Te Akau TV - It's NZ Oaks' Day
Date: 15 Mar 2024
Welcome back to this episode of Te Akau TV! This week, ahead of another Black Type Weekend, we’re joined by NZ co-trainer Sam Bergerson in anticipation of one of the classic vintage days that we love in racing - The Group One Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Oaks' meeting.
The winning streak continues as Te Akau now boasts 134 victories across New Zealand and Australia since the season began on August 1st. With $6.4 million in prize money for our owners in New Zealand alone, when you add in our Australian and Singapore stables, it amounts to over $12 million for the year! It's certainly a great time to be racing with the Te Akau team!
This week, our winning tally was bolstered by victories from I Choose You, The Mighty Spar, and Tranquila - with The Mighty One defending his South Waikato Cup title he claimed last year too. We must note our pride in Imperatriz, who ran a fantastic race for runner up despite giving weight to the entire Group 1 Newmarket Hcp field at Flemington. This included of course the talented 3YO colt Cylinder who carried just 51.5kgs v. her 58kgs but nonetheless, our admiration of her tenacity is unstinting - she's only once been beaten at the elite level this whole season!
We're excited to share news about some promising prospects we acquired at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, all of which will race from our Melbourne headquarters. And we've got something special for the ladies! Keep an eye out for Lot 367, a stunning bay colt by Cool Aza Beel out of Love (Snitzel) from the draft of the renowned Newhaven Park. This young star is not just another colt - 75% of him is reserved for lady owners, as we're aiming high with those Pink Bonuses through the Inglis Series! If you’re interested in joining this syndicate, learn more by clicking here.
This weekend holds special significance as Group 1 NZ Oaks' contender Qali Al Farrasha was bred by Te Akau Stud and our great friends Westonlea Bloodstock. We're all on track to emulate the feat of previous Oaks' queen and NZB Filly of the Year Belle On Rouge (pictured), who was also bred by Te Akau too! It’s a very special memory, and we’re hoping to create more this weekend.
A great Saturday across the board at Trentham and Tauranga with future headliners stepping up in class with the exciting 2YO Altari competing in the first at Trentham. There we will also see Petrucci In the Listed Lincoln Farms Lightning Stakes; Tokyo Tycoon, My Lips are Sealed and Vivacious contest the Group 2 Life Direct Wellington Guineas, and Qali Al Farrasha as mentioned in the feature. We also have strong representation with a team of 10 at Tauranga including Fashion Shoot and last start winner She Turns Heads for her ladies' partnership. Sunday sees runners at Wingatui and Singapore to round off a good weekend of racing action.
Looking ahead to next week, we’re all set for a massive day in Australia with five runners hitting The Valley, four in Group races, as well as runners at Tauranga and Riccarton.
Thank you for your unwavering support over the past few months, and we are looking forward to many more thrilling moments trackside in the next few weeks as we still have lots of quality racing heading into the Autumn! Good luck to our owners and connections!
GO THE TANGERINE!