Star of Bombay Stars Again

Perfectly poised throughout, last start winner Star Of Bombay (3 f Atlante - Astardia, by Starcraft) dished it up to a smart field in the $27,500 Rating 65 3YO 1400 metres on 15 December at Ellerslie.

Like stable-mate Lilikoi (Charm Spirit), who won the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) a day earlier at Awapuni, Star Of Bombay received a saloon trip fourth on the outer, quickened to lead at the 200m when jockey Craig Grylls asked her to extend and shot away to win impressively. 

“She got into a lovely spot and we wanted to be one out and one back,” said racing manager Libby Richards. “She's still learning, but she sprinted away well. She's a tough filly and we really like her. It was good for her to have a look around Ellerslie, and all going well she'll come back here over the Christmas / New Year carnival and lots of nice races coming up. 

“There's a group of owners here, so it's awesome.”

Continuing to shorten in betting from a $4.80 & $1.80 fixed odds quote, she closed to $3.30 & $1.20 starting price in the race sponsored by Celebrating Dylan & Nitisha's Engagement. Again running strong time, Star Of Bombay clocked 1:22.8 for the 1400 metres on Dead4 ground, winning by two and a half lengths.

Owned by the Te Akau Bombay Star Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Star Of Bombay was bought by David Ellis for $50,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, and having registered a debut second, followed by consecutive wins, the sights can be raised.

“It's one of the biggest thrills I've had this season, not only to win the prestigious Eulogy Stakes yesterday for Sir Peter Vela but to win again today at Ellerslie with another smart three-year-old filly is very exciting,” Ellis said.

“She brought strong form, had run the times, and was very impressive to my eye. We bought her at the Ready to Run Sale, where we've had so much success, we didn't pay a lot, and are absolutely thrilled for the owners that got involved. 

“This is the time of year we try to peak horses, with good options available, and stakes' races for horses of her quality and they're the sorts of races we'll be trying to win.”

Now one short of an early season milestone (50 wins), Ellis is very pleased with the way things are unfolding.

“Yesterday, Jamie (Richards) won his 60^thstakes' race. He's only 30 years old and it's an incredible achievement. We've got unbelievable teams at the farm and the stables in Matamata, with top vets Doug Black and Ronan Costello, and it's a great thrill for all of them to have already had 49 winners in four and a half months. 

“It's a culmination of things. But we think we buy the right horses, have a great young trainer, and team behind him, and it's showing in the season we're having. He's got the best the strike rate (5.4) amongst the top 10 leading trainers and that's a credit to the way Jamie's placing our horses.

“It was another lovely ride by Craig Grylls and he's in great form. Craig's had a long association with Te Akau. His father Gary rode my first Group One winner Cosmetique in 1986 and Craig's wife Milou is a very important part of our team. 

“There's a great group of owners in the filly and I know they're getting an enormous thrill out of racing her. John Elstob and his partner Denise have their family and friends involved. John's one of the best owners in Te Akau's history. A champion bloke, outstanding businessman (SVS Veterinary Supplies), racing administrator, and he puts a lot back into racing with sponsorship and as an owner. So, I'm thrilled to have another promising horse for him and Denise.”

Out of a good form race on debut when beaten a nose by subsequent winner and Bonecrusher Stakes (Gr. 3, 1400m) runner-up Showoroses (Showcasing), while fifth placed stable-mate Combat Queen (Pierro) won last Wednesday at Hastings, Star Of Bombay had won the Maiden 3YO 1200 metres easing down by four lengths on 24 November at Te Rapa, and trainer Jamie Richards had been pleased with her progress since.

“We'd been happy with her work on Tuesday morning and she presented in good order,” Richards. “Opie (Bosson) rode her work and said she's really going well. So, that gives you added confidence heading to the races. 

“Gryllsy gave her a lovely ride. She was pretty impressive and certainly a filly on the up. We've only got 10 days to the Ladies Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) on Boxing Day at Ellerslie, and because of that we may wait until the Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m) on 1 January and have to take on the boys, but the timing suits her better. 

“We'll get her home and see how she does before making any decisions, but certainly nice to have those options coming up with a filly that looks above average. 

“Also, too, one of our team Kate Belsham has some family in the ownership - she is heavily involved at the main stable, so good job done by her and Tracy (Collis).”

Star of Bombay was strapped by Kate Belsham, whose grandparents Ian & Jane Donald have a share in the filly.

Footnote: Star of Bombay breezed up in the top 10% of times (10.54) and impressed Ellis, who was again in good buying form at the recent Ready to Run Sale. A few shares remain under the Yearlings & Shares tab.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

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