Te Akau Targets Group Glory on Both Sides of the Tasman

Te Akau Racing heads into a major Saturday of feature racing in both New Zealand and Australia with momentum firmly on its side, following seven wins in the past week, including two at stakes level.

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson have Group and Listed performers engaged across both countries, with recent winners emerging from all three stable bases — two in Melbourne, two at Riccarton, and three at Matamata. Among them were My Lips Are Sealed (Ace High), successful in the Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (Listed, 1400m), and unbeaten Lara Antipova (Russian Revolution), who delivered Te Akau its 11th victory in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) — the fifth consecutive win in the race for the stable.

At Ellerslie, Te Akau fields a strong team across four feature events.

The $150,000 Group 3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) sees To Bravery Born (Snitzel – Milunka) and Belle Cheval (Savabeel – Keepa Cheval) renew their rivalry after contesting the Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (Gr. 3) on Karaka Millions night, where Belle Cheval was an impressive winner. To Bravery Born boasts a flawless four-from-four fresh-up record, including a commanding Te Rapa victory in December, and ran on strongly from last in the Almanzor. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000 at Karaka Book 1 from Curraghmore Stud, he races for the Te Akau Secret Identity Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). Belle Cheval was bred by Archer Investments and is raced by David Archer, Diane Wright and family.

In the $250,000 Group 2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2100m), Towering Vision (Circus Maximus – Qiji Vision) continues his progressive campaign. He stormed home from last to win over 1600 metres on New Year’s Day before finishing a close second in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m). Drawing barrier two, he brings strong form into the contest. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $105,000 from Windsor Park at Karaka Book 1, he races for the Te Akau Look Smart Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

The $600,000 Group 1 Sport Nation Otaki Maori WFA Classic (1600m) features Qali Al Farrasha (Almanzor – Nucleonic), who resumes after contesting the Zabeel Classic (Gr. 1) on Boxing Day. A recent Te Aroha trial indicated she has returned in good order, and she finished runner-up in this race last year. A Te Akau homebred and sister to South Island Champion Two-Year-Old Nucleozor, she was bred and is raced by David Ellis CNZM alongside David and Matthew Peacocke.

Staying filly Born To Be Royal (King’s Legacy – Fatal Rendezvous) lines up in the $1,000,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m). She ran home strongly for third in the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (Gr. 2) before winning over 2000 metres at Matamata, and things didn’t go her way in the David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (Gr. 2). Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000 from Riversley Park at Karaka Book 1, she races for the Te Akau Moments Stolen Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Across the Tasman at Caulfield, Te Akau presents a powerful contingent across the elite programme.

Abrafo (Per Incanto – Not A Jaffa) contests the $300,000 Group 2 Stow Storage Autumn Classic (1800m) following a dominant maiden victory at Seymour. Purchased for $230,000 at the NZB Ready to Run Sale from Woburn Farm, he is owned by Carol and Howard Riley and descends from outstanding broodmare Bagalollies.

Chateau Eze (Frankel – Antibes) steps into the $300,000 Group 2 Sportsbet Amanasco Stakes (1400m) after an encouraging first-up fourth in the Peter Le Grand Stakes (Gr. 3). She previously impressed on debut and in Listed company at Caulfield. Bred and owned by John Camilleri (Fairway Thoroughbreds), she comes from the same operation that bred champion Winx.

High-class mare Damask Rose (Savabeel – Sombreuil) lines up in the $200,000 Group 3 Catanach’s Jewellers Mannerism Stakes (1400m). Winner of the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO and the inaugural $3.5m NZB Kiwi last season, she resumed with a strong second in the Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes (Gr. 3). Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000 at Karaka Book 1 from Milan Park, she races for the Te Akau Coming Up Roses Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and has earned over $2.4 million in prize money.

Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock – What Choux Want) tackles the $750,000 Group 1 Henley Homes Futurity Stakes (1400m). A winner of 11 races including the Railway Stakes (Gr. 1), he recently impressed in a trial and makes his first start for our Cranbourne stable. He is owned by Ms M Ojapold, Ridgeport, B Gudjonsson and Miss A Blaskovic.

Two-year-old filly I Am Aria (I Am Invincible – Talaria) contests the $2,000,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m). She debuted with a strong second in the Blue Diamond Prelude (Gr. 3) and followed with a brave third in the Group 2 Prelude. Purchased for $450,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from Sledmere Stud, she races for the Te Akau Tea Rose Syndicates 1 & 2 (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and is a very exciting filly for the future.

Rounding out the card, Geegees Mistruth (Wordsmith – Miss Mana) contests the $750,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Oakleigh Plate (1100m). Unlucky when third first-up in the W. J. Adams Stakes (Listed), she subsequently impressed winning a Cranbourne jump-out. A six-time winner from 15 starts, she is bred and owned by Elizabeth Geard Racing.

With elite-level representation, depth across both countries, and proven performers stepping onto the big stage, Te Akau heads into Saturday with confidence and opportunity — we know it’s always tough to win elite races, but we will be aiming for another significant day for the Tangerine Army owners at Group level.