Tenebrosi Terrific

Capping two good performances, Tenebrosi (3 g Caravaggio - Dark and Stormy, by Zabeel) broke through at his third start in the $14,000 Maiden 3YO 1100 metres on 8 March at Taupo.

Tenebrosi was a good third on debut to subsequent winner Bellucci (Per Incanto) in the Maiden 1200 metres on 26 January at Hastings, when running one of the best last 600m sectionals (34.5) on the day, and followed with a notable fourth in the Maiden 1200 metres on 17 February at New Plymouth.

Situated throughout on the hindquarters of leader and race favourite Thee Auld Minx (Charm Spirit), Tenebrosi gained an advantage mid-straight and maintained it to the line.

“He tries really hard,” said Bosson, on dismounting. “Turning for home I wondered whether he would kick, but once balanced in the straight he quickened.”

In the race named Volunteers Teamwork @ Taupo, on footing that remained Good4 throughout the programme, Tenebrosi ran 1100 metres in 1:05.9, last 600m in 34.6, and paid $2.30 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

“He had blinkers on for the first time and it was a good effort to win,” said trainer Mark Walker. “He's a horse that will keep developing as he matures. 

“Opie summed it up well. There was really only one horse to beat and he stalked it the whole race.”

Owned by Te Akau Tenebrosi Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis), he was purchased as a yearling by David Ellis CNZM for $85,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud. 

Sire Caravaggio (Scat Daddy) was a fast racehorse, winning four races as a two-year-old, and Joint Champion 3YO Sprinter in Ireland, while dam Dark And Stormy won two races to 1600 metres.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “We followed the racing career of Dark And Stormy closely. She was a promising Zabeel mare that unfortunately had her career curtailed by injury and this is her first foal.

“There are some heavy-hitters that feature in the family, including Champion 2YO Filly in Europe, Maybe (Galileo), and English 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Saxon Warrior (Deep Impact). 

“We really like the influence that Scat Daddy has had around the world, and he was great value at the price.”

Tenebrosi was strapped by Zoe Ashworth. 

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz