Te Akau Stars Step Into Spring at Caulfield

Te Akau Racing will launch its Australian spring assault at Caulfield on Saturday, with Group One winners Seize The Day and Belle Cheval preparing to return alongside the progressive Stage ’N’ Screen.

The opening day of Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival represents an exciting milestone for Te Akau Australia, with the stable heading into the new season with established Group One performers, talented young horses and encouraging momentum from its Cranbourne operation.

Seize The Day Set for Australian Debut
Group One-winning colt Seize The Day (I Am Invincible – Zimaretto, by Anabaa) will make his Australian debut in the $200,000 Group 3 HDF McNeil Stakes (1200m).

The exciting three-year-old was purchased by Sir David Ellis at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and has fashioned an outstanding record from just three starts.

After finishing a close third on debut, Seize The Day won impressively at Matamata before producing a dominant four-length victory in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham.

That performance delivered Te Akau its 10th victory in the prestigious juvenile feature and confirmed Seize The Day as one of New Zealand’s most exciting young colts.

He has prepared for his return with two encouraging jump-outs in Melbourne, finishing second in his first 800-metre hit-out before winning over 1000 metres at Caulfield Heath.

The McNeil Stakes will provide his first opportunity to perform on the Australian stage, with the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas among the potential targets on his spring programme.

The colt has already attracted early attention in Australian markets, where he has been identified among the leading chances for Saturday’s three-year-old feature, despite him carrying a Group 1 weight penalty.

Belle Cheval Begins Major Spring Campaign

Group One-winning mare Belle Cheval (Savabeel – Keepa Cheval, by Keeper) is set to resume in the $200,000 Group 3 Courtza Stakes (1200m).
The four-year-old was New Zealand’s only Group One winner in Australia last season, producing a courageous performance to win the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

Her three-year-old campaign also included victory in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), a placing in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and a brilliant second in the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m).

Belle Cheval has been given a patient build-up at Te Akau’s Cranbourne stable and looked in good order when finishing strongly in her first jump-out at Caulfield before completing a quieter second hit-out.

She will carry 60kg under the weight conditions on Saturday, with the 1200-metre assignment expected to serve as the starting point for an ambitious spring campaign.

The Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) and $10 million Group 1 Golden Eagle (1500m) are among the major races being considered for the outstanding mare.

Stage ’N’ Screen Continues Her Rise

Progressive mare Stage ’N’ Screen (Ace High – Inthespotlight, by O’Reilly) is also in line to represent the stable over 1400 metres at Caulfield.

Stage ’N’ Screen made the perfect beginning to her five-year-old season when producing a strong first-up performance to win at Flemington on 1 August.
Her victory continued a promising rise through the grades and gave Te Akau Australia an early metropolitan success for the new season.

She holds nominations for both the Benchmark 84 Handicap, where she has been allocated 55kg, and the Fillies and Mares Benchmark 78 Handicap, where she would carry 60kg. Her final assignment will be confirmed following an assessment of the respective fields and barriers.

Saturday’s meeting marks the beginning of an important spring for the Te Akau Australia team, with Group One winner Geegees Mistruth also progressing towards her return in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Sandown on 5 September.

With accomplished Group One performers returning, an exciting young colt making his Australian debut and a progressive mare continuing her rise, the stable is set for one of Australian racing’s biggest stages.