Te Akau Out to Continue Dominance

The Informant reports:

The Te Akau Racing team has created a proud record over the last dozen years in Ashburton's Listed three-year-old feature, known for most of that period as the Ray Coupland Stakes.

Tomorrow (Saturday) they have Windborne and Princess Davone in the 2015 renewal, which will be run under its new name, the John Grigg Stakes.

The pair will be out to emulate the efforts of Costa Viva and Chambord, who formed the quinella in 2013. Previous winners for the stable have been Group One winners King's Chapel, Princess Coup (main picture) and King's Rose, along with Sea Saint and Abidewithme.

Luck deserted Te Akau last year when Darci's Dream managed only eighth. She had previously won the Canterbury Belle Stakes, and she subsequently finished second to Platinum Witness in the 1000 Guineas. Windborne is her full-sister and was comprehensive in her own Canterbury Belle Stakes win, fresh-up for the season in the hands of Rosie Myers last month.

It was her first win beyond 1100 metres, and Stephen Autridge, who trains the filly in partnership with Jamie Richards, said he was pleased with what she achieved and thought she was always capable of that over 1200 metres.

“I asked Rosie after the race if she thought she would go 1400 or 1600, and she said with the right run and a good trip she should,” he said. “We've been working her to go further.”

Windborne has drawn one for her first race at 1400 metres, a barrier that pleased Autridge.

“We want her to get a bit of cover and the one draw is our best chance of that,” he said. “She's a good strong filly and keeps thriving.”

Princess Davone cleared out to beat subsequent winners Daifuku and No No No Yes decisively in maiden company at Riccarton Park in the hands of Matthew Cameron. She confirmed the merit of that run with her third in the Canterbury Belle Stakes, just a neck off runner-up Dezzies Dream, when ridden by David Walsh. Cameron is back in the saddle tomorrow.

Autridge said Princess Davone is a different type to Windborne and is calling for 1600.

“A mile will be ideal for her after this run,” he said. “She'll get back and run home, I expect another good one.”

Trainer Sabin Kirkland was pleased with the run of Dezzies Dream in the Canterbury Belle Stakes after she led for much of the race. He took the filly to the Winton races on Sunday for a gallop in company on the course proper and was satisfied with her work.

Like most in the race, Dezzies Dream is stepping out beyond 1400 metres for the first time. The deeds of her dam and granddam suggest she'll cope. Her dam Sparkling All Over won three times up to 1600 metres, while granddam Diaga won seven times up to 2200 metres including the Gr. 3 Challenge Stakes and Listed Timaru Cup.

Johnny Jones, the full brother to Pins 'N' Needles, Dillinger and Miss Alice, was a late nominee for tomorrow's race. He is trained by John and Karen Parsons and looked good last Friday when winning his maiden race over 1200 metres at Timaru.

Note: Te Akau has in fact had seven runners first past the post in this race for six winners - unfortunately Corsage who crossed the line in first place was relegated to third