Te Akau on Exhibition

Te Akau trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson gave Group winners Mehzebeen and My Lips Are Sealed an exhibition gallop between races on 12 March at Matamata. 

Mehzebeen (5 m Almanzor – Salkantay, by Zabeel) recorded a significant staying double in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) and Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) during Cup Week last November at Riccarton.

Returning to the venue that saw her finish runner-up in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) as a three-year-old, Mehzebeen is preparing for the corresponding meeting in the $110,000 NZ St Leger (2600m) next Saturday, 22 March, at Trentham. 

Ridden by Courtney Barnes, Mehzebeen was given a genuine hit out over a lap of the track, timed from the 1200 metres in 1:12.8 and last 600m in 36.8 on Soft5 footing.

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.

Following a terrific last start performance for third in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m), My Lips Are Sealed (4 m Ace High – Tellmeaboutit, by Tavistock) is also preparing for a return to Trentham, where she won the Group 3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m) on 4 January.

Ridden by Craig Grylls, My Lips Are Sealed worked over 1200 metres, running 1:12.3, last 600m in 35.0, and looked good motoring through the line.

My Lips Are Sealed was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $160,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Rich Hill Stud, and owned by Te Akau Not A Word Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).