Te Akau TV - NZ Weekend Preview

It’s been a big week for Te Akau Racing, coming off an outstanding sales 'period that has once again set the foundation for the seasons ahead. With 15 yearlings secured from Magic Millions and 21 yearlings added at Karaka, we’re proud to have assembled a truly diverse and carefully selected group - a blend of proven sire power, emerging influences, elite families and athletic individuals.

We're told that there wouldn't be another stable in the world with the depth, balance, quality and number of yearlings that Te Akau has assembled for owners to take shares in. We can’t wait to see how these young horses develop in the weeks, months and years to come.

While the future takes shape, the present remains just as exciting, with runners lining up across New Zealand and Australia this weekend as the Tangerine Army continues to fire on all fronts.

Reflecting on the sales and the week that was, it’s been a tremendous period both on and off the track. We were thrilled to see recently announced NZB Kiwi runner Belle Cheval (3f Savabeel – Keepa Cheval, by Keeper) deliver an impressive performance to win the $250,000 Group 3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy (1200m). David Archer races Belle Cheval with his partner Diane Wright and children, Simon and Natalie. We wish them all the very best as the countdown is on to the Kiwi in March!

At Matamata, we started the weekend on a high, celebrating a stable double with Born To Be Royal and Cease And Desist, the half-brother to Move To Strike, both getting the job done for their owners at our home track.

Off the track, Karaka Millions evening was a standout, with over 250 owners hosted trackside across our two private areas. The atmosphere, support and shared excitement made it a night to remember and, following its success, it’s an experience we’re excited to build on in the seasons ahead - bringing our owners together trackside and creating more opportunities to connect with fellow members of the Te Akau family.

Racing into the weekend it kicks off today at Te Rapa on with Petite Rocher, a three-year-old filly contesting the Maiden1400 metres. Drawing barrier one, she steps up in trip and looks well placed to continue her progression as she gains experience at this, her second start.

Across the Tasman at Cranbourne, Sheanadh lines up in the Clamms Seafood Handicap over 1200 metres. The three-year-old filly has drawn well and takes her place under the lights, where her speed and competitiveness should see her acquit herself strongly, as she looks for back to back wins.

Saturday’s action ramps up at Trentham, where Te Akau holds a strong hand in the Group 3 Jennian Homes Lowland Stakes over 2100 metres.

Both Origin Of Love and Summer In London line up in this key staying test for three-year-old fillies, bringing quality form and genuine staying promise. The Lowland is an important stepping stone for fillies with classic aspirations, and both have profiles that suggest they’ll appreciate the step up in trip. Earlier on the card, Queen’s Evidence contests the Stephanie Murray Mortgages 3YO over 1200 metres. She draws well and continues to show she’s heading in the right direction as her preparation builds.

The staying highlight comes later in the day with seasoned campaigner I’m A Dirty Rascal lining up in the Group 3 Wellington Cup over 3200 metres. A proven performer at the distance, he carries a light weight and will be looking to add another big staying performance to his record. The stable won this race two years ago with Leaderboard, who went on to win the Australian Grand National Steeplechase last year.

At Ellerslie, a competitive team lines up across the programme. Carsolio resumes in the Trelawney Stud BM65 over 1100 metres, a sharp three-year-old who brings speed and upside to the race. Stakes' performer What You Wish For contests the Fulton Family Stakes over 1500 metres, dropping nicely in the weights and racing in consistent form. Later, stablemates Altari and Savoir Faire take on the Horizon by SkyCity BM75 over the mile, with both capable of featuring strongly in a solid field.

Te Akau is also well represented in Melbourne at Caulfield. Jenni’s Meadow lines up in the A Caulfield Kind Of Summer Handicap over 2000 metres, a distance that looks well suited as she continues to build through her preparation. Inaugural NZB Kiwi winning mare Damask Rose returns to the track in the Group 3 Lamaro’s Hotel Geoffrey Bellmaine Stakes over 1200 metres. In a race that the stable won twice with Probabeel, she has drawn the ace, is in fine fettle and has the services of leading Australian rider Craig Williams. She will be a key watch as she kicks off her new campaign in Australia.

On Sunday we round out the weekend with Black Type action out of Gore as Marokopa Falls and Cool Aza Rene line up in the Listed Liquorland Gore Guineas.

From the sale ring to the racetrack, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Te Akau team. Best of luck to all our owners and connections, and enjoy the weekend’s racing! GO THE TANGERINE!