Te Akau Te Rapa Trials' Report

Te Akau trialled horses at the Cambridge Stud Te Rapa trials on Tuesday 28 July -

Weather: fine, inside track: Slow7, rail: true. After five heats, the trials were transferred to the course proper where horses raced outside cones placed wider on the track.

Heat 1 Open 900 metres (2 ¾
lengths, neck 55.8)

Remington (5 g Darci Brahma - Kudamm) - Diego Montes de Oca; was
urged away to co-lead on the outer and kept up a strong gallop for second.

Purchased as a yearling by David
Ellis CNZM for $75,000, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, at the 2016 New
Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale and owned by the Te Akau Remington Steele
Syndicate, his 14 starts have produced four wins to 1400 metres and four
seconds. From the impressive winner Kudamm (Cape Cross), who notched three of
her four wins over 1600 metres.

Lilikoi (3 f Charm Spirit - Barbadine) - Ryan Elliot; travelled
comfortably off the pace and worked home strongly in tight-quarters for fourth.

Bred and owned by Sir Peter Vela, she impressively won
the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) in December and finished third under James
McDonald in the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m).

Avantage (4 m Fastnet Rock - Asavant) - Opie Bosson; was posted in
midfield from the outside gate but found well in the straight for fifth.

Purchased as a yearling for $210,000
by David Ellis CNZM at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale and owned
by the Te Akau Avantage Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she capped an
incredible Group 1 treble in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (Gr. 1, 2000m)
on Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie.

A dream mare, by a Champion Sire, out of a very good filly that won the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m), one of the best races in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, and Group 1 placed over 2000 metres, by Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram). Avantage has won $1.4 million in prize money with 10 wins from 17 starts.

Heat 2 Open 900 metres (¾ lengths, 2 ¾ lengths 56.3)

Romantic Lady (3 f Power - Romantic Time) - Chelsea Burdan; went
forward to a commanding lead and never flinched in winning.

She completed a hat-trick of wins in December at Matamata, and never further back than fourth in six starts. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, owned by Sir Patrick Hogan, John Aubrey, Richard Johnstone, Michael Macky, James Montgomerie and Warwick Taylor. The first foal of a race winning filly over 1250 metres in Sydney, by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill).

Get Hitched (3 f Lonhro - Wedding) - Opie Bosson; was patiently
ridden at the rear, circled widest into the straight and stretched out nicely
for fourth.

In training for Cambridge Stud
proprietors Brendan Lindsay MNZM and Jo Lindsay, she impressed winning at the trials in February at
Avondale, before proving too good winning in March at Matamata. By
Australian Horse of the Year, Champion Sire, and sire of sires Lonhro
(Octagonal). The first foal from a race winning mare over 1400 metres in
Australia, her third dam, Love Dance (Kaapstad), was a dual Group 1 winner of
the Kelt Capital Stakes (2040m) and Avondale Cup (2200m).

Luminous (4 m Reliable Man - Keenly) - Diego Montes de Oca; posted
widest from an outside gate and found the line encouragingly over a sprint
trip.

A white filly, she was a stakes' placed Maiden (Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m)) during three starts in her first campaign, before winning in the spring and producing a super win in March at Tauranga. Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $180,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Diamond Lodge, owned by the Te Akau Flawless Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Heat 3 Open 900 metres (neck, ½ a length 56.3)

Savy Yong Blonk (4 m Savabeel - Ampin) - Danielle Johnson; was last
to leave the gates, improved fourth on the inner and angled clear on
straightening she rounded off ominously for third.

A filly that performed at the
top-end as a three-year-old, and winner of four from 14, she followed an impressive
win with a terrific run for second in the City of Auckland Cup (Gr. 3, 2400m)
on 1 January at Ellerslie. Freshened, she returned with an enormous victory in
the Royal Descent Stakes (Fillies & Mares, 1600m) on Auckland Cup Day (7
March) at Ellerslie. Bred and owned by Bill & Margaret Gartshore and Jim
& Susan Gartshore, she is the first foal from unraced Pins (Snippets) mare
Ampin, in turn from the impressive winning race mare Ambitious (Last Tycoon),
who finished second in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and left seven
individual winners of 22 races.

Markus Aurelius (3 g Ghibellines - Evancho) - Diego Montes de Oca;
began well before steadying rearward and picked up nicely as the field sprinted
in the straight.

Following two strong performances, he produced a super gallop to win over 1400 metres in March at Matamata. Owned by the Te Akau Great Southern Man Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis), he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $13,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale, from the draft of White Robe Lodge, and has a lovely cross of the most successful sire of all time: Danehill (349 stakes' winners), through the dam side of Ghibellines and as the sire of dam sire Shinzig.

Heat 4 Open 900 metres (short neck, short neck 56.1)

Scott Base (5 g Dalghar - Extra Celestial) - Danielle Johnson;
dwelt at the start, raced three wide in fifth and finished strongly into
second.

Owned by Chris Rutten, John Norwood and Joanna & John Frew, he romped away to win the Japan Trophy (Gr. 2, 1600m) in March at Tauranga. He finished third in the Champagne Stakes (Listed, 1600m) as a two-year-old, sprang to light winning the $1m 2018 Karaka Million 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1600m), won the Wellington Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m), and finished fourth in the Livamol Classic (Gr. 1, 2040m) last season.

Aotea Lad (3 g Savabeel - Corsage) - Opie Bosson; mustered to
co-lead on the inner and he fought hard for a close fourth.

A nominee for Champion Two-Year-Old, won for the last three years by Te Akau stars Melody Belle (Commands), Avantage (Fastnet Rock), and Yourdeel (Dundeel), Aotea Lad had a terrific two-year-old season. Winning the Wakefield Stakes (Gr. 2, 1100m) on debut, he finished second in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m), second to stable-mate Probabeel (Savabeel) in the Karaka Million (Restricted Listed, 1200m), and second to Yourdeel (Dundeel) in the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m). Owned by the Te Akau Love Life Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) and purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

Mazzuro (5 g Rip Van Winkle - Mini Pearl) - Craig Grylls; a staying horse, he got back to last, circled widest into the straight and rolled home nicely for fifth.

In training for Bill & Sandra
Duell, he won twice to 2200 metres when campaigned as a three-year-old in
Melbourne. Following a quiet four-year-old season, he took charge to win over
2100 metres earlier this season at Te Rapa, and shapes as a handy prospect in
the staying ranks.

Khafeef (4 g Champs Elysees - Tawaareekh) - Chelsea Burdan; rallied
into midfield, going okay but had the field get away as they sprinted in the
straight.

A winner over 2100 metres in France, from four starts to 2400m, and having his first trial in New Zealand, he is owned by the Fortuna Khafeef Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin).

Heat 5 Open 900 metres (head, 1 ½ lengths 56.5)

Leaderboard (5 g Street Cry - Flower Fairy) - Diego Montes de Oca;
raced handily and kept up a very good gallop to win.

Owned by the Fortuna Leaderboard
Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), purchased in the U.K. A strong winner over 2400
metres last October in Ireland, and by the sire of Winx, the international
recruit recorded back-to-back wins up to 2000 metres during a spring campaign
at Riccarton.

Avadane (3 f Savabeel - J'Adane) - Leith Innes; was keen off the
outside gate, let stride to lead at the 600m and held together for a close
third.

A newcomer to the stables, bred
and owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM and Jo Lindsay, by five-time Champion Sire
Savabeel (Zabeel), from triple Group 1 placed J'Adane (Danehill), she has won
three from 11 and finished fourth in the Futurity Stakes (Gr. 2, 1400m).

Prise De Fer (4 g Savabeel - Foiled) - Opie Bosson; got back on the
inner, eight lengths 600m, and angled wide in the straight he worked home under
his own steam for fourth.

Owned by the Te Akau En Guarde Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000, from the draft of Trelawney Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale. He had a fantastic season, winning the Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m), Taranaki Cup (Gr. 3, 1800m), and finishing second to stable-mate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) in the Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic (1600m), taking his tally to six wins and placed three times from 14 starts.

Heat 10 2YO 970 metres (1 ½ lengths, 1 length 1:00.3)

No Limits (2 c Savabeel - Make A Wish) - Opie Bosson; got back off
the outside gate, he progressed through to level on straightening and remained
resolute, given the slow conditions, for second. 

Owned by the Te Akau 2019 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), an impeccable looking colt, he was the 2019 Karaka sales' topper ($1.4m) purchased by David Ellis CNZM from the draft of Waikato Stud. By five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), No Limits is a half-brother to Queensland Oaks (Gr. 1, 2200m) runner-up Another Dollar (Ocean Park), multiple group-placed, while his second dam Starcent (Centaine) was Joint Third Top Filly in her three-year-old season. A miler in the making, his four trials have yielded two wins, second, and third.

Heat 11 2YO 970 metres (¾ lengths, 1 ¾ lengths 1:02.2)

Miss Aotearoa (2 f Per Incanto - Danex) - Danielle Johnson; positioned
handily and held together she kept up a strong gallop to win well.

Owned and bred by Tony Rider (Milan Park), she is a half-sister to Matriarch Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) and dual listed winner Oceanex (Ocean Park), while dam Danex (Danasinga) has left nine winners of 21 races.

Heat 12 2YO 970 metres (2 ½ lengths, neck 1:01.1)

Need I Say More (2 g No Nay Never - Bo Bardi) - Opie Bosson; raced
handily on the inner from barrier one and never out of second gear in winning.

An impressive winner of his first two starts, including the Waikato Stud Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m), after winning his only trial, owned by the Te Akau Never Say Die Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), he was purchased by David Ellis for $130,000, from the draft of Kilgravin Lodge, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale. By a sire making waves in Europe, No Nay Never is by Scat Daddy who sired 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify. Dam, Bo Bardi, is by Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill).

Heat 13 2YO 970 metres (1 ¾ lengths, 6 lengths 1:00.3)

Felicienne (2 f Savabeel - Flavigny) - Opie Bosson; off a wide gate
she improved from last approaching the 600m and sustained a strong gallop for
third.

Owned by the Te Akau Flavabeel Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $190,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Windsor Park. By Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m) winning three-year-old and five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), she is from a young mare by successful sire Mastercraftsman (Danehill Dancer).

Heat 14 2YO 970 metres (nose, 3 ¾ lengths 1:00.6)

Pazienza (2 f Written Tycoon - Gypsy Chimes) - Opie Bosson; began
smartly to race outside the leader and drew to an advantage over the concluding
stages under a hand ride - eased, nose second.

In training for Cambridge Stud owners Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay, she followed a stylish second at the trials in February with an impressive debut win in March at Trentham. She is a half-sister to stable-mate and stakes' performed dual winner Folk Dress (Pierro). Pazienza was offered by breeders Coolmore Stud and bought for $280,000 by Cambridge Stud at the 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Heat 15 2YO 970 metres (short head, 2 lengths 1:00.9)

Seajetz (2 g Iffraaj - Bellazeel) - Opie Bosson; pushed up third in
the open, bumped on straightening and not forced when finding the conditions a
touch beyond her.

By a high-quality stallion with 20 Group 1 winners and 121 stakes winners worldwide, his dam, Bellazeel (Zabeel), was a quality staying mare that impressed winning over 2100 metres, while grand-dam La Bella Dama (Desert Sun) has left six individual winners of 28 races and over NZ$2.5m prize money. Owned by Bill and Sandra Duell, he was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $100,000 at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Trelawney Stud.

Heat 16 2YO 970 metres (short neck, ¾ lengths 1:02.0)

Supreme Khan (2 g Mongolian Khan - Angelica Hall) - Opie Bosson;
began well from barrier one to lead, travelled keenly, and dug in with a strong
performance for third.

Owned by Shaw's Property Holdings, Te Akau Supreme Khan Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) & Tale to Tell Syndicate, she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $160,000, from the draft of Windsor Park Stud, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale. From a gifted and athletic family with trademark abilities to quicken, he is from the first crop of Champion Three-Year-Old, subsequent dual Horse of the Year, and Champion Stayer Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor), who recorded Group 1 wins in the NZ Derby, ATC Derby, and Caulfield Cup, while Te Akau trained his impressive dual winning dam Angelica Hall (Guillotine).

Heat 17 2YO 970 metres (neck, ½ a length 1:02.0)

The Panther (2 g Iffraaj - La Panthere) - Diego Montes de Oca; out
well wide, he pulled his way up three wide near the pace and kept finding for a
close fourth.

Owned by the Te Akau Fiery Red Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000, from the Wentwood Grange draft, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale. Bred on the same cross as Gingernuts - by Iffraaj, out of a Generous mare - trained by Te Akau to win the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m), Rosehill Guineas (Gr. 1, 2000m), and Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m). Iffraaj (Zafonic) is also the dam sire of stable star and Horse of the Year Melody Belle (Commands), winner of 10 Group 1 races and history-maker when winning the Hawkes Bay Triple Crown.

Heat 18 2YO 970 metres (3 ¾ lengths, 1 ½ lengths 1:02.2)

Vitani (2 f Pins - Queen of Lions) - Danielle Johnson; began
smartly from barrier one to lead and quickened clear in the straight, under a
hand ride, to score impressively.

In training for owner-breeder Tony Rider (Milan Park Stud), by champion racehorse and sire Pins (Snippets), her dam, Queen of Lions (King of Kings), is a half-sister to Victoria Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) and Underwood Stakes (Gr. 1, 1800m) winner Lion Tamer (Storming Home) and impressive six-time winner Let Me Roar (Rip Van Winkle). Her fourth dam is triple Group 1 winner Blue Denim: Auckland Cup, Tancred Stakes, and Queen Elizabeth.

Heat 19 2YO 970 metres (head, 1 ¼ lengths 1:01.2)

2 g Headwater - Noanoa - Opie Bosson; was handily placed on the
inner from barrier one and not overly comfortable on slow footing in the
straight. 

In training for Horse Feng Bloodstock, having his first trial, from the first crop of speed sire Headwater, a beautifully bred stallion by Australian Champion Sire Exceed and Excel, out of Oakleigh Plate (Gr. 1, 1100m) winner River Dove (Hurricane Sky). Dam, Noanoa (Reset), has left two winners of six races.

Wishing Well (2 f Charm Spirit - Starwish) - Craig Grylls; was wide
in midfield, steadied from tightening at the 250m and not knocked around.

Bred and owned by James Chapman at Jamieson Park, sponsor of the Auckland Guineas (Gr. 2, 1600m), she was a trial winner in March at Matamata. She is from the second crop of triple Group 1 winner Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit), from a Redoute's Choice mare that has left five winners of 15 races.

Heat 20 2YO 970 metres (short neck, 2 lengths 1:02.8)

Yourpoint (2 g Bull Point - Dollhouse) - Opie Bosson; travelled
comfortably inside the leaders and given an easy time in photo-finishing for
fourth.

In training for Chris Rutten, he towelled his rivals on debut last December at Matamata. By a son of Champion sire Fastnet Rock (Danehill), his dam, Dollhouse, by Snitzel (Redoute's Choice), won three races to 1200 metres in Australia, from the family of NZ Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Rockabubble (Bubble Gum Fellow). Rutten also raced Te Akau-trained Champion Two-Year-Old Yourdeel (Dundeel), the winner of both juvenile Group Ones: Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) last season.

Heat 21 2YO 970 metres (1 length, nose 1:01.6)

Be Flexi (2 f No Nay Never - Isabelino) - Chelsea Burdan; bounced
out to lead a competitive three-way pace on the inner and kept up a solid
gallop for second.

In training for Dr. Gene Tsoi, for whom Te Akau trained New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year King's Rose (Redoute's Choice). No Nay Never (Scat Daddy) is also the sire of stable-mate Need I Say More (above), winner of two from two including the Waikato Stud Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m). Be Flexi is from a mare (Isabelino) by current leading Australian Broodmare Sire (wins) and Champion Sire Encosta De Lago (Fairy King). Isabelino has left two winners of seven races.

Heat 22 2YO 970 metres (neck, 2 ½ lengths 1:02.1)

Bordeaux Le Rouge (2 g Burgundy - De La Vere) - Opie Bosson; began
well, steadied when over-racing in tight-quarters, and not overly comfortable
in conditions when tracking clear in the straight.

Bordeaux Le Rouge had a very good two-year-old season, culminating a second, first, and fourth, respectively, with a fourth to stable-mate Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel) in the $1m Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m). Owned by the Te Akau Fine Red Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he was exceptional buying when purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $20,000 at the NZB 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the Phoenix Park draft. From a well performed family, he is a half-brother to Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) runner-up Adis (Mastercraftsman).

Heat 23 2YO 970 metres (neck, head 1:02.4)

Cornflower Blue (2 f Savabeel - Tiffany Yellow) - Opie Bosson;
bounced out to lead, shared a competitive four-way pace, and kept up a very
good gallop to win.

She was never off the bridle finishing second at the trials in December at Matamata, before a very good debut second on the same course to stable-mate Need I Say More (above). Owned and bred by Waikato Stud, by their five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), from the family of talented Group 3 winning sprinter Mosse (O'Reilly). The first Savabeel from the mare, her second foal (colt) sold for $280,000 at Karaka.

Heat 24 2YO 970 metres (½ a length, ½ head 1:02.1)

D'Oro Mexicano (2 f Vancouver - Mexican Rose) - Diego Montes de
Oca; got back off the outside gate, seven lengths 600m, and tracked home wide
out.

Owned by David and Matt Peacocke, Oliver Saxton, and the Te Akau Canadian Rose Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she is by Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winning colt Vancouver (Medaglia d'Oro), while her dam, Mexican Rose (Volksraad), was a Champion 2YO & 3YO in Singapore, having impressed winning two of her three starts in New Zealand. She was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $150,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale.

Heat 25 2YO 970 metres (½ length, neck 1:02.2)

Fashion Shoot (2 f Savabeel - High Fashion) - Diego Montes de Oca;
travelled wide in midfield from an outside draw and tracked through strongly
between runners in the straight to win well.

Owned by the Te Akau In Vogue Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn-Fenton Ellis), she was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $320,000, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the NZB 2019 Karaka Book 1 Sale. By five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), with 177 stakes winners, including 35 Group Ones, her dam, High Fashion (O'Reilly), was an immensely talented race mare with a terrific turn of foot, winning four races including victory in the prestigious Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) and Lowland Stakes (Gr. 3, 2100m).

Heat 26 Maiden 970 metres (long neck, 1 ¾ lengths 1:02.3)

Duby (3 f Ocean Park - Lost in Dubai) - Danielle Johnson; began
well to race wide on pace and never off the bridle for a close second.

Bred and owned by Monovale Farm, she is a half-sister to stable-mate Pinultimate (Pins), a winner of three from five. The family of 2016 Karaka Million winner Xiong Feng (Iffraaj) and triple Group 1 winner of the Cox Plate, Orr Stakes, and Yalumba Stakes, Maldivian (Zabeel). Lost in Dubai (Dubai Destination) has left four individual winners of 18 races, including Group 1 placed Star Treasure (Lonhro).

Heat 27 Maiden 970 metres (1 ½ lengths, 1 ¾ lengths 1:02.2)

Lethal (3 g Savabeel - Katie Lee) - Opie Bosson; travelled fourth
in the open and kept up a very good gallop for second.

Freshened following a spring
campaign from the base at Riccarton, Lethal produced a notable effort for third
on 20 March at Avondale. By five-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), his dam,
Katie Lee (Pins), became the first horse in
history to win both the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1,
1600m).

3 f Charm Spirit - Applauding - Danielle Johnson; was wide in
midfield from an outside draw and maintained a good gallop for fourth after
tying up in conditions over the final stages.

Owned and bred by Adam Pascoe and Windsor Park Stud, from the first crop of triple Group 1 winner Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit), standing at Windsor Park, she is from a Pentire mare, in turn from an Easter Handicap (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner and subsequent talented producer Honor Bound (Honor Grades).

Heat 28 Maiden 970 metres (neck, 3 ½ lengths 1:02.5)

3 f Rip Van Winkle - Frivolous - Diego Montes de Oca; began well to
travel handily on the inner and galloped home strongly for third.

She is in training for Windsor
Park Stud. Standing at Windsor Park, Rip Van Winkle (Galileo) is the sire of
dual Group 1 winning stable-mate Te Akau Shark. Frivolous (Black Minnaloushe)
made a winning debut and possessed a turn-of-foot on good ground. Her grand-dam
is the talented and beautifully bred race-mare Greta Hall (Kaapstad -
Lovenvain). 

Super Sid (3 g Rip Van Winkle - Half Bak) - Opie Bosson; tracked
behind runners in fifth and given a soft trial to finish fourth.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Lenarch Lodge, owned by the Te Akau Game Breaker Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he trialled well before a notable fifth in March at Matamata. He is a three-quarter brother to stable-mate Te Akau Shark, winner of seven from 14, including in February the BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) and Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Royal Randwick, and third in the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m), with $1.5m in prize money.

Heat 29 Maiden 970 metres (5 lengths, 1 length 1:02.3)

Uber Roca (3 f El Roca - Uberfrau) - Chelsea Burdan; began well to
race on the inside of three and finished fifth after tying up in the slow
conditions inside the final furlong.

Owned by David and Matt Peacocke,
Oliver Saxton, Mark and Paul Apatu, and MJ Fox, she is from the first crop by
El Roca (Fastnet Rock), sire of Group 1 winner Travelling Light (Levin Classic,
1600m). Through her sire line, she carries a cross of immortal stallion
Northern Dancer.

Baby Shark (3 g Rip Van Winkle - Bak Da Chief) - Opie Bosson; was
held together off the pace, travelled boldly, and given an easy time in the
straight after dipping and diving on slow footing.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $110,000 at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale from the draft of Leanach Lodge, he trialled well for second earlier in the month at Te Aroha. Ellis also purchased his brother, Te Akau Shark, winner of seven from 14, including in February the BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) and Chipping Norton Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Royal Randwick, and third in the Cox Plate (Gr. 1, 2040m), with $1.5m in prize money.

Heat 30 Maiden 970 metres (2 ¼ lengths, ½ a length 1:02.5)

Darci's Rose (3 f Darci Brahma - Sovereign Rose) - Danielle Johnson;
scrubbed up to go forward and sustained a solid gallop for fifth.

Bred and owned by Dave &
Nicky Hurst, loyal supporters of Te Akau, her dam, Sovereign Rose (Pins), was
trained to win four races and they also shared in the ownership of stable-mate Costa
Viva (Encosta De Lago), winner of the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and New
Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year.

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