Te Akau TV - Group 1 Derby Dreams Weekend Preview

DERBY DAY DREAMING!

It’s been another outstanding week for Te Akau Racing and,as Melbourne Cup Week dawns, excitement is building on both sides of the Tasman. There’s something uniquely special about Derby Day at Flemington - this Saturday sees a true celebration of racing at the highest level - and this year we’re proud to see Te Akau Australia's stable represented in multiple Group races.

Before looking ahead, it’s worth reflecting on last weekend’s remarkable results. It was one of those unforgettable days that reminds us why we love the sport so much - six winners in a single afternoon, equalling our record for the most victories in one day. To achieve that across both Islands was a proud milestone for everyone involved, and a reflection of the incredible work from our teams - all we want to do is win races for our owners, nothing gives us greater pleasure!

To our loyal owners, we extend our heartfelt thanks. This time of year can test patience with heavy tracks and changing conditions, cancellations, postponements and relocations - however your continued faith in Te Akau is what makes achievements like this possible.

Last Saturday saw five winners at Riccarton and another at Ellerslie - a truly special result for the stable:

• One True King – broke maiden ranks stylishly under Opie Bosson at Riccarton at just start two, stamping himself as a serious 3YO prospect. Shares remain available in this exciting King’s Legacy gelding, who progresses with every run.
• Out Of The Blue – 2 from 2 for the Tangerine Army Syndicate, now Karaka Millions' 2YO-qualified and a leading early contender for the race we have won right times.
• Legally Binding - another classy performance, his third win and fifth top-two finish from only six starts.
• Origin Of Love – an exciting winner of the Group 3 War Decree Stakes at her third start, while stablemate War Of Silence ran a bold third after a wide trip.
• I’m A Dirty Rascal – produced a strong staying effort over 3000m, positioning himself for a New Zealand Cup bid.
• Belle Cheval – an impressive win at Ellerslie for owner/breeders David Archer and Diane Wright, continuing her rise through the grades - they look to have another classy individual in the colours worn by the likes of the champion Mufhasa!

It was the kind of day that encapsulates what Te Akau strives for - excellence, teamwork, and consistency across every region and race.

This week on Te Akau TV, Michael Gray and Ben Gleeson bring you all the latest news and insights from Matamata and Cranbourne. They’ll look back on last weekend’s winning roll, share the latest from the stables, and preview a massive few days ahead - including Group 1 Victoria Derby and Group 1 Empire Rose Day at Flemington. This is complimented by black-type racing in New Zealand with He Who Dares contesting the rescheduled Group 2 James and Annie Sarten memorial.

Across New Zealand and Australia, we begin the weekend at Ashburton on Friday 31 October, where a strong southern team lines up ahead of New Zealand Cup & Show Week. Corps D’Elite, Cognoscenti and Queen Of Naples all step out, a progressive trio of four-year-olds.

Meanwhile in Victoria, our Cranbourne team races at Kilmore on Friday and 'at home' on Friday night with six starters engaged (including Melody Belle's daughter Lyrics 'n' Song).

On Saturday, attention turns to Tauranga - as mentioned, He Who Dares contests the Sarten, a proven lead-up to the Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas - that's a race we have won seven times. He's joined by a strong supporting cast including Hosility, High Roller, Marokopa Falls, Malmaison, Zantabulous, Wild Night, Accidental Tourist and El Viento, ensuring Te Akau is well represented across the card.

Now looking at the main event for any racing fan, Victoria Derby Day. One of the greatest days in world racing is here, and Te Akau is proud to have multiple contenders taking part on the opening day of Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Damask Rose will fly the flag in the A$1 million Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) - a race Te Akau famously won with Melody Belle. Reunited with her Karaka Millions' and NZB Kiwi partner Blake Shinn, she faces an elite field but we know her talent and determination make her a genuine Group 1 contender.

Azazel and Mcwoody represent the stable in the A$2 million Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) - an extraordinary moment to have two runners in such a prestigious race. Azazel comes in off a dominant Listed Geelong Classic win last week, while Mcwoody continues his rapid progression.
Crismera contests the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m), and recent stable addition Geegees Mistruth steps out in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes (1200m), adding further strength to our Flemington team. It’s a day that showcases Te Akau’s trans-Tasman strength and our ongoing commitment to competing at the top level.

Beyond Flemington our Victorian runners will also be active across the weekend at Mortlake, Traralgon and Mornington, including Astari, Titahi Bay, Future Frankie and Stage ’n’ Screen. From maidens to benchmark performers, it’s another full and exciting schedule for the Australian stable.

Back home, our focus shifts toward Christchurch and the build-up to the New Zealand Cup Week - momentum that continues to grow with every meeting.

It’s a big weekend of opportunity for the team - from Flemington’s Group 1 stage to Tauranga’s black-type Guineas' lead-in - and a strong line-up across Victoria, this weekend promises everything we love about racing.

We wish all our owners the very best of luck - here’s to another memorable weekend of racing for you!