Te Akau TV - Tangerine In Bloom
10 October, 2025
It’s been a busy week for Te Akau, and while the spring weather in New Zealand has been frustrating at times with heavy track conditions, the forecast is finally improving - and we’re set for a huge weekend of racing ahead, with nominations galore.
With Matamata called off due to severe weather, we’ve had just one winner this week - but a stylish one indeed! Two-year-old Exceed and Excel colt With A Vengeance (pictured below) made a winning debut in the Tulloch Café 2YO (1000m) at Avondale on Tuesday. It’s always super exciting to see our 2YOs come through and win first-up.
Bought by David Ellis at this year’s Magic Millions January Sale, it was a professional and polished performance from an exciting young colt - the perfect way to build momentum into what promises to be one of our busiest weekends of the spring.
In this week’s episode of Te Akau TV, we are joined by Reece Trumper and Ben Gleeson this week to bring you all the latest news on our Trans-Tasman runners - we’re racing in the North, the South, and in Victoria!
It’s all go at Taupō on Friday, with a huge 17-horse team taking to the track as we travel in search of better footing - a real showcase of emerging 3YOs, resuming stakes performers, and proven winners.
The day kicks off with two exciting prospects in Hostility and Belle Cheval (currently on the ballot), stepping out in the opening 1300m maiden. Hostility, our promising Group 1-performed Savabeel colt, will be looking to build on his first-up run, while Belle Cheval, a quality Embellish filly we’ve been entrusted to train, has impressed in her trials and looks ready to get her racing career underway.
High Roller was unlucky when resuming at Ellerslie, so he’s looking to make amends, while the blue-blooded Snitzel colt King’s English lines up in the 1100m maiden and should make a strong impression on debut - his mother, of course, was the Group 1-winning star mare English.
Among the progressive 3YOs to watch is Shania, who has been trialling sharply, while Sibling Rivalry and Presence Of Mind both step out in the 1000m maiden and look ready to feature prominently.
The feature of the day - the Placemakers Taupō Handicap (1300m) - sees an impressive five-strong Te Akau line-up. Our Group 1 girl Captured By Love takes on Group 1 performer Wild Night, who has been chomping at the bit for his return after being held up by the weather! They are joined by stakes winners and performers Talisker, Trobriand, and What You Wish For, in what shapes as one of the most exciting races of the meeting.
The day doesn’t end there, of course, with Marokopa Falls, Cool ’n’ Fast, Knowledge Is Power, and Carsolio all representing us in the Generation Homes Benchmark 65 (1100m), while veteran stayer I’m A Dirty Rascal rounds out the day in the Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (2600m).
It’s a full and competitive day of racing at Taupō - and a perfect opportunity to see the strength and depth of the stable as spring racing builds momentum.
Across the Tasman, the action is building ahead of the big carnivals coming up.
On Friday night we start off at home with three runners stepping out at Cranbourne. Future Frankie continues her preparation as she builds towards the middle distances, while recent stable addition Geegees Gemstone lines up in the Apache Cat Classic (1200m) and newcomer Jealous also takes her place in the Pinker Pinker Plate (2025m).
Looking ahead - Saturday sees the NZ team out in force at Ashburton, highlighted by three Te Akau fillies contesting the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes - Belle Du Monde, Cool Aza Rene, and Origin Of Love. Cognito is also looking to continue his fine southern form as he tackles the Ashburton Cup. Also lining up at Ashburton is One True King, a stylish trial winner by King’s Legacy out of the proven mare My Chicharita. He’s shown professionalism and natural ability from day one, and it’s exciting to see him step out for his debut. Shares are available in this promising lad from a family that continues to deliver - a genuine chance to join a type that’s already looking proven. Click here: https://www.teakauracing.com/yearling/lot-87-kings-legacy-aus-my-chicharita-nz-chestnut-gelding, or email [email protected] to secure yourself a share in a runner just in time for the weekend!
Back to Victoria on Saturday, our NZB Kiwi and Karaka Millions 3YO winner Damask Rose has drawn well (3) for the A$1 million Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) - a big opportunity for this talented mare to take another step forward on the Australian stage.
To wrap up the weekend, we’ll be racing at Rotorua, with a Te Akau quartet heading to Arawa Park.
From a massive line-up at Taupō to Group 1 racing in Melbourne and feature action in the South Island, Te Akau is hard to miss this weekend! Wishing all our owners and connections the very best of luck - GO THE TANGERINE!