Summer Monsoon Superb in Grp 3 Stewards

Presented in first-class condition, Summer Monsoon (7 g Stratum - Princess Narine, by Red Ransom) won the prestigious $100,000 Lindauer Stewards Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) on the middle day (10 Nov.) of Cup Week at Riccarton.

On a day that previously staged the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), now run on first Saturday and won this year by Noverre (Savabeel), giving Te Akau their seventh win in the race, Summer Monsoon continued stellar form to beat a hardened field of sprinters.

Boasting terrific course form and a winner on NZ Cup Day during Cup Week last year, a meeting that saw trainer Jamie Richards with five winners, Summer Monsoon brought a notable record to the match.

Spelled in May, he looked good winning a trial before running the fastest last 600m (33.0) of the day when runner up in an Open 1200 metres on 18 September at Riccarton and did the same again (34.8) winning the Ashburton Cup (Open 1200m) on 16 October at Ashburton. Given a copybook ride by Opie Bosson, he was able to pluck the spoils.

Although barrier seven often provides the opportunity to race handily, the tried and trusted method of settling back has worked wonders with Summer Monsoon and Bosson played his part with aplomb.

There was always a sense, despite being last of the 13 runners, that Bosson had matters in hand and once presented widest at the 400 metres Summer Monsoon was able to produce his trademark powerful finish.

Presiding over the Te Akau team at Riccarton, assistant trainer Sam Bergerson said: “I think Jamie (Richards) said it last time, ‘he's just getting better with age'. He's a seven-year-old, loving it, seems to thrive down here and it was a great effort.

“The key to him is to leave him quiet early, let him find his feet. If you pressure him early to find a spot, he doesn't finish off, so good speed in the race really helped.”

On Dead4 footing, Summer Monsoon ran the 1200 metres in 1:08.6, on par with many renditions of the race, and jostling for favouritism he drifted late to pay $6.50 & $2.10 on NZ TAB tote.

Owned by the Te Akau 2016 Sydney No. 1 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: DC Ellis CNZM), and good enough to finish second in the Matamata Slipper (Listed, 1200m) as two-year-old, Summer Monsoon was purchased for A$200,000 by David Ellis CNZM at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, and the Group Three was his eighth victory.

“It's the first time we've won the Stewards (Stakes),” said Ellis, between drafting a unit of steers and watching the races.

“It's a time-honoured race and we've won most of the big races at Riccarton, so good to add this one and a big thrill.

“I've been impressed with this horse, the way he's continued to improve as he's matured and really, he typifies the sort of horses we're always trying to buy that can show talent early in their careers and continue to get better as they mature.

“He's had a great campaign. Jamie (Richards) has placed him absolutely perfectly, just indicating how good he is a setting a programme for horses, and I thought he paraded looking incredibly well.

“Opie (Bosson) again did the job to perfection, showing everyone that he's got his eye in, and his great Cup Week continues.”

Trainer Jamie Richards said: “Summer Monsoon's continued to go from strength to strength during this preparation and put the writing on the wall when he won from back in the field at Ashburton.

“Since then, and with 25 days between runs, he's been back down there for an exhibition gallop - thanks to the Ashburton Racing Club for allowing us to do that - and he's raced really well today.

“The trick with him is getting back and settled and he's got a really good turn of foot if he breathes properly and gets into a rhythm early in the race.

“Sam (Bergerson) and our southern team have done a wonderful job with him and it was pleasing for everyone concerned.

“He's getting better with age and it's great to see for the ownership group to win such a celebrated race.”

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. It brings about not only a lovely Danehill cross, but massive input of quality on both sides of the pedigree.

Through the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, both Richards and Bergerson were recipients of the Sunline Trust International Scholarship which allowed the pair stints at thoroughbred operations in Ireland, U.K., and United States.

Summer Monsoon was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz