Te Akau Winning Treble - Win No.2 Summer Monsoon

Showing his appreciation for the course, Summer Monsoon (6 g Stratum - Princess Narine, by Red Ransom) won the Hutton Contracting $32,500 Open 1400 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

A stakes' placed two-year-old, Summer Monsoon benefitted from a good beginning when winning his second start over 1000 metres at Te Rapa, and he emulated after trailing the leader from barrier one on this occasion.

After recording a notable effort for third in the Rating 74 1350 metres on 8 April at Wanganui, Summer Monsoon met a tough field but aided by weight relief to 51kg under stable apprentice Joe Kamaruddin he quickened boldly to hold the rivals at bay.

Summer Monsoon shortened from $14.00 & $4.20 fixed odds to pay $8.70 & $3.00 on the NZ TAB tote. Winning by one length, he ran the 1400 metres on 1:24.6 and last 600m in 36.5 on Dead6 footing.

“He had a slight issue after racing at Wanganui, but had trained well since and it was a very good ride by Joe (Kamaruddin),” said trainer Jamie Richards.

“He can be a little bit hit and miss, but the claim and good draw was a big help to him and he found a really good kick in the straight.”

Owned by the Te Akau 2016 Sydney No. 1 Breeding Syndicate, Summer Monsoon was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000 at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale.

“That was a picture perfect ride and as good a ride as you'd wish to see from a three-kilo claimer,” Ellis said.

“He's always been a really nice type of horse - he's been durable and the way he's won his sixth race you'd think he might be able to achieve a bit more, too. He has a great pedigree and from the family of Champion Sire Redoute's Choice.

“The Cambridge Jockey Club is a really well run club and it's a great thrill to win a race at their meeting. I've been coming to this meeting for 45 years and it's great to see the team bring home another winner - now 151 for the season!

“I'd also like to thank Brendan (Hutton) for his sponsorship. An ex jockey, thank you for putting back into our great industry. It's great to see so many people throughout the industry putting back by way of sponsorship. Well done.”

Summer Monsoon has a very interesting mating, with Shantha's Choice (Canny Lad) being the dam of both Redoute's Choice, the sire of Stratum, and grand-dam Monsoon Wedding. It is a pedigree that brings about not only a lovely Danehill cross, but a massive input of quality on both sides.

Cambridge Jockey Club President Bruce Harvey presented the spoils. “Congratulations to David (Ellis) as syndicate manager and owners in the horse,” he said. “Te Akau is continuing a wonderful season, over 150 winners, and the amount of stakes' winners you've had (40) in New Zealand and Australia is phenomenal.

“It shows you're buying the right horses, managing and training them well, have good systems in place, and have a great group of owners.”

Summer Monsoon was strapped by Roushan Khan.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz