Spellbinder Weaves Magic

An athlete in every respect, Spellbinder (3 f O'Reilly - Scenic Sprint, by Scenic) began her racing career as firm favourite in betting and delivered in no uncertain terms by three-and-a-quarter lengths in the JJ@OnTap 1200 metres on Sept. 9 at Taupo.

“I'm trying hard not to get too excited,” said Mitch Grafas, an owner in the Te Akau Spellbinder Syndicate, as the filly returned to scale.

Beautifully conformed, possessing a pure leg action and big stride, Spellbinder had previously been unbeaten in three trials and the most wanted in betting she returned $2.90 & $1.40.

With no discerning leader after the field jumped in a perfect line, jockey Matt Cameron seized the initiative and dictated terms in front. Appearing to travel best passing the 500 metres, Spellbinder quickening clear on straightening and the race was all over.

“She's pretty natural and her strides are so big, she just did it on raw ability,” said Cameron. “Once I got her balanced in the straight, she zipped away.

“Her coat is still to move, so there is plenty of improvement in her and she might just do very well out of this run,” said trainer Jason Bridgman. “She ran them along, worked a bit, but it was armchair in the finish.

“Although she had won her three trials, it was the first time she had one behind the saddle and she really extended,” said Bridgman. “It was pretty comprehensive at Taupo, as they're usually good fields.

“She's got a lot of scope about her and looks like she will run a trip, especially against her own age group and while still a bit delicate I think we will probably look for a soft route towards the 1000 Guineas,” said Bridgman. 

Spellbinder is raced by Karyn Fenton-Ellis, Don and Roger Lake, Bruce McRae, John Henwood, Paul and Beverley Paino, Wal and Julie Hilsden, Mitch Grafas, Craig Compain, Morriss James, Alex and Elisabeth Jensen, Bryan Hui, Ian and Wendy Jeffery and Robert Rendel.

Bred by trainer Danny O'Brien, Spellbinder was purchased for $60,000 by Te Akau principal David Ellis at the 2012 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud.

“I wanted a mare to breed to O'Reilly,” said O'Brien. “Mark (Chittick) bought me the mare and unfortunately she has since died, but I bred the horse in New Zealand, and she was bought by David (Ellis) at the sales. O'Reilly has been good to us and I hope she continues to go well. 

“It was a very impressive win and it's lovely to see a horse win like that,” said Garry Chittick, of Waikato Stud where O'Reilly (Last Tycoon) stands. “All stallions will leave winners, but it's about excellence and stallions like O'Reilly that can consistently leave the seven or eight top horses from each crop.”

Te Akau stable rider Matt Cameron debriefs the team including Jason and Jeff - part owner Mitch Grafas can be seen just on the right of Jason - photo credit www.raceimages.co.nz

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