Te Akau Claims 1st 2YO Race for 2022/23

The babies were out for the first time this season on Saturday at Wanganui, where Rubicon Crossing (2 f Rubick - Miss Foxwood, by Fastnet Rock) prevailed in the $15,000 Maiden 2YO 800 metres.

Although debuting without a trial, Rubicon Crossing displayed professionalism after being punched out from barrier three to lead for rider Lisa Allpress ONZM, railed with a kick on straightening and continued on a true path to the line.

Overcoming Heavy10 footing with natural ability, in the race sponsored by Dave Hoskins Carriers, Rubicon Crossing shortened from an early fixed odd quote of $4.50 to pay $2.70 & $1.20 on the TAB tote, and ran the 800 metres in 48.7.

Owned by Fortuna Rubicon Crossing Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), she was purchased for $120,000 by David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Attunga Stud, Scone, NSW.

“That's the earliest two-year-old, ever, for Fortuna Racing and it's nice to come out and win on debut,” Galvin said.

“She's a filly that we thought we stole at the Magic Millions Sale in January, after identifying a couple of yearlings that could be under the radar.

“She was a standout, physically. We set a budget and fortuitously she came in at budget, and since then hasn't put a foot wrong. And we were confident she could race well, despite not having had a trial.

“She coped with the ground, but given her pedigree you'd think that she would appreciate better footing.

“She was well rated by Lisa (Allpress) and a bit heart-stopping in the last few strides, but she got the lollies in the end.”

After consultation with trainer Mark Walker, Galvin reported that Rubicon Crossing would freshen before heading south for the 2YO 800 metres on 22 October at Riccarton, and all going well contest the $80,000 Welcome Stakes (Gr. 2, 1000m) there on the middle day of Cup Week (9 November).

By a good sire of two-year-olds, Rubick (Encosta de Lago), from a Fastnet Rock (Danehill) mare who won twice at 1400 metres, her grand-dam, Foxwood (Centaine), won the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and Captain Cook Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m).

Her third dam, Delia's Choice (Sir Tristram), is a sister to four-time Group One winner Sovereign Red, who included the Australian Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) and Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m), and Gurner's Lane, winner of the Caulfield Cup (Gr. 1, 2400m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m).

It is also the family of 2022 Doncaster Mile (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Mr Brightside (Bullbars).

Te Akau won the corresponding race in 2019 with Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel), also purchased as a yearling by Ellis, who became the fourth of six consecutive Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winners for the stable and he also won the Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m).

Cool Aza Beel now stands alongside another Te Akau Group One winner, Xtravagant (Pentire), at Newhaven Park, NSW, where his oldest progeny are foals.

Rubicon Crossing was strapped by Lauren Russo.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz