Te Akau Cambridge Trials' Report

Te Akau trialled horses at Cambridge on Friday 3 September -

Weather: fine, track: poly-track, rail: true.

Heat 3 Open 1300 metres (1 ¾ lengths, ½ a length 1:16.6)

Te Akau Caliburn (7 g Camelot - Enchanted Evening) - Niranjan Parmar; lobbed along at the back, five lengths 600m, and closed strongly late for fourth.

Bought privately by David Ellis in Europe, he followed a win with close second in the New Zealand St Leger (Listed, 2600m) last season and ended his campaign in February after contesting the Avondale Cup (Gr. 2, 2400m). Owned by the 2019 European Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), at the time of purchase he had won two races to 2400 metres in the UK.

Heat 7 Open 950 metres (short neck, ½ a length 55.3)

Miss Aotearoa (4 m Per Incanto - Danex) - Troy Harris; settled mid inner from barrier one and once clear she quickened home strongly for second.

Two from three, including the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m), owned and bred by Tony Rider (Milan Park), she is a half-sister to Matriarch Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) and dual listed winner Oceanex (Ocean Park), also Group Three and Listed winner Amexed (Pentire), and dam Danex (Danasinga) has now left 10 winners of 24 races.

Aotea Lad (5 g Savabeel - Corsage) - Danielle Johnson; began well before steadying, three wide fifth 600m, and he sustained a strong run for third.

A Group Two winner, twice Group Three placed, and runner-up to stable-mate Probabeel (Savabeel) in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m), owned by the Te Akau Love Life Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and purchased by David Ellis for $200,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

Top Brass (6 g Epaulette - Highlight) - Niranjan Parmar; went forward to contest a solid pace and he was not far away in fifth at the line.

Winner of five from 10 to 1200 metres, owned by Terry Archer, Mike Beazley, Howard Perry, Stu Graham, Murray Darroch, Marcelle Douglas, Stuart Gladding, and A Dime-A-Dozen Syndicate, Top Brass is by multiple Group One winning sprint sire Epaulette (Commands).

Heat 8 Open 950 metres (2 ½ lengths, length 54.7)

Brando (4 h Savabeel - Saoirse) - Craig Grylls; was caught three wide midfield, worked up level turn, and he drew clear to win impressively.

A stakes' winner and Group One runner up, he was purchased by David Ellis at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run, owned by the Te Akau R2R Colt Breeding Syndicate. He was bred and sold by Fairdale Stud, from whom Ellis purchased $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner, now stallion, Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel).

Vincere (5 m Pins - Lasting Luck) - Danielle Johnson; was not rushed, settling sixth, and from last in the straight she closed the margin nicely.

A consistent performer and dual winner, she was purchased by David Ellis for $115,000 at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, and owned by David and Hamish Coleman.

No Limits (4 g Savabeel - Make A Wish) - Troy Harris; steadied back off the outside gate, six lengths 600m, and he rounded off okay among the minors.

Winner in April, by six-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), he is a brother to Group One placed stable-mate I Wish I Win - runner-up to stable-mate On The Bubble (Brazen Beau) in the Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m).

Heat 9 Open 950 metres (length, ½ a length 55.5)

Exaltation (5 m Not A Single Doubt - Meleka Belle) - Samantha Collett; went forward to secure a handy position and she rounded off very well for second.

Impressive winning on debut, adding two since, she is a half-sister to former stable-mate Melody Belle (Commands), a Champion Two-Year-Old, 14-time Group One winner, and dual Horse of the Year. Owned by the 2018 Fabulous Fillies Breeding Syndicate, she was purchased by David Ellis from Haunui Farm draft at the 2018 Karaka Book1 Sale.

Zouluminous (5 m Zoustar - Luminous Harmony) - Courtney Barnes; settled in midfield and she worked home solidly on the inner, given a sprint trip.

A consistent dual winner, she ended her campaign finishing third over 2100 metres in May at Te Rapa. Owned by the Te Akau Shining Light Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis, from the draft of Rosemont Stud, at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

Radegast (5 g Savabeel - Marveen) - Niranjan Parmar; got back last, 10 lengths 600m, and he quickened well to close the margin.

A winner and twice placed during the last campaign, he was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $175,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, owned by Te Akau Radegast Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Heat 10 Open 950 metres (head, dead-heat 55.4)

Fashion Shoot (4 m Savabeel - High Fashion) - Danielle Johnson; began well to situate outside the leader and she lifted very well to win.

From an immensely talented race mare, she lengthened to win easily during her first campaign, culminating in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) won by stable-mate Kahma Lass (Darci Brahma). Owned by the Te Akau In Vogue Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis), she was purchased by David Ellis for $320,000, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the NZB 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

Romantic Lady (5 m Power - Romantic Time) - Samantha Collett; began well to camp on the leaders and not far away while never appearing comfortable on the surface.

Winner of four at 1200 metres, she was purchased by David Ellis at the2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, owned by Sir Patrick Hogan, John Aubrey, Richard Johnstone, Michael Macky, James Montgomerie, and Warwick Taylor.

Heat 11 Open 950 metres (long head, 7 lengths 54.9)

Savy Yong Blonk (6 m Savabeel - Ampin) - Niranjan Parmar; got back last, chasing two clear leaders, 10 lengths 600m, went early and sustained a strong run for fifth.

Bred and owned by Bill & Margaret Gartshore and Jim & Susan Gartshore, a dual Group Three winner and Group Two placed, seven-time winner, she has won nearly $340,000 prize money.

Feelin' Fancy (5 m Rip Van Winkle - Frivolous) - Courtney Barnes; held a spot in midfield, chasing two clear leaders, and she was fine in the straight over a sprint trip.

Stylish winning twice to 1600 metres last season for owner/breeders Windsor Park Stud, she is from one of their best families.

Heat 12 Open 950 metres (½ head, ½ a length 55.2)

Summer Monsoon (7 g Stratum - Princess Narine) - Niranjan Parmar; went back to last from the outside gate, six lengths 600m, and he circled widest with a big finish to claim victory on the line.

Purchased by David Ellis at the 2016 Sydney Easter Yearling Sale, stakes placed as a two-year-old in the Matamata Slipper (Listed, 1200m), the winner of six quickened boldly to win an Open Handicap 1400 metres in May at Te Rapa.

Maasir (4 g Proisir - Maakel) - Samantha Collett; got back from a wide draw, five lengths 600m, and he worked home strongly for third once clear in the straight.

Owned by Te Akau Proisir Pride Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $72,500 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Leanach Lodge, he scored consecutive wins to 2100 metres at Te Rapa, before spelling in February.

Heat 13 Open 950 metres (neck, 2 lengths 55.3)

Synchronize (3 f Savabeel - Splits) - Danielle Johnson; trailed from barrier one and she quickened through on the inner to win well.

She was unbeaten in three trials before being untroubled to win the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 2YO 1050 metres on 31 March at Matamata. Owned by the Te Akau Flexibeel Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud.

Mai Tai (5 m Atlante - Tropical Punch) - Craig Grylls; was easy off the gate to get back, six lengths 600m, and she quickened between runners to finish close among the minors.

The winner of five from 10 for the Hawkins family at Wentwood Grange, she ended her previous campaign after winning the Anzac Mile (Listed, 1550m) on Anzac Day (25 April) at Awapuni.

Heat 17 Maiden 3YO 950 metres (1 ¾ lengths, 3 lengths 55.3)

Leica Star (3 f Highly Recommended - Leica Glory) - Troy Harris; steadied back from a wide gate, six lengths 600m, and she rounded off well to photo-finish for third.

Owned by Te Akau Leica Star Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she finished second to subsequent winning two-year-old stable-mate Noverre (Savabeel) when trialling in January at Matamata.

Heat 18 Maiden 3YO 950 metres (long neck, 2 ¾ lengths 55.4)

Polly Plum (3 f Xtravagant - Herstory) - Courtney Barnes; went forward from an outside draw, handily placed three wide, and she held her spot okay finishing fourth.

A filly from the first crop by Xtravagant (Pentire); purchased as a yearling by David Ellis from the Magic Million's January Sale and trained by Te Akau to win the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m). By Danehill stallion Commands, the sire of Melody Belle, dam Herstory won three races to 1400 metres in Australia.

Heat 19 Maiden 3YO 950 metres (2 ¼ lengths, long neck 54.9)

Prismatic (3 g Savabeel - Kaleidoscope) - Troy Harris; was patiently ridden fifth and she went on to finish fourth.

Bred on the same Savabeel/Pins cross as history making Karaka Millions winner and triple Group One winning stable-mate Probabeel, from the family of 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Xtravagant (Pentire). He was purchased by David Ellis from Karaka and is owned by Te Akau Prismatic Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Heat 22 Open 800 metres (½ a length, 1 ¼ lengths 46.2)

Wishing Well (4 m Charm Spirit - Starwish) - Samantha Collett; began smartly to lead and she was never out of second gear finishing close second.

Bred and owned by James Chapman at Jamieson Park, sponsor of the Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m), she has recorded two very good wins, and a second, from five starts.

Lisheen (4 m Pins - Invermoray) - Troy Harris; was caught three wide in fifth and she was held together in the straight to finish fourth.

Spelled after a debut winner over 1200 metres in March at Te Aroha, she is owned by Gordon Cunningham (Curraghmore Stud).

Charmaine's Dream (4 m Charm Spirit - Scattercat) - Danielle Johnson; began well from barrier one to trail, raced ungenerously, and held together in the straight she was solid through the line.

A strong winner over 1200 metres during Easter at Tauranga, she has also twice finished third in five starts. From the very good Moore-bred family, she was purchased by David Ellis for $87,500 at the 2019 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run, and owned by Fortuna Syndications (Mgr: John Galvin).

Heat 23 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (¾ length, nose 46.2)

Savasilk (3 f Savabeel - Silk Pins) - Danielle Johnson; travelled up fourth and she pushed clear in the straight to finish second.

Owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay, she was purchased by David Ellis for $360,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud. She is from a Pins (Snippets) mare that finished second in the Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Second Top Filly on the NZ 2YO Free Handicaps.

3 g Shocking - Prado Red- Niranjan Parmar; began well before getting back, seven lengths 600m, and okay running home in the straight over a sprint trip.

He is owned by David Price (Price Bloodstock Management).

Heat 24 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (head, 2 ½ lengths 46.3)

Ambitious Intent (3 f American Pharaoh - Latest Plan) - Courtney Barnes; began well to race handily and she stuck to her task finishing fourth.

In training for the China Horse Club, she is by US Triple Crown winner American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) from a mare by great sire Dubawi (Dubai Millennium).

Sicilian Dream (3 f Dream Ahead - Taormina) - Danielle Johnson; steadied back from a wide draw, last, seven lengths 600m, she tracked up with more to offer but received no room.

In training for owner/breeder Sir Peter Vela, by Dream Ahead (Diktat), sire of 52 stakes winners, over 1000 wins, including seven Group Ones. From a Pencarrow Stud family, dam Taormina (Red Ransom) is related to five-time Group One winning stallion Darci Brahma (Danehill) and five-time stakes winning stallion Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), both bought as yearlings by David Ellis. Through her sire lines she carries a bloodline cross of Epsom Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Roberto (Hail to Reason).

Heat 25 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (¾ lengths, 6 lengths 46.2)

Fierce Flight (3 g Flying Artie - First Bloom) - Craig Grylls; received a nice trip in fourth and finished similar spot over a sprint trip.

Owned by Te Akau Out of Bounds Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis), purchased by David Ellis for $45,000 at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge. His sire, Flying Artie (Artie Schiller), a World Champion Three-Year-Old Sprinter, headed the three-year-old Timeform Ratings (127) and the young sire has already left Group One winner Artorius in the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m).

Sweet Taboo (3 g Turn Me Loose - Sade) - Danielle Johnson; steadied to last from the outside draw, six lengths 600m, while remaining back he worked through the line okay over a sprint trip.

Purchased by David Ellis last November at the Karaka Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Woburn Farm, he is a half-brother to Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Force of Will (Power). The first crop of triple Group One winner Turn Me Loose: 2000 Guineas (1600m), Emirate Stakes (1600m), and Futurity Stakes (1400m), by sire of sires Iffraaj (Zafonic), he is from the family of Japan Cup winner Horlicks (Three Legs), and Melbourne Cup winner Brew (Sir Tristram).

Heat 26 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (1 ½ lengths, short head 46.7)

Memoire Parfait (3 g Tavistock - Bagalollies) - Troy Harris; began well to co-lead from barrier one and he fought hard over a sprint trip for close third.

Purchased privately by David Ellis for Mr. Edmund Wong, he is by dual Group One winner Tavistock (Montjeu), out of dual New Zealand Broodmare of the Year Bagalollies (Zabeel), and a brother to Hong Kong Horse of the Year Werther and New Zealand Cup winner Gobstopper. Bagalollies is the dam of four individual winners (28 wins), including 10 Group victories.

Heat 27 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (1 ¼ lengths, ¾ length 46.4)

Miss Lovato (3 f Astern - Demilune) - Danielle Johnson; got back from a wide gate, seven lengths 600m, and she glided home on the bridle for third.

Owned by Bill and Sandra Duell, she is from the first crop of Group One winner Astern (Medaglia d'Oro). Her dam, Demilune (Domesday), is a half-sister to multiple winners Farolitos (Medaglia d'Oro), five wins and Group Three placed, and Sculptures (Exceed and Excel) six wins.

Heat 28 Maiden 3YO 800 metres (3 ¾ lengths, 1 ¼ lengths 46.5)

Polaris (3 g Deep Field - Miss Fi) - Niranjan Parmar; was fifth on a solid pace, five lengths 600m, and he held his spot running home over a sprint trip.

He was purchased by David Ellis and Fortuna Syndications for $70,000 at the 2020 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Blandford Lodge. Deep Field was a highly regarded Group Two winner in Australia, by the ill-fated emerging stallion and sire of sires Northern Meteor (Encosta de Lago). Beautifully bred dam sire Makfi (Dubawi) has left NZ Horse of the Year Bonneval and New Zealand Filly of the Year Sofia Rosa.