Te Akau Exhibition Gallops

1 April, 2024

Te Akau Exhibition Gallops


Ahead of upcoming assignments, Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson gave four horses an exhibition gallop between races on last week Wednesday at Matamata. 

Three of the four: Captured By Love (2 f Written Tycoon – Moldova, by Snitzel), Move To Strike (2 c I Am Invincible – No Evidence Needed, by Shamardal), and Unbridled Joy (2 c Snitzel – Joy Forever, by High Chaparral) are preparing for the $450,000 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) on Saturday 6 April at Trentham, while Egyptian Queen (3 f Zoustar – Hieroglyphics, by Conatus) is set to contest the $65,000 3YO 1200 metres.

Working over 1000 metres on Soft7 footing, Unbridled Joy, ridden by Niranjan Parmar, and Move To Strike, with Wiremu Pinn aboard, ran 1000m in 1:00.4, last 600m n 35.5.

Egyptian Queen, ridden by Warren Kennedy, and Captured By Love, with Craig Grylls aboard, ran 1000m in 1:00.8, last 600m in 35.4. 

Owned by Te Akau 2023 Magic Fillies’ Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Captured By Love was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Milburn Creek.

Unbeaten in four starts before finishing third in the Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) on Auckland Cup Day (9 March) at Ellerslie, she included victories in the Wakefield Challenge Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m), Taranaki 2YO Classic (Gr. 3, 1200m), and Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), with a brilliant performance to become the ninth Te Akau winner.


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Owned by Te Akau 2023 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Move To Strike was purchased by David Ellis MNZM for $525,000, from the draft of Baramul Stud, at 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. 

Racing up to his looks when winning impressively on debut in the 2YO 1100 metres on Waikato Cup Day (16 Dec.) at Te Rapa, and close second to stable-mate Bellatrix Star (Star Witness) on slow ground in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) on 1 January at Pukekohe.

Most recently, he finished well for close second in a trial on 14 March at Taupo.


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Owned by Te Akau 2023 Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), which includes impressive debut winner Move To Strike (above), Unbridled Joy was purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. 

He finished strongly for second to stable-mate When Stars Align (Zoustar) when debuting in the 2YO 1100 metres on 23 December at Trentham, before consecutive starts at Matamata, impressively winning the Pearl Series Maiden 2YO 1200 metres on 24 January and finishing third in the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) on 24 February. 

Most recently, he was across heels at 200m and rounded off fine for third in a trial on 14 March at Taupo.


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Owned by Te Akau She Reigns Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Egyptian Queen was bought by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, paying $220,000 from the draft of Westbury Stud. 

She won the Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres (eligible $20,000 bonuses) easing down by four and a quarter lengths in November at Taupo, and since stakes placed in both The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1340m) and Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3, 1200m). 

Most recently, she quickened on straightening and remained nicely held in winning a trial on 14 March at Taupo.


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Te Akau has won the Sires’ Produce Stakes seven times, most recently with Champion Two-Year-Old Maven Belle (Burgundy) in 2022, who became their fifth in row following On the Bubbles (Brazen Beau), the fifth of their seven consecutive Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winners, Champion Two-Year-Olds Yourdeel (Dundeel) and Avantage (Fastnet Rock), winner of nine Group One races, and Melody Belle (Commands), dual Horse of the Year and Group One record-holder (14). Previously, they had won it with Kindacross (Cape Cross) and Maroofity (Maroof), both trained by Mark Walker.


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