She (Ice) Bombs Them

Unlucky not to have already saluted the judge, Icebomb (3 f Darci Brahma - Snowdonia, by Peintre Celebre) made up for lost time with a smart win in the $10,000 Greerton TAB Maiden 3YO 1300 metres on 26 April at Tauranga.

Stakes' placed as a two-year-old in the Phoenix Park Classic (Gr. 3, 1200m), responsible for the fastest last 600m (33.8) of the day at her only previous course attempt, stiff not to win when checked fresh-up on 8 April at Pukekohe, with four seconds and a third from six starts prior, Icebomb was regarded as one of the most unlucky Maidens in the country, until now, although the victory did not come without an edge of trepidation.

Last out in a field of 12, Icebomb remained in the rearward quartet until peeling widest around the home turn, but she jogged up to join issue at the 250m for rider Michael McNab and lengthened to score nicely.

A hot commodity in betting ($1.90 & $1.20 NZ TAB tote), Icebomb ran the 1300 metres in 1:17.5, last 600m in 34.8, on footing regarded by McNab as perfect (Dead5).

Co-trainer Jamie Richards said: “She's always shown a lot of ability, but things haven't gone her way at times and she was given a really nice today by Michael (McNab). We said to hold her up, because she's got there a couple of times and been run down previously. It looked like she might put a space in them, but she got the job done and will improve with further racing.”

Icebomb was purchased privately by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $50,000, from Jamieson Park, and owned by the Te Akau Icebomb Syndicate.

“I bought the filly from James Chapman at Jamieson Park,” Ellis said. “He's doing a terrific job breeding thoroughbreds and his manager, Sam Munro, is one of the best in the business.

“I think Icebomb will be even better next season. She's been a slow maturing horse, by a great sire in Darci Brahma and his progeny just keep winning nearly every race day, it's incredible. We've got some terrific clients in the ownership, so it's great to get another good result for them.”

Ellis also reported that the breaking in process of yearlings was in full swing at Te Akau Stud, with a few of the top lots from Book 1 at Karaka ready for their first educational stint at the stables in Matamata.

“After next Saturday, and with signs that the weather could be turning, we won't have that many racing because our horses as a rule aren't wet trackers and heavy footing is on its way,” he said.

“So while the racehorses will be having a spell we've been very busy breaking in all the yearlings at the farm, here, and tomorrow we're sending a half-sister to (Champion Two-Year-Old) Melody Belle, by Not A Single Doubt, into the stable. And if she's not a top filly, then I've never seen one. She exudes class and Dan Miller has been out here riding her and he's reported to me that she feels absolutely fantastic.

“We're also sending the Savabeel - Katie Lee in, the sale topping colt, the Exceed and Excel - Our Ella Belle, and the Snitzel - Floria colt. So, they're three beautiful colts that I bought at Karaka, and we're really looking forward to getting their training education underway in Matamata.”

Icebomb was strapped by Raj Rasheed.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz