Te Akau On Exhibition at Ellerslie

7 April, 2025

Ahead of upcoming assignments, dual stakes' winner Wild Night (Vanbrugh) and multiple stakes' performer Sense Of Timing (Time Test) had an exhibition gallop between races on Saturday at Ellerslie.

Wild Night (5 g Vanbrugh – Supreme, by Falkirk), ridden by Wiremu Pinn, and Sense of Timing (4 m Time Test – Pin Up Lae, by Pins), with Michael McNab aboard, ran 1200 metres in 1:12.2, 800m in 46.3, and last 600m in 34.6, on Soft6 footing.

Both appeared to appreciate some extra give in the ground and the sectionals, based on race times throughout the day, were very good.

The pair is prepared by Premiership leading trainers Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson, who reached 100 wins this season when I Am Nutz led throughout in the $40,000 3YO 1350 metres on Saturday at Wanganui.

Group 2 and Listed winner Wild Night, who is also Group 1 placed, is scheduled to contest either the $150,000 Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) on Easter Saturday (19 April) at Ellerslie, or the $80,000 Listed Manawatu ITM Anzac Mile (1600m) on Saturday 25 at Awapuni.

The winner of eight from 19 starts, Wild Night was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $50,000 at the Karaka 2021 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, is owned by the Te Akau Love to Party Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), and has won nearly $550,000 in prize money.

Stakes' placed three times last season, and destined for higher grades, Sense Of Timing is preparing for the $40,000 Rating 65 1600 metres Easter Saturday (19 April) at Ellerslie.

Owned by the Te Akau Perfect Timing Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Sense Of Timing was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000 at the 2022 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Little Avondale Stud.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz