Tavernia Turns It On

Continuing the flow of winners from the stable, Tavernia (3f Mongolian Khan - Chaparella, by High Chaparral) won the $14,000 Maiden 1230 metres on 15 November at Rotorua.

Given time since trialling in August at Te Rapa, Tavernia is from talented race mare Chaparella who, among eight victories to 1600 metres, recorded two stakes' wins in the Gore Guineas (Listed, 1355m) and N. Z. Bloodstock Insurance Stakes (Listed, 1400m), and is now represented by four individual winners of six races including The O'Leary's Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1200m) winner Riva Capri (Atlante).

Steadied back second last by jockey Craig Zackey, six lengths inner at the 600m, Tavernia saved ground to the inside of runners before finishing strongly in centre track.

Zackey (27) was a former South African Champion Apprentice, who along with fellow countryman Warren Kennedy, currently reigning Champion Jockey in South Africa, is helping bolster the domestic riding ranks.

They are about to be joined by South African apprentice jockeys Triston Moodley and Donovan Cooper, to attend the newly formed New Zealand Jockey Academy at Byerley Park, Karaka, created by Daniel Nakhle and Donovan Mansour.

Drifting from an earlier fixed odds quote of $8.50 & $2.80, Tavernia paid $12.50 & $3.60 on the NZ TAB tote, running the 1230 metres, last 600m 35.8, on Heavy8 footing.

A nicely put together filly, with action to match, Tavernia emulated attributes displayed by her dam, Chaparella, in that she was able to produce a strong finish with give in the ground.

“She's a filly that's been a bit fragile mentally, but we've been patient with her,” said trainer Mark Walker, after preparing his ninth winner this month and 63^rdfor the season.

“She's bred to get over more ground, but lovely ride by Zackey, and we'll continue to handle her patiently.

“I think that she's got a future once she puts it all together, especially as we get up in distance.”

Purchased by MDR Bloodstock at the 2021 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Highview Stud, Tavernia is owned by Ronan & Tracey Costello, Bevin Smith, Gordon, Michael & Marie Rennie, Jodie Staite, Michael Johnston, and Craig Roylance.

Tavernia was strapped by Mallesh Saddari.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz