Te Akau Gallopers on Exhibition

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

Petrucci (4 m I Am Invincible – Via Napoli, by Fastnet Rock) worked solo with Sam Weatherley aboard, running 1000 metres in 1:01.8, last 600m in 35.2, on Soft5 footing. 

In training for Brent & Cherry Taylor and Faith Taylor (Trelawney Stud), Petrucci sprinted home from last to win the Rating 75 1200 metres on Boxing Day at Pukekohe, ran fastest last 600m (33.2) for second in the Concorde Handicap (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Karaka Millions night (27 Jan.) at Ellerslie, and now preparing to return for the $150,000 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (Gr. 3, 1200m) on Derby Day (Saturday 2 March).

Galloping together, Mehzebeen (4 m Almanzor – Salkantay, by Zabeel), ridden by Warren Kennedy, and What You Wish For (3 g Embellish – Grand Wish, by Smart Missile), Opie Bosson, went 1200 metres in 1:11.7, last 600m in 35.2, on Soft5 footing.

Second in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) last season, and Taupo Cup (Open Handicap, 2000m) winner in December, Mehzebeen had a hoof issue interrupt her preparation, but continuing to improve ahead of the $90,000 Open Handicap 2200 metres next Saturday (2 March) on Derby Day at Ellerslie.

Purchased by Sarai Stud for $50,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Mehzebeen is owned by M E & & Y M Davis, Mrs B & W R Duncan, Mrs K J & T L Howe, D J & Mrs S P Rolston, Sarai Stud & Mrs S Waddell.

Gearing up for the $1 million Trackside NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) next Saturday (2 March) at Ellerslie, What You Wish For came from last for fourth in fastest last 600m (34.9) in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) on 31 January, before a sub-par performance in the Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m) on 17 February at Ellerslie.

Following the gallop, rider Opie Bosson said that the horse worked satisfactorily and felt fine in the exhibition.

Owned by Te Akau Wish & Win Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), What You Wish For was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz