Six Win Boxing Day - Kai Claims Black Type

27 December, 2023

Six Win Boxing Day - Kai Claims Black Type


Adding significantly to her value, Kai (5 m Ocean Park – Brilliant Blush, by Testa Rossa) won the $80,000 Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (Listed, 1200m) on Boxing Day at Wingatui.


Kai was freshened after winning her previous start where, after parading in great order, she sprinted home unrelentingly in the Rating 75 1300 metres on 21 October at Te Rapa, having been hemmed up before closing strongly for fifth to winning stable-mate Petrucci (I Am Invincible) in the Rating 75 1200 metres on 7 October at Matamata.

Of note, Petrucci continued her good form as a resounding winner of the $80,000 Rating 75 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Pukekohe. 

Ridden by experienced South Island jockey Kylie Williams, who recorded her 28th stakes' win, Kai drew the outside (13), travelled back and wide, but responded when asked at the 200m and made light work of the heavy footing to engulf her rivals.

On Heavy10 footing, Kai ran 1200 metres in 1:14.1, winning by half a length, and paid $6.30 and $2.00 on the NZ TAB tote, in a race that stable-mate Millefiori (Iffraaj) also did well to finish fourth. 

“I thought it was a really good ride by Kylie (Williams) and as it turned out the barrier draw (13) probably helped in the end,” said co-trainer Mark Walker. 

“She got out into the better part of the track and we’ve seen her finish like that before on rain-affected going. 

“She’s not very big, but she's gutsy and really attacks the line if she gets a run to suit. She tries her heart out and gives one-hundred percent every time. 

“So, she’s now a listed race winner and that will really add to her broodmare value with that black type win.”

In training for Jamie and Chanel Beatson (Ohukia Lodge), Tom Duncan, Harvey Frame and Daniel and James Worker, Kai is by Ocean Park (Thorn Park), who won five Group One races, including the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m), and who is going well as a stallion at Waikato Stud. He has already sired over 750 winners and 41 stakes' winners, including nine at Group One level. 

Incredibly honest, Kai has recorded five wins, six seconds and seven thirds from 24 starts. 

“It really is astute planning by Mark (Walker) and Sam (Bergerson) and our racing manager Reece Trumper to prepare these two mares for the race and to see them finish first and fourth,” Ellis said.

“Kai is owned by Jamie and Chanel Beatson and their friends, and she’s been such an enjoyable mare for them to race. 

“Mares that have a really good turn of foot, like her, when they get the right trip they’re very exciting and she flew home again today, just like last time at Te Rapa. 

“You’ve got to love horses that give their best every time and she’s going to be a very good mare to breed from in the future. If her progeny shows the same ticker that she’s got, then they’ll win races for sure.

“Also, hats off to our South Island team, led by Hunter Durrant, which continues to have an incredible strike rate (2.9), with over 30 wins this season - the jhe job they’re all doing is outstanding.

“In the past few years, we’ve generally brought all the horses home after Cup Week in November, but we’ve currently got 14 stabled at Riccarton, and they’ll be campaigning at the Southern meetings. 

“It means we can split the horses, rather than run multiple numbers in some races, and the prize money is good too.”

From the family of Stella Cadente (Centaine), her third dam, who won at Group One, Two and Three levels, Kai was actually passed in for $10,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale, but obviously took it to heart as she has defied the initial lack of interest by becoming a very good race mare. 


Kai was strapped by Bailey Anderson. 



Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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