Te Akau: Rose in Full Bloom

On the back of an unlucky fourth at her previous start, Sovereign Rose (5 m Pins - Pavan, by Centaine) capitalized on a lovely ride by Lisa Allpress to win on April 11 at Timaru, in the Benchmark 65 2100 metres.

Finding a nice position in sixth, from the outside gate in a field of eight, she tracked up nicely as the pace quickened inside the 800 metres. Showing acceleration to lead at the 300 metres, without urging, she kept giving to win in good fashion by three-quarters of a length.

Having won her maiden over 2000 metres, she is a genuine staying type of mare that is able to produce a turn of foot following the right sort of passage.

“She had been unlucky in a few runs this time and it was great to get a well-deserved win,” said Te Akau trainer Jason Bridgman. “Her owners, Dave and Nicky Hurst, have been particularly patient with this well-bred mare and as much as the mare winning they deserve plenty of credit too.

“She is the type of mare that now she has hit form could pick up another win at short notice."

Purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $280,000 at the 2009 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Sovereign Rose is from Pavan, who finished second to million dollar earner Tycoon Lil (Last Tycoon) in the 1998 New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), and also runner-up in the Australian Oaks (Gr. 1, 2000m).

Pavan has also left eight-time winner Yours (Van Nistelrooy), and winner of seven Let Loushe (Black Minnaloushe). Pavan is a half-sister to talented mare Felenic (Cape Cross), who has the three-year-old gelding Unicorn Express (Lucky Unicorn) in the Te Akau stable of Mark Walker in Singapore. Having his first Singaporean start on April 5, Unicorn Express ran an encouraging race for sixth and looks set to continue on with the potential he displayed beforehand when being prepared by Jason Bridgman at the Te Akau stables in Matamata.

The family has also left top Australian galloper Spacecraft (Star Way), a winner of ten races.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.net.nz

CREDIT - JEFF DORE