Te Akau Monday Update

David writes:

It was another exciting weekend for Te Akau Racing, which saw Jamie Richards rise to the top of the Trainers' Premiership in New Zealand, while Mark Walker continues to lead the competition in Singapore.

I was thrilled to see Weaponry win the Listed Southland Guineas on Saturday, and he will now come home via the Wellington Guineas in about a month's time.

It was also very exciting seeing In a Twinkling and Prise De Fer run so well in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas on Saturday. They both look like real chances in the Group 1 Vodafone NZ Derby at Ellerslie in two weeks' time.

The run from In A Twinkling from the outside draw was simply amazing. He was beaten by a son of Rock ‘n' Pop, who stands at Waikato Stud. Te Akau purchased and trained Rock 'n' Pop, who won the Karaka 3YO Mile and then finished second in the NZ Derby.

Our attention this week turns to this Saturday, where we have horses racing at Otaki and Matamata. Melody Belle will be racing in the Group 1 at Otaki, which is a race that we have won with both King's Chapel and Darci Brahma. Interestingly, it's the only Group 1 that our stable jockey, Opie Bosson, hasn't won.

At Matamata, Jamie has three runners in the Group 3 Matamata Slipper, the two year old race for the colts. We also have Harlow in the Group 2 Matamata Breeders' Stakes (a race Te Akau has won six times) for the two year old fillies.. Harlow was very impressive when winning on debut at Te Rapa ten days ago. It is going to be a busy day over the two venues.

The yearlings from Karaka are just thriving in this warm weather, and I must admit, it is really exciting seeing all these magnificent young horses that we have here at the farm - quite incredible really.

The yearling I am recommending this week is the No Nay Never colt, out of the Fastnet Rock mare, Bo Bardi. My sale notes on Lot 606 say: “Good balance, great shoulder, great action, good strong athletic colt. THE KARAKA MILLION WINNER.”

No Nay Never is a pretty exciting sire in America that shuttled to Coolmore in Australia. I saw him win a Group 1 in France when I was there about six years ago. He is such a magnificent looking horse that it hasn't surprised me that he has done so well at stud.

I could well see this colt training on to run in the three year old Karaka Million race as well. If you would like to be involved with this colt, do not hesitate to call me - 07 825 4701.

A 10% share costs $13,780 plus GST and a 5% share is just $6,890 plus GST - which includes sale expenses at cost and a full veterinary examination.

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