Te Akau TV - Thrilling Trans-Tasman Black Type Weekend

Saddle up, racing enthusiasts! It's time for the first Group 1 clash of the season in New Zealand. We have a lot to be excited about as we dive head-first into this action-packed weekend of racing for the Tangerine!

In this week's edition of Te Akau TV, we have a special treat for you. We'll be catching up with our newly appointed Australian Assistant Trainer Ben Gleeson and delve into everything Te Akau Australia, including shining a spotlight on Imperatriz as she returns to the scene of one one of her greatest victories, Moonee Valley.

Joining us too will be our Kiwi-based co-trainer, Sam Bergerson, who is eagerly eyeing the chance to secure his first Group 1 victory as a trainer this weekend.

Our team is off to an incredible start for this new season which is only six weeks old - boasting a remarkable 2.9 strike rate and an impressive 20 wins. This achievement is even more noteworthy considering we've only just begun. Recent weeks have seen us celebrate thrilling victories, including a winning treble with Dancarina, Fon Memories, and My Lips Are Sealed at Avondale. Our southern team has been unstoppable, securing four consecutive wins last Saturday with Viva Vienna, Insatiable, Challa, and It’s Business Time.

We were equally thrilled to claim the first 2YO race of the season with Bellatrix Star for Fortuna Racing. This is a race we have won before with the likes of subsequent Karaka Million and Group 1 winner Cool Aza Beel.  It's a promising start as we set our sights on an eighth Karaka Million victory in a row.

Now, turning our attention to the upcoming weekend, the anticipation is building. Our newly established Australian Stable will make its official debut with Imperatriz, who will take on some formidable contenders, including Everest winner Giga Kick, in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes.

In New Zealand, we're sending a talented brigade to Hawkes Bay, a course that has been kind to us in previous seasons.  At 4.35pm on Saturday, the tension will be in the air as our trio of runners jumps in the Group 1 Westbury Stud Tarzino Trophy: Brando, Aromatic and the tenacious Foxbridge runner up Skew Wiff. This weekend also promises an abundance of Black Type opportunities, with Quintessa competing in the Gold Trail Stakes and Tokyo Tycoon taking on the challenge of the Listed El Roca - Sir Colin Meads Trophy, won last year by Dynastic (who steps out in Melbourne next week).

Sam Bergerson, in addition to his training prowess, continues to impress with his 'Tangerine Best of the Week' selections. His tip of Bellatrix Star last week was spot on, and we eagerly await his insights for the coming weekend.

This weekend promises thrilling moments and exciting opportunities for our talented equine athletes! To all our runners and their loyal owners, we wish you the best of luck, and as the race caller would say: "Let’s bring it on in the Group 1"!

What a weekend for sporting lovers - GO THE TANGERINE - GO THE ALL BLACKS - UP THE WAHS!