlier on the card, Opie Bosson had to shimmy One Kiss into midfield from the outside gate (14). Given brief respite with cover across the junction onto the course proper, One Kiss challenged to lead a furlong out and had matters sown up thereafter for a pretty soft victory. 

Stable-mate I Choose You (I Am Invincible) also went a super race for fifth, ridden by Te Akau apprentice Joe Kamaruddin, which she followed with third in the Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) and an impressive victory over 1100 metres at Te Rapa. 

Owned and bred by Lib Petagna (JML Bloodstock), managed by Bruce Perry Bloodstock, One Kiss is a half-sister to impressive five time winner Santa Catarina (Savabeel), who included the Waikato Equine Vets 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1100m).

Also in the family of One Kiss is 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner and ill-fated stallion Atlante (Fastnet Rock).

“It was a very proud moment for Te Akau to train our first black type winner for JML Bloodstock and Lib Petagna, and really grateful that him and Bruce Perry gave us this nice filly to train,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM.

Previous wins by Te Akau in the Canterbury Belle Stakes (Listed, 1200m):

2005 - Shikoba (Chief Bearhart): NZB Filly of the Year

2014 - Darci's Dream (Darci Brahma) 

2015 - Windborne (Darci Brahma)