Te Akau Trials - North & South

Te Akau trialled horses in the North and South Islands on Tuesday 28 August at Te Teko and Rangiora

Te Teko:  Weather: fine, track: Heavy10, rail: out 7 metres

Heat 1 Open 820 metres (½ a head, 1 ¼ lengths 49.6)

Pacific Coast (4 g Snitzel - Malibu Road) - Nik Bakar; began well to lead, travelled nicely in front and kept going solidly for fifth without too much urging.

Owned by the Te Akau 2017 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $500,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud.

A few small issues held him up but he was a nice fresh up winner in March at Matamata, and a horse that has the potential to work through the grades.  By the leading sire in Australia, Snitzel, he boasts a lovely Danzig cross and his pedigree page oozes group performers.

“He was a colt with exquisite balance, very athletic, and had real class,” Ellis said.

Full Of Grace (4 g O'Reilly - Tuesday's Child) - Dennis Tan; was back and wide from the outside gate and although remaining rearward he trialled nicely over a sprint trip and was good through the line.

Bred on the same cross as champion mare Silent Achiever, from the family of champion stallion Redoute's Choice (Danehill), he was spelled in May following a very good victory over 1400 metres at Ruakaka.

David Ellis purchased him as a yearling for $110,000 at the 2016 NZB Premier Sale. Both Ellis and Cambridge Stud master Sir Patrick Hogan, who offered the colt for sale, loved him as a type and being out of a Zabeel (Sir Tristram) mare felt he was the type to keep improving with time.

Lady Zeraph (4 m Makfi - Zatiger) - Chelsea Burdan; settled back in the field, closer nearing the home turn and a staying mare she worked home solidly after checking off heels inside the final 200m.

Progressed nicely off two starts to win over a mile in April at Waipa, and subsequently spelled, with the view of improving further as a four-year-old mare over staying trips.

She was purchased by David Ellis for $120,000 at the 2016 NZB Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Wellfield Stud, who raced her dam, Zatiger (Zabeel), an impressive three-time winner over a mile that in turn has already left Billy Britain (One Cool Cat), a winner of five races up to 2200 metres in Singapore, and Tiger Tim (Alamosa) a winner of four races that shaped as a notable staying horse in New Zealand.  She is raced by Linda Buttle.

Byzantine (3 c Savabeel - Baradevi) - Opie Bosson; went forward to position outside the leader. He was never really comfortable on the heavy going and given an easy time in the straight.

He made a positive start to his career when fighting hard for second in the Maiden 2YO 1000 metres at Trentham, before scoring a valuable two-year-old win at Matamata, both in March, finished a close fifth in the Waikato Equine Vets 2YO Stakes (Listed, 1200m) in May at Te Rapa.

Owned by the Te Akau 2017 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $200,000 from the draft of Little Avondale Stud at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

His grand-dam, Sharvasti (Montjeu), won the Avondale Cup (Gr. 1, 2200m) and finished second in two other Group Ones. Third dam, Vedodara (Kreisler) won the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Listed, 1400m) and finished fourth in the 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).

Heat 2 Open 1010 metres (½ a length, 1 ¼ lengths 1:03.1)

Fine Bouquet (4 m Burgundy - Ensorcelez) - Nik Bakar; began well to cross and lead, she kept up a solid gallop for third.

Bred and raced by by David Ellis and Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM along with Graeme and Christina Mander, she carries a Northern Dancer and Nijinsky cross. She became the third winner of three foals from Ensorcelez (Black Minnaloushe) when following a debut second with a very convincing victory at her third start, in May at Waipa.

Sword Of Osman (3 g Savabeel - Bunyah) - Opie Bosson; trailed from barrier one, worked clear at the 300m and he wound up solidly into fourth without being asked for too much.

Racing without a trial, he was somewhat of a revelation in his two-year-old season, winning three of his five starts, including the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) and Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), and joined Karaka Million (Listed, 1200m) and Sires' Produce Stakes (Gr. 1, 1400m) winning stable-mate Avantage (Fastnet Rock) as a finalist for the title of Champion Two-Year-Old.

One of the strongest and precocious sons of champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel), purchased by David Ellis for $165,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, prepared by Trelawney Stud for breeder Joan Egan, and owned by the Te Akau Great Sword Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Sword Of Osman is one of six named foals out of the raced European-bred mare Bunyah (Distant View) who is a half-sister to Group Three winner Governor Brown (Kingmambo) and listed winner Hataab (Woodman).  As well as producing Sword Of Osman, Bunyah is also the dam of the stakes'-placed filly Fortaleza (Darci Brahma), winner of nine African Pulse (Johannesburg), four time winner Big Surprise (Lucky Unicorn), dual winner Sazzana (Savabeel), and talented galloper Arundel (Duke of Marmalade).

Qian Gua (4 g Cape Blanco - Cool Diamond) - Shafiq Rusof; travelled three and four wide in midfield, four lengths 600m, and sustained his run nicely in the straight.

In training for Mr. S Hon and Mr. Q Yu, after Mr. Hon purchased him at the 2016 NZB Ready to Run Sale, from a terrific Cambridge Stud family that includes Capital Diamond, Diamond Lover, Tristalove, and stallions: Don Eduardo, Viking Ruler, and Viscount.

He won two of his last three starts, both over a mile, and spelled after finishing second early in May at Matamata.

Heat 3 Open 1010 metres (neck, 3 ¼ lengths 1:02.3)

Wandering Eye (4 g Commands - Adulterer) - Dennis Tan; began well, raced outside the leader and kept up a strong gallop to gain ascendency near the line.

Purchased by David Ellis for $130,000 from the draft of Woodside Park Stud at the 2016 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, he transferred good trial form to win early last season, and has two seconds, third, and fourth in his form line from six starts.

His dam Adulterer (Traditionally) was a dual winner over 1200 metres in Australia, and grand-dam It's My Sin (Success Express) won impressively up to 1400 metres before proving her talent at stud when leaving twelve individual winners of 39 races.

Icebomb (4 m Darci Brahma - Snowdonia) - Chelsea Burdan; worked up on the inside of her stable-mate to co-lead and never flinched on her run for a close second.

Stakes placed as a two-year-old, purchased privately by David Ellis for $50,000 from Jamieson Park, and owned by the Te Akau Icebomb Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

A talented filly, she gained due reward after finishing runner-up four times - often unluckily - with a stylish win in April at Tauranga, then finished second again in Rating 65 grade before spelling.

A lovely mare, she carries a Nureyev cross, through the Sir Tristram line on the dam side of Darci Brahma (Danehill), and French Derby winner Peintre Celebre, as the sire of Snowdonia.

Remington (4 g Darci Brahma - Kudamm) - Shafiq Rusof; settled nicely fifth inner, five lengths 600m and made good progress near the rail in the straight for fourth.

Owned by the Te Akau Remington Steele Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), he capped a strong finishing debut second with a win over 1200 metres, both in February, and spelled in April following two seconds over 1400 metres in Rating 65 grade.

From the impressive winner Kudamm (Cape Cross), who notched three of her four wins over 1600 metres, purchased as a yearling by David Ellis for $75,000, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale.

Heat 4 Open 1010 metres (long head, 1 length 1:04.6)

Mongolianconqueror (4 g Ocean Park - Queen Rania) - Opie Bosson; received a beautiful trip camped in third and presented at the 300m he ran home very well to win stylishly.

Purchased for $130,000 by David Ellis, from the draft of Kiltannon Stables, at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sales, Mongolianconqueror is owned by the Inner Mongolia Rider Horse Industry (NZ) & Te Akau Conqueror Syndicate (Mgr: DC Ellis).

He followed two wins with a second in the Waikato Guineas (Gr. 2, 2000m) and a nose away from providing Ocean Park (Thorn Park) with his first Group One winner (New Zealand Derby (2400m)) in March at Ellerslie, and was a constant improver throughout his three-year-old season.

Wide Awake (5 g Savabeel - Kay's Awake) - Chelsea Burdan; was caught three wide fifth on a steady pace, travelled comfortably in third inside the 600m and let down well in the straight for a close second.

Wide Awake came of age during his four-year-old season with two wins, including victory in the Woodville Cup (2100m), two seconds, and a third for the Te Akau Wide Awake Syndicate (Mgr: DC Ellis MNZM).

Wide Awake was purchased by David Ellis for $150,000, from the draft of Monovale Farm, at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale. Te Akau had already experienced success with his older siblings Alert and Rise ‘N' Shine, both by Zabeel (Sir Tristram).

His dam, Kay's Awake (Towkay), showed to be an impressive performer in her career of six wins and was regarded as one of the very best race mares over the past decade in New Zealand, placing twice behind both Darci Brahma (Danehill) and Seachange (Cape Cross) at the highest level.

Devil May Care (5 g Lonhro - Devil's Song) - Shafiq Rusof; sat back last, swept up widest in the straight and he quickened very well into third without much urging.

He went out a winner in April, having recorded two wins from his last three starts (clocking the fastest final 600m of the day in each of those races), and finished third or better in five of his six starts.

Bred and owned by Sir Peter Vela, from the family of NZB Filly of the Year Vapour Trail (Jetball), winner of the New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m), and Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner Encosta Diablo (Encosta De Lago), with good horses from the breed showing to string a few wins together.

Seirios (4 g Pierro - Irish Lights) - Nik Bakar; trailed from barrier one, rails run in the straight and he finished off with a bold gallop for fourth.

He came of age in the autumn, with two starts resulting in a fresh-up second before always travelling like the winner in his victory at Waipa.

Out of Group One winner Irish Lights (Fastnet Rock), Seirios was purchased by David Ellis for $480,000 at the 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Coolmore Stud, for the Te Akau 2016 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Irish Lights won the Thousand Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Caulfield, and five-time Group One winning sire Pierro (Lonhro) only ever ran in stakes races, winning eleven of his fourteen starts, and the unbeaten Triple Crown winner at two amassed A$4.5 million.

Heat 6 2YO 610 metres (long head, 2 ½ lengths 36.3)

Probabeel (2 f Savabeel - Far Fetched) - Opie Bosson; settled back and wide off the outside gate and sustained a big finish wide out, easy late into second.

Owned by Brendan Lindsay MNZM & Jo Lindsay at Cambridge Stud, she was purchased by David Ellis for $380,000, from the draft of Waikato Stud, at the Karaka Book 1 Sale in January this year.

Te Akau has had enormous success with the progeny of champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel), including Group One winners Hall of Fame and Embellish, along with Splurge, Royal Success, Shillelagh, Grazia, Wide Awake, and Sword of Osman to name a few.  She is from a very current Waikato Stud family, one that continues to leave quality performers and the fillies in the family have enormous residual value.

Waikato Stud boss Mark Chittick said: “She's a sensational type of filly, with a beautiful pedigree and there is so much depth in this family. She was extremely well bought by Te Akau. I'm rapt the filly will go there and get every opportunity.”

Challa (2 c Dissident - Are There Any) - Shafiq Rusof; was handily placed on the inside from barrier two and finished close up without being asked for too much.

Purchased by David Ellis for $100,000, from the draft of Trelawney Stud, at the Karaka Book 1 Sale in January, he is owned by the Te Akau Challa Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“He's a beautifully balanced colt and his dam sire Exceed and Excel has been a fantastic speed influence in Australia,” said David Ellis.

From the first crop of Australian Horse of the Year, five time Group One winner Dissident (Sebring), he is the first foal of Are There Any, a mare that won six races from 1300m to 2050m in Melbourne.

Zoulicious (2 f Zoustar - Luminous Harmony) - Danielle Johnson; got back a touch after being squeezed soon after the start, but quickened nicely in the straight without a lot of room.

Purchased by David Ellis for $230,000, from the draft of Rosemont Stud, at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, her dam, Luminous Harmony (Fastnet Rock), won four races to 1400 metres in Australia, and a sister to highly talented dual Group Three winner Neena Rock.

At the corresponding sale in 2017, Zoustar (Northern Meteor) sired a $1m yearling filly from his first crop. Having won six of his nine starts, including two Group Ones and a Group Two, Zoustar has become one of the most sought after stallions in Australia, following the premature demise of his sire Northern Meteor (Encosta De Lago) who had been Champion First Season Sire.

2 f Pierro - Missy Cummings - Jason Waddell; settled back on the inner from barrier one, not rushed, but tracked up nicely without urging in a good educational outing.

Purchased by David Ellis for $135,000, from the draft of Segenhoe Stud, at the 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, after his sire Pierro (Lonhro) had sired $2m Australian Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) winner Levendi and $1m VRC Oaks (Gr. 1, 2500m) winner Pinot.

“She is out of stakes winning mare by Magnus, a son of Golden Slipper winner Flying Spur (Danehill),” Ellis said. “Magnus was a hardy Group One winning sprinter that also finished second to Takeover Target in the Group One Krisflyer in Singapore, and second to Miss Andretti in the Group Two King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot in England. He's left three Group One winners and I think he's an ideal broodmare sire that adds toughness to the pedigree.”

Heat 7 2YO 610 metres (¾ lengths, 1 ¼ lengths 36.4)

2 c Dundeel - Miss Zapper - Shafiq Rusof; began well from barrier one and tracking up behind the two leaders he went through the line nicely held in third.

Bred by Dan Myers, he is owned by Ralph Fauvel, Mrs. Vivienne Fauvel, Richard Williams, Kirsty Percy, Little Avondale Trust, and Guy Williams.

By the Champion Three-Year-Old and Horse of the Year in New Zealand, Dundeel (High Chaparral), who was also Champion Middle Distance Male in Australia, he is from the Red Ransom mare Miss Zapper, a winner of three races from 1200m to 1900m in Australia.

Lethal (2 c Savabeel - Katie Lee) - Opie Bosson; reared as the gates opened and got back to last as a result, but trialled well amongst horses and pleased the rider recovering for fifth.

Owned by the 2018 Colt Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for just over $1m at the Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Cambridge Stud.

He is the result of a mating between the most heralded champion stallion in New Zealand, Cox Plate winner as a three-year-old, Savabeel (Zabeel), and Katie Lee (Pins), the first horse in history to win both the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) and 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).

Savabeel was recently crowned Champion Stallion for the fourth time in New Zealand, sired 17 Group One winners and 76 stakes winners, while Champion 3YO Katie Lee won over $1m in stakes and hails from a sensational family.

Aotea Lad (2 c Savabeel - Corsage) - Jason Waddell; was back and wide from the outside gate, but got into his work wide out in the straight and looked good getting through the line.

Purchased by David Ellis for $200,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale, and owned by the Te Akau Love Life Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Corsage (Volksraad), from Spray (Entrepreneur), in turn from the great race mare Seamist (Beaufort Sea), was purchased by Ellis for $25,000. A winner on debut and Joint Second Top Filly on the 2008-09 2YO Free Handicaps, Corsage placed in both the Diamond Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) and Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) as a two-year-old, with stakes placed finishes in the Ray Coupland Stakes (Listed, 1400m), Sunline Vase (Listed, 2100m), and fourth in the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m). Transferred to Mark Walker in Singapore, she won a further two races and increased her stakes earnings to $270,000.

Ronaldo's Dream (2 c Darci Brahma - Sweet Dreams Baby) - Troy Harris; got back in running, held together and although not making a lot of progress it was a good educational outing.

Purchased by Fortuna for $80,000, from the draft of Phoenix Park, at the 2018 Karaka Book 1 Sale, owned by the Fortuna Ronaldo's Dream Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin).

Bred by David Ellis & Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM, by champion sire Darci Brahma (Danehill), bought by Ellis and trained by Te Akau to win five Group One races, from a Van Nistelrooy mare that has five individual winners of 10 races, including dual stakes' winning filly Windborne (Darci Brahma) and Group One placed stakes winning filly Darci's Dream (Darci Brahma), both owned by Fortuna and trained by Te Akau. It has proved a very successful cross.

Heat 8 Maiden 3YO 820 metres (4 ¼ lengths, ½ a length 50.0)

3 f Burgundy - Trove - Shafiq Rusof; was easy off the outside gate, eight lengths 600m, quickened widest in the straight and although unable to make a lot of ground she trialled solidly.

Bred and owned by Ken Browne, she is a half-sister to Thrive (Colombia) which he raced with Te Akau principal David Ellis to win five races including the Merial Ancare Metric Mile (Gr. 3, 1600m). A mare that appreciated yielding ground.

Heat 9 Maiden 3YO 820 metres (3 lengths, 1 ¼ lengths 49.5)

3 f Tavistock - Tinsel Time - Chelsea Burdan; ran along on the pace from barrier one, stayed rail to finish close in fifth and carried on boldly after the line.

Bred and owned by Greg Tomlinson at Nearco Stud, she is a half-sister to improving mare Tiffany's Time (Alamosa), trained by Te Akau and twice a winner over 1400 metres.

With progeny selling up to $975,000, Tavistock is clearly the best sire son of Montjeu (Sadler's Wells) at stud in New Zealand. Brilliant winning two of the toughest Group One 1400-metre races: Mudgway Stakes and the Waikato Sprint, his progeny are athletic and have already won 10 Group Ones. Tinsel Time (More Than Ready) has left three individual winners.

Heat 10 Maiden 3YO 820 metres (2 ¼ lengths, ½ a length 50.7)

Spirit Of Galway (3 f Rip Van Winkle - Galway) - Nik Bakar; was posted wide in midfield on a muddling pace, balanced up nicely in the straight and sustained a strong finish under minimal urging for second.

She followed a very good third at her first trial outing in February at Cambridge, with an unlucky debut fourth to dual Group Three placed stable-mate Handsome Rebel (Denman) in March at Matamata.

Bred by Christopher Grace QSM and Susanna Grace (Surrey Farm), purchased by David Ellis for $100,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, owned by the Te Akau Galway Girl Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

The first foal from a mare that showed talent to win twice over 1600 metres, from limited starts, she is from a family that has provided Te Akau with plenty of success, including her three-quarter sisters: Group One winner Shillelagh (Savabeel) and stakes winning sister Grazia (Savabeel).

Heat 14 4YO & Up 820 metres (nose, head 50.5)

Fabulous Flight (4 g I Am Invincible - Court Flying) - Dennis Tan; settled at the rear on a competitive pace, seven lengths 600m, and switched to the inside in the straight he tracked home behind runners.

A smart trial winner in March at Taupo, he then finished third on debut in April at Rotorua, before spelling.

Purchased by David Ellis for $205,000, from the draft of Lyndhurst Farm, at the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, he is a lovely type of horse with the depth of pedigree to keep improving for the Te Akau Fabulous Flight Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Heat 15 4YO & Up 820 metres (long head, 2 ½ lengths 50.3)

Trendsetting (4 m Darci Brahma - Velvet and Satin) - Shafiq Rusof; was patiently ridden back on the inner, five lengths 600m and never let off the bridle.

Bred and owned by Sir Peter Vela (Pencarrow Stud), she has a world-class pedigree.

David Ellis said: “We've had a lot of luck with this family. We trained the stallions Darci Brahma (Danehill) to win five Group One races among nine stakes wins, Burgundy (Redoute's Choice) won five stakes races before going to stud and becoming a leading two-year-old sire. We won the Welcome Stakes (Listed, 1000m) with Bespoke (Pins), and trained Uberalles (Giant's Causeway) to run third in the NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m)”.

Heat 16 Maiden 3YO 1010 metres (1 ¾ lengths, 2 lengths 1:04.6)

Duck Road (3 g Ekraar - Silver Buttons) - Ryan Elliot; began well to lead, held together inside three horses to the 600m, kept up a bold gallop with a rival to his outside in the straight and gained the upper hand to win well.

In training for breeder Dr. John Southworth, Gilbert Southworth and John Elstob, he stripped in good order for his first trial when fourth in March at Taupo, and resumed on the right note. Destined to get over more ground, he coped well with conditions and certainly a lovely type of horse.

Quattro Katie (3 f Zoustar - Kakakakatie) - Opie Bosson; positioned outside the leader, on terms in the straight and she kept up a solid gallop for second.

Quattro Katie was purchased by David Ellis for $150,000, from the draft of Baramul Stud, at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Her sire, Zoustar (Northern Meteor), trained by Chris Waller, was sold to stud for $14 million in the week leading up to his victory in the 2013 Coolmore Stud Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m) at Flemington - providing jockey Jim Cassidy with his 100^th group one winner. Zoustar won six of his nine starts, including two group ones and two group twos.

A Zoustar filly fetched $1 million at the 2017 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, and his filly Sunlight (winning five from seven) finished third in the $4m Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m). Zoustar has sired nine individual winners and was named Australian Leading First Season Sire.

3 f Pentire - Platinum Blond - Jason Waddell; travelled under a hold in fifth and she continued to find the line in the straight for third.

The last foal from Platinum Blond (Kaapstad), in training for Windsor Park Stud, the mare has left a host of winners and the family of Captain Cook Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Penny Gem (Pentire).

Luminous (3 f Reliable Man - Keenly) - Shafiq Rusof; trailed cosily on the inner, but struggled in the going on straightening before balancing up near the line and it was a good trial from a filly looking for better ground and considerably further.

A white filly, purchased by David Ellis 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).

From the talented race mare Keenly (Keeninsky), winner of three races up to 2200 metres, she has a high-quality depth of stallions on her dam side, with second dam Marlena being by Champion sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram), who in turn is from Success Express mare Vargas Diamond. Success Express is also the dam sire of Champion stallion Savabeel.

Weaponry (3 g Declaration Of War - Cat Shmea) - Troy Harris; was taken back off a wide gate, five lengths and nicely held at the 600m, and he hit the line with merit wide on the track.

From the draft of Curraghmore Stud, purchased by David Ellis for $140,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, owned by the Te Akau Weaponry Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

He is a really good looking colt, from the first crop of a stallion that was very impressive when winning the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Royal Ascot.

“Anyone that saw Declaration of War's win at Ascot would have realised what a special horse he was for trainer Aidan O'Brien, at Ballydoyle, and he went on to win one of the highest rated races in the world: the York International (Gr. 1, 2000m)” Ellis said.

Heat 17 Maiden 3YO 1010 metres (head, 2 ½ lengths 1:04.7)

Golden Age (3 g Savabeel - La Belle Epoque) - Opie Bosson; was back and wide from an outside gate, six lengths 600m, tracked up widest into the straight produced a big late finish to claim victory near the line.

Purchased by David Ellis for $350,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock 2017 Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Lyndhurst Farm, for owners in the Te Akau Golden Age Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

By champion sire Savabeel (Zabeel), his dam sire Montjeu was one of the highest quality horses in the world, winning the Irish Derby, French Derby, and Arc de Triomphe, and experiencing a lot of success when standing at stud in New Zealand.  Also from Lyndhurst, at the Ready to Run Sale, Ellis bought Group One winner Hall of Fame (Savabeel) and stakes performed Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle).

Ocean Star (3 g Ocean Park - Star Of Gibraltar) - Vinny Colgan; settled wide in midfield from the outside gate, tracked up wide into the straight and quickening to lead at the 200m he kept up a strong finish only to be claimed on the line.

Owned by the Te Akau Ride the Wave Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $90,000 from the Monovale Farm draft at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale.

From the second crop of quadruple Group One winner and New Zealand Horse of the Year Ocean Park (Thorn Park), his dam, Star of Gibraltar (Danehill), has left five individual winners of 15 races, including stakes winner and multiple Group Three placed Tukiyo (Haradasun) in Australia.

Red Jakkal (3 g Jakkalberry - Red Alert) - Jason Waddell; settled rearward from a wide draw, seven lengths 600m and he got home very well in tight quarters for third.

Purchased for Fortuna Syndications, managed by John Galvin, the first foal of an unraced mare, his second dam is by Savabeel (Zabeel), from the family of 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Master Belt (Masterclass). A very successful family developed by trainer Kevin Gray.

His sire, Jakkalberry (Storming Home) won 12 races, stakes of $2.7m, and holds the record for the fastest last 600m (33.5) in the Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m). Red Jakkal is from his first crop. Strong, consistent, and a high-class performer, Jakkalberry was a Champion (2010 and 2011) in Italy, and Great Britain (2012). He has a nice Mr. Prospector (Raise a Native) cross through the sire sides of his pedigree, bloodlines that remain prevalent in staying ranks worldwide.

Willpower (3 g Power - The Lady) - Nik Bakar; went forward to situate outside the leader and kept up a solid gallop in front before being swamped wide out by the stable-mates.

He spelled after finishing second on debut in April at Rotorua, having displaying natural ability for a second and first, respectively, at the trials. His dam, The Lady (Stravinsky), won two stakes races as a two-year-old and second dam, Lady Dehere (Dehere), was Second Top Filly in the Two-Year-Old Free Handicaps of her juvenile year.

Purchased for the Te Akau 2017 Te Akau Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM) by David Ellis, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale for $250,000.

His sire, Power (Oasis Dream), standing at Cambridge Stud, has made a great start to his stud career, siring five individual group and stakes winners with his first crop two-year-olds. Gift of Power is leading the way, winning eight of her 12 starts including a group two and listed victory.

3 f Rip Van Winkle - Surooh - Shafiq Rusof; was dictated to race in the worst going on the inside, from a handy draw, but quickened when asked at the 200m and went to the line well.

In training for owner/breeder Kevin Hickman at Valachi Downs, her sire Rip Van Winkle (Galileo) was a top mile to 2000-metre winner in Europe, and sired 22 stakes winners, while the dam, Surooh is by high-class sprinter and excellent sire Pivotal (Cozzene).

Heat 18 Maiden 3YO 1010 metres (head, 1 ½ lengths 1:04.3)

In A Twinkling (3 g Fastnet Rock - Moment In Time) - Opie Bosson; travelled amongst horses in midfield, saw daylight in the straight and kept up a good gallop.

Although bred to get over more distance, he showed plenty when finishing second in February at his only two-year-old start and appears a promising three-year-old prospect.

Owned by the Te Akau Fastnet Moment Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $250,000, from the draft of Curraghmore Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

His dam, Moment in Time, was a dual Group Three winner, dead-heating in a VRC St Leger, and winning six times from 1400m to 2800 metres.  Te Akau has had terrific success with the progeny of Fastnet Rock (Danehill), including 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Rock ‘N' Pop, now standing at Waikato Stud, and Group One winners Heroic Valour, Age Of Fire, and Avantage who also won the Karaka Million.

Remember O'Reilly (3 g O'Reilly - Ardeche) - Bridget Grylls; began well to lead, travelled along boldly on the pace and just blew out over the concluding stages.

From a Dehere mare, trained by the Master, Bart Cummings, he was purchased for $200,000 by David Ellis, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, for owners Wayne and Jo-Ann Phillips.

A colt from the last crop of champion sire O'Reilly, his grand-dam, Diamond Like (Danehill), was one of the most talented fillies to ever race in New Zealand.  Of note, his year older half-brother Mongolian Marshal (High Chaparral) was an impressive winner on Derby Day at Ellerslie, and now won two of his eight starts.

3 f Per Incanto - Moss Lady - Shafiq Rusof; was handily placed in third and although not able to quicken over the sprint distance, rider Shafiq suggested she would be fine over more ground.

In training for Mr. Nui (Qiji Bloodstock), after being purchased for $40,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, she is the first foal of a mare by Authorized, from the family of successful stallion Mossman (Success Express).

Heat 19 Maiden 3YO 1010 metres (¾ lengths, ½ a length 1:04.7)

Our Flying Ace (3 g Darci Braham - Aterballetto) - Opie Bosson; began well, second, onto lead at the 500m and kept up a determined gallop to win well.

Purchased by David Ellis for $140,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Inglewood Stud, owned by the Te Akau Flying Ace Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). He stems from a classy family of Pencarrow Stud that has left Group Two & Three winner Rasa Lila (Darci Brahma) and Group Three winner Posavina (Tiger Hill).

“He was a very good value horse at the sales that really took our eye, with his Darci Brahma influence and from a Stravinsky mare. Stravinsky is doing a terrific job as a broodmare sire, and through Nureyev (Northern Dancer) the bloodlines in this colt are just exceptional,” Ellis said.

Pinultimate (3 f Pins - Lost In Dubai) - Bridget Grylls; was handily placed in fourth and got away from the pack with a strong finish for third under a hand ride.

Purchased as yearling for $36,000 by David Ellis, from the draft of Monovale Farm, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale, owned by the Te Akau Pinultimate Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she has continued to improve through the trials stage.

She is a half-sister to Group One placed Star Treasure (Lonhro), from the family of 2016 Karaka Million winner Xiong Feng (Iffraaj) and triple Group One winner of the Cox Plate, Orr Stakes, and Yalumba Stakes, Maldivian (Zabeel).

Shebringsmerubies (3 f Sebring - Run Away Ruby) - was not rushed, five lengths 600m, and she closed in for fifth when seen doing her best work.

Owned by the Te Akau Girls Having Fun Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), she was offered by Vinery Stud and purchased by David Ellis for $57,500 at the 2017 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale.

Her sire Sebring (More Than Ready) has had progeny sell for $1m plus, standing at $66,000, sired 68 stakes performers, including Australian Horse of the Year, five time Group One winner Dissident whose oldest progeny are two-year-olds.

“She is a beautiful grey filly, and the first foal from a mare that showed versatility to win three times from 1200 metres to a mile,” Ellis said.

3 g Shocking - Walsburgs Dream - Shafiq Rusof; trailed in third, switched inside to the worst going for a run in the straight and a horse needing a lot further it was a suitable trial for him.

In training for Alex Teng (Mandarin Bloodstock), after being purchased for $160,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, he shapes as a genuine staying prospect: by a Melbourne Cup winner, from a mare that won five times up to 2200 metres and grand-dam that won twice up to 2200 metres.

Jakkabella (3 f Jakkalberry - Jungle Pago) - Jason Waddell; got back, raced keenly and checked off heels nearing the home turn and given an easy time in the straight.

In training for her breeder, Luigi Muollo (Explosive Bloodstock) who owns Novara Park in Cambridge, where Jakkalberry stood.

Her sire Jakkalberry (Storming Home) won 12 races, stakes of $2.7m, and holds the record for the fastest last 600m (33.5) in the Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m). Unfortunately, he died in February this year and this filly is from his first crop.  Strong, consistent, and a high-class performer, Jakkalberry was a Champion (2010 and 2011) in Italy, and Great Britain (2012). She is from a Darci Brahma mare that has already left promising winner Torre Del Greco (Mettre En Jeu).

Heat 20 Maiden 3YO 1010 metres (head, 2 ¼ lengths 1:03.9)

Te Akau Dragon (3 g Power - Cool Diamond) - Troy Harris; settled rearward on a good pace, five lengths 600m, and drawn widest in the straight he powered up nicely with a big finish to claim victory on the line.

Owned by the New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club & Te Akau Diamond Power Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $120,000, from the draft of Cambridge Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

From a young mare, and closely related to Group Two and multiple winner Gift of Power (Power), he is a horse with plenty of character and natural ability.

Lady Jess (3 f Darci Brahma - Lady Classique) - Shafiq Rusof; began well to lead and kept up a good gallop in the straight without serious urging to finish fifth.

Bred by Jess & John Galvin, and owned by the Fortuna Lady Jess Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), her dam Lady Classique (Stravinsky) was purchased by David Ellis for $72,500 at the 2005 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale and trained by Mark Walker to win six races to 1400 metres. Lady Classique has already left two individual winners of four races.

Ellis also purchased five time Group One winning Champion stallion Darci Brahma (Danehill), a Champion Two-Year-Old, Champion Three-Year-Old, and Champion Sprinter/Miler.

Dolce Amore (3 f Sebring - Irish Belle) - Jason Waddell; settled back, circled up wide into the straight and she sustained a good gallop, experiencing some kickback from the track, finishing sixth.

Purchased by David Ellis for $100,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale, from the draft of Milan Park, owned by the Fortuna Dolce Amore Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin).

From a stakes winning O'Reilly mare, she is by Golden Slipper winning stallion Sebring (More Than Ready) who has left the multiple Group One winner Criterion and Australian Horse of the Year Dissident.

Irish Belle was a terrifically consistent race mare and in turn as a broodmare has left the Telegraph Handicap (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Irish Fling, a filly with a wicked turn of foot, and impressive winner Princess Belle (Darci Brahma). Her second dam, Society Bay (Zephyr Bay), was a classy filly that won twice as a two-year-old and asserted herself in both New Zealand and Australia. It is the family of Champion filly and Miler Final Destination (O'Reilly).

Prise De Fer (3 g Savabeel - Foiled) - Opie Bosson; got back on the inner, five lengths 600m, but he never found a lot in the heavy going nearer the rail.

Owned by the Te Akau En Guarde Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), purchased by David Ellis for $100,000, from the draft of Trelawney Stud, at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

“He is a lovely example of Savabeel: a good, strong colt, dark bay, with a Northern Dancer cross in his sire lines, bred by Raffles Farm and they're doing a fantastic job,” Ellis said.

By the champion stallion in New Zealand: Savabeel (Zabeel), from a Snippets mare that has already left a very good stakes winner of eight races in Belong to Many (Belong to Me). Snippets, the sire of outstanding Waikato Stud stallion Pins, has left plenty of stakes winners and regarded as a very promising broodmare sire.

Heat 21 4YO & Up 1010 metres (¾ lengths, ¾ lengths 1:03.6)

English Rose (4 m Makfi - Bislieri) - Shafiq Rusof; allowed to find her feet, seventh 600m, angled clear at the 200m and finished off solidly for fifth.

Sister to 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Sofia Rosa (Makfi), a multiple Group winner that culminated her three-year-old season with a victory in the ATC Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) at Randwick, owned by the Te Akau English Rose Syndicate, she was purchased for $200,000 by David Ellis from the draft of Westbury Stud at the 2016 NZB Premier Yearling Sale.

Although yet to break through, she has registered some good performances and a mare with enormous residual value.

Heat 22 4YO & Up 1010 metres (2 ½ lengths, head 1:03.3)

Rock Idol (4 g Rock ‘N' Pop - Edesia) - Dennis Tan; handily placed third on the inner and although over a distance too short the big bloke stayed on well in the straight.

A trial winner over 1200 metres in March at Taupo, and very much in the staying mould, he spelled after one start as a three-year-old.

From the first crop of Waikato Stud stallion Rock ‘N' Pop (Fastnet Rock), who won the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) for the Te Akau Rock ‘N' Pop Syndicate, he was bred by David Ellis & Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM from the O'Reilly mare Edesia and raced by them with loyal stable clients.

RANGIORA: Weather: fine, track: Slow8, rail: true

Heat 5 Maiden 3YO 1000 metres (½ a length, ½ a length 1:03.3)

Publicist (3 c Redoute's Choice - Valadon) - Jason Laking; trailed from barrier one, on the bridle given a steady pace, into clear two off the fence on straightening and kept winding up solidly for second.

Purchased by David Ellis for $560,000 at the 2017 Gold Coast Yearling Sale, from the draft of Highgrove Stud, for the Te Akau 2017 Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

Previous breeding syndicates have unearthed stallions Darci Brahma (Danehill), Rock ‘N' Pop (Fastnet Rock), Burgundy (Redoute's Choice), Xtravagant (Pentire), Age of Fire (Fastnet Rock), Embellish (Savabeel) and Heroic Valour (Fastnet Rock).

By the undisputed king of Australian sires Redoute's Choice, son of the most successful sire of all time in Danehill (Danzig), his dam sire, Woodman (Mr. Prospector), who left 109 stakes winners, has also left more than one-hundred stakes winners as a broodmare sire.