Self Obsession Outstanding in Grp 2 Royal Stakes

Taking a tremendous step, Self Obsession (3 f Shocking - Mawaakib, by O'Reilly) won the $120,000 Valachi Downs Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 1 January at Ellerslie.

Self Obsession finished third in a Maiden 1400 metres on debut, sustained an increasingly strong gallop to easily win a Maiden 1600 metres on 10 December, both at Tauranga, and justified the decision by trainer Jamie Richards to chase glory at her third start.

Aboard each time, Michael McNab had designs getting handy, settled for sitting outside Set In Stone (El Roca) and launched into battle with Princess Lowry (Roc de Cambes) inside the 600m - with a nose margin decision going to Self Obsession, and three and a half lengths to third.

“I just put my head down and started pushing, so I didn't know,” said McNab, regarding the close finish.

“It was a good effort by the horse. They pressured me a bit earlier than I wanted, and I really didn't want to get going that far out, but to her credit she fought back.”

Under clear skies and comfortable 20 degree temperatures, Self Obsession ran 2000 metres in 2:07.1 on Dead4 footing, shortening in betting to return $4.70 & $2.00 on NZ TAB tote.

Self Obsession is bred and owned by David Price, based in Hong Kong.

“It was very tight and the other filly had her beaten everywhere apart from the line,” Richards said. “But full credit to her, she's a big staying sort of filly that toughed it out.

“I thought she was a filly that was going to appreciate the step up to 2000 metres and she's bred to get that sort of trip. She's got that big loping action where she's able to roll along up on the speed.

“It wasn't easy. (Graeme Rogerson) Rogie's one (Set In Stone) didn't want to hand up and the other one (Princess Lowry) attacked us at the half mile, so she toughed it out and did a really good job.

“She's owned by David Price, in Hong Kong, and when Danny Rolston and I went up there a few years ago we had lunch with him. He sent us some horses to train, about half a dozen now.

“His main business is buying and selling yearlings in Hong Kong, but this is a homebred filly that was born and raised at Hallmark Stud, by David's good friends Mark and Vicki Baker.”

Self Obsession holds a very special place in the Bakers' hearts.  Mark foaled her and shortly after the straight forward foaling the mare passed away and the Bakers had an orphan filly foal on their hands - who they raised with love and care.

By Shocking (Street Cry), sire of 22 stakes winners including two at Group 1 level, Self Obsession is out of unraced O'Reilly (Last Tycoon) mare Mawaakib, in turn from talented race mare My Hangover (My Halo), winner of five races to 1400 metres and placed at Group 2, Group 3, and Listed levels.

Self Obsession carries a bloodline cross of champion sires Halo and Northern Dancer.

After she won at Tauranga, Price said: “I'm a massive fan of Shocking, I hold a share in him and cannot believe he is not over subscribed every season.

“There is never a year without black type Shocking performers and I'm thrilled that we may have bred our own quality performer. (how right he was!)

“I am also over the moon to have linked up with Jamie Richards. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Hong Kong and was always keen to have a toe in the stable so I am looking forward to what comes next.”

For Te Akau, it was their third Royal Stakes' victory after New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year pairing Shikoba (Chief Bearhart) and King's Rose (Redoute's Choice).

“It's great to have the colours of David Price in the stable and see them winning such a prestigious race,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM.

“He's very knowledgeable and successful and I'm thrilled we could train a Royal Stakes' winner for him. She showed some real ticker, huge.

“Also it's good for John Thompson, who stands Shocking and sponsors the Rich Hill Mile, coming up later on the card.”

In addition, Te Akau came close to winning Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) when Mai Tai (Atlante) was beaten a nose.

Self Obsession was strapped by Amit Gujar.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz