Summer Monsoon Smashing in Ashburton Cup

Date: 16 Oct 2021

Summer Monsoon Smashing in Ashburton Cup

 

Previous course winner Summer Monsoon (7 g Stratum - Princess Narine, by Red Ransom) stormed home to win the $40,000 Ashburton Cup (Open 1200m) on Saturday at Ashburton.

Bold winner of an Open 1400 metres in May at Te Rapa, where also winning during a stakes placed two-year-old campaign, Summer Monsoon resumed with a slashing run for second in the Open 1200 metres on 18 September at Riccarton, clocking a phenomenal 33.0 last 600m, and franked the performance to record his seventh win for owners in Te Akau 2016 Sydney No. 1 Breeding Syndicate.

Ridden by Champion Apprentice Kozzi Asano, Summer Monsoon travelled beyond midfield on solid pace before presenting widest in the straight and despite being bumped was able to sustain a big finish.

In the race sponsored by McCrea Painters & Decorators, Summer Monsoon ran 1200 metres in 1:10.9 on Dead4 footing and drifted in betting to pay $5.40 & $2.10 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He likes chasing a genuine tempo, which he got there today,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “He was able to sit off them, get breathing, and finish off down the outside and that's exactly what he did.

“Kozzi (Asano) got his reins tangled halfway down the straight, but the horse was good to the line and finished very well. It was a good tough win.

“Sam Bergerson is leading our team based at Riccarton, ably assisted by Lydia Truesdale, and they're getting winners.”

Summer Monsoon was purchased for $200,000 at the 2016 Sydney Easter Yearling Sale by David Ellis CNZM, who was also impressed by the performance.

“He actually ran second to Melody Belle (Commands) when they debuted as two-year-olds at Ruakaka, before winning at Te Rapa, and although now a seven-year-old he's racing as well as ever,” he said.

“Sam (Bergerson) told me how well Summer Monsoon was doing, absolutely flying in his work, and he had to be good to come from that far back and still win.

“Our policy is to buy types that have the scope to train on as older horses and you couldn't get a better advertisement than Summer Monsoon.

“He's shown preference for left-handed tracks, but also versatility to win on New Zealand Cup Day at Riccarton, Cromwell, Motukarara, Te Rapa, and I'm thrilled for the owners that he's still winning races.”

Summer Monsoon has an interesting mating, with Shantha's Choice (Canny Lad) being the dam of both Redoute's Choice, the sire of Stratum, and grand-dam Monsoon Wedding. The pedigree brings about not only a lovely Danehill cross, but massive input of quality on both sides.

Summer Monsoon was strapped by Tahlia Robinson.

 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz

Back

Sign up to our newsletter