Taupo Double - Trobriand Terrific

Trobriand (4 g Kermadec – Arboreal, by Lonhro), a talented Group Two winner and consistent Group performer, resumed with an emphatic victory in the $17,000 Waikato Stud Rating 75 1200 metres on 21 August at Taupo.

Winning the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) as a two-year-old, and subsequently finishing fourth in both the Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) and 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), while placing three times at Group Three level, Trobriand indicated that he was ready for action when finishing strongly for second and fourth, respectively, in two preparatory trials.

Given a beautiful trip midfield on the inner by stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM, Trobriand was able to save ground on the inside of runners as the field swung wide turning for home and he charged away after quickening to lead at the 250 metres.

“I couldn’t really get to the outside, but he was getting through the (Soft7) ground quite well so while he was improving I was happy to stay nearer the inside,” Bosson said.

“He’s probably more of a 1200m to 1400-metre horse, rather than a staying type, but he’s certainly come back in good order.”

Winning by one and three-quarter lengths, Trobriand ran 1:14.1, last 600m in 35.9 (approx.), and closed second favourite to pay $5.60 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote. 

Te Akau racing manager Reece Trumper said: “He was having too much of a think when racing as a colt, so we got him gelded, and that’s whyOpie (Bosson) is the best, looking at his tactics today, picking that run and sticking to it.

“Well done to all the owners, too, they stuck with us when things obviously didn’t go right in his campaign after the 2000 Guineas, but there’s no reason why he can’t keep rewarding them now. 

“His trials were very good coming into this and Opie galloped him on Saturday on the course proper and said he’s absolutely flying. 

“He’s probably a horse like Prise De Fer that as an older horse can continue to work through the grades and be competitive in stakes' races again.  He’s been a very good horse at two and three and I think we’ve got a lot to look forward this season with him and as he gets older.” 

“It was really pleasing to see him back in the winner’s circle,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“He’s come up really well as a gelding and it was a lovely ride of Opie’s, who elected to save ground when others were going wide. 

“I think we’ll keep him to shorter distances because he can travel on genuine pace and has a good turn of foot.”

Trobriand has now won five races for owners in the Te Akau Island Paradise Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), after being purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $260,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud. 

“He had a really good two and three-year-old season and I’m thrilled to see him resume this season with a win,” Ellis said.

“Opie (Bosson) had said to me that he was confident the horse would race really well and as usual he’s been spot on with his assessment.

“He needed to be gelded in order to keep his mind on the job of racing and the way he won today suggests he has a good season ahead of him.

“We’ve got some really good longstanding Te Akau owners involved in the horse and I’m pleased he’s resumed with such a confidence boosting effort.”

With a good quality pedigree, his sire Kermadec (Teofilo) included Group One mile victories in the Doncaster Handicap and George Main Stakes in his career, while his dam sire Lonhro (Octagonal) – the black flash –was Champion Three-Year-Old, Champion Miler, Horse of the Year, and a simply outstanding Australian racehorse who won 11 Group Ones.

Te Akau also has plenty of experience with the extended family, through high quality race mare and fourth dam Arletty (Centaine) leaving Axiom (Zabeel) the dam of Xtravagant (Pentire).

Trained by Te Akau to sensationally win the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m), Xtravagant included victory in the NRM Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m), both by eight lengths. He now stands at Newhaven Park Stud in Australia.

Trobriand was strapped by Cooper Stumbles. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz