Te Akau Tuesday Update
2 March, 2021
David writes:
Gosh, I am so delighted that our team enjoyed yet another great day of racing last Saturday across the North Island.
I was at Matamata on Saturday and what a terrific day the club had organised. The track was in brilliant condition, there was a big crowd, and the day was filled with exciting racing.
It was a huge thrill to win the Group 3 Waikato Stud Slipper for the ninth time. What made it even more special was that we ran the quinella again just like last year!
Sword of State was brilliant, as he won by 6.5 lengths with jockey Tory Harris in the saddle - he is one very serious horse. On the Bubbles, our Karaka 2YO Million winner, was as courageous as ever. He ran a super race for second place and both horses are going to be a big chance in the Group 1 Sistema at Ellerslie in ten days' time.
After thinking the day could not get any better, Avantage, like the steam roller she is and with Opie Bosson aboard, won the Group 1 El Cheapo Cars Otaki WFA Classic 1600m at Otaki, defending her title from last year. That is now her fourth Group 1 race in a row this season, and her eighth of her career. She has won more Group 1 races than any other of Fastnet Rock's progeny globally - that's quite an achievement.
We have previously won this race with Kings Chapel in 2004 (who was Champion Horse of the Year as a three year old), and Darci Brahma in 2006. Both of these colts then went on to stand at stud. Of course Melody Belle claimed the race in 2019 and Avantage was successful last year too.
It was also great to see The Panther break maiden ranks at his second start too for his ownership team - a lovely Iffraaj gelding that I also bought at Karaka.
As the news broke of Auckland going into another week long lock-down due to COVID on Saturday evening, Karyn and I felt incredibly sorry for the entire team at the Auckland Racing Club. They have worked tirelessly all year round to organise a fantastic Auckland Cup Week of racing for everyone to enjoy, only to have it halted by COVID 19. Let's hope that the team can host Derby Day at Ellerslie on Sunday or even Monday.
We have now paid New Zealand Bloodstock for every yearling purchased at the Karaka and Australian Sales and of the 46 purchased, we only have shares available in three yearlings.
One of those yearlings is a stunning Almanzor colt, Lot 308 from Karaka - I am very surprised shares are still available in him. This colt is by an incredibly exciting stallion who in my opinion is the best racehorse to retire and ever stand in New Zealand. Watch this space - Almazor will have a huge impact, of that I am sure. It was terrific to see Cambridge Stud bring him back to New Zealand this past season for stud duties.
Our colt is out of a top-class Darci Brahma mare, Champagne Katie. To my eye, this colt simply exudes class. Take a look at him on our website "Yearlings & Shares" page to see for yourself! You will see his photos, pedigree and video footage of him walking up at the sales.
He is just so light on his feet and has the some of the best walking action you will ever see. This is a Karaka Million colt if I have ever seen one and his family is full of early speed and two year old winners. I could easily see this colt developing into a real Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas contender and we know about that race, having won it six times. He was excellent buying.
A 10% share would cost $23,880 +GST and a 5% share is $11,940 +GST.
Don't say I didn't tell you that this colt is an absolute belter!
Te Akau Racing has a reputation for our last yearlings to sell being absolute top class. Take Imperatriz for example - she was the last filly to sell for 2020, yet she has had two starts for two wins, including beating fellow stable mate Sword of State in the Group 2 Eclipse Stakes at Ellerslie on New Year's Day. You saw what Sword of State did winning against the boys by 6.5 lengths last Saturday! Imperatrix has to be one of the most exciting fillies we have ever trained, and she certainly looks to have a bright future ahead of her.
Cool Aza Beel was the last colt to sell in his year - he also won the Karaka 2YO Million as well as the Group 1 Sistema Stakes. He too was named Champion 2YO and has now been sold to stand at stud.
One mare who doesn't need much introduction is Avantage - she was also the last horse to sell in 2017, yet in 2018 she made her mark by taking out the Karaka 2YO Million that year as well as the Group 1 Manawatu Sires' Produce and be named Champion 2YO. She has since won eight Group 1 races from 1200m-2000m, and has won Group races in New Zealand and Sydney - and her success continues.
Her Group 1 win on Saturday gave Jamie Richards his 25th black type win this season, which equals the all-time record in New Zealand. This tally doesn't include his wins in Australia, which would bring Jamie's black type total to 28 altogether. It was also Jamie's 41st Group 1 win.
If you want to be involved with this beautiful Almanzor colt that I can personally recommend, then please give me a call on 021 925 151.
Just when we think we are finished buying yearlings for the year, there was a filly at the Melbourne sale that really caught my eye. Lot 473 is a Savabeel filly who we managed to purchase for A$100,000. Within 15 minutes of buying her last night, this classy filly was sold to Brendan and Jo Lindsay of Cambridge Stud - go the good guys!!
I hope you are all looking after yourselves, especially those who are half way through another week-long lockdown in the Auckland area.
Take care everyone, they really are difficult times that we are all facing but remember - the good guys always win! Be careful and be safe and look after each other.
Back