Te Akau Win 4 of 5 - Delightful Difference

Te Akau NZ's fourth of five wins came at Riccarton and the (super) model of consistency who we know as "Sophie" got her just desserts ...

One of most deserved winners in recent times, Vive La Difference (4 m Choisir - L'Artiste, by Peintre Celebre) could now be on the road to further success.

While her only prior victory was an impressive performance resuming on off ground over a sprint trip last season, the strapping chestnut mare has footed it with the best. She finished fourth to 1000 Guineas winner Platinum Witness (California Dane) in the Desert Gold Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) at Trentham, and ended her previous campaign with a top run for third to Werther (Tavistock) in Championship Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) at Ellerslie.  Werther has gone on to perform at the top level in Australia since.

Trekking south in the first consignment, Vive La Difference finished third on 5 September over 1200 metres and stepping up in trip to 1400 metres, then a mile, was twice runner-up before notching victory in the $18,500 Helston & Associates Rating 75 1800 metres.

She was given a gorgeous trip by Michael McNab, travelling effortlessly in sixth and after challenging to lead at the 350m, she kept up a resolute gallop to win narrowly but well.

“She travelled up really well,” said McNab. “But she is a mare that you need to stay on top of and make her do everything, as she only does as much as you ask.

“I thought she won very well, up in trip, side winkers on, and going forward there will definitely be more wins in her.

Her sure rise to victory was credit to the management of assistant trainer Pam Gerard, overseeing the team at Riccarton, ably assisted by Gary Ritchie. Recent recruit Meg Cunneen arrived safely last Saturday with Sassy ‘N' Smart (Smart Missile) and Opulent (Keeper) who immediately put their foot in the till with winning performances, and Daniel Miller is the travelling lad with Xtravagant (Pentire) who arrives there on Tuesday morning after winning on Saturday at Trentham.

Bought by David Ellis for $67,500 at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale, from the draft of Haunui Farm, she earned the praise Te Akau Singapore trainer Mark Walker from the outset.

“She is a cracking filly,” said Walker. “She oozes class, is very sleek on the walk and her sire Choisir (Danehill Dancer) has been highly successful at stud."

The Te Akau Vive La Difference Syndicate (managed by David Ellis) is a joyous group of racing fans that is very fortunate to have both a lovely looking and natured individual with the talent to match her appearance.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz