Terrific Win Talisker - Riccarton Double

Stakes' placed Talisker (3 g Embellish – Glenkinchie, by Redoute’s Choice) broke through with a fresh-up victory in the $18,500 Maiden 1200 metres on 31 August at Riccarton (poly-track).

After finishing third to stable-mate and $1 million Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) winner Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin) when they each debuted last November at Te Rapa, Talisker then finished powerfully for second to stable-mate Trobriand (Kermadec) in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), also at Te Rapa, and therefore, although a type to excel at three and older, had a very encouraging start to his career.

Fine over a sprint trip without quickening in Heavy9 conditions when trialling on 1 August at Te Rapa, Talisker had blinkers on for his resumption, weight relief to 54kg, and had already shown ability to act well in a fresh state.

Ably ridden by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar (a2), who recorded a hat-trick of winning rides last Sunday at Matamata, Talisker was pushed up with intent to lead and after a reprieve in tempo approaching the 600m he strode clear 300m out to win easing down. 

It was both a heady ride and a polished performance by the horse, especially being able to drop the bit after working to lead, and is very encouraging for his nomination and mid-term target of the $600,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on 11 November at Riccarton. 

Scoring by two and a half lengths in the race sponsored by Christchurch Casino South Island Racing Awards 15 September, Talisker ran 1200 metres in 1:09.1 and drifted late in betting to pay $2.10 & $1.20 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It was a good effort because he did a bit of work to get across (to lead) and I thought he was hugely impressive, after doing so much work, the way he strode away to win,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.

“We’ve got a very high opinion of the stallion Embellish, and this bloke will only get better as he gets over more distance.”

Owned by Te Akau Classic Edition Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), Talisker was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $70,000 at the Karaka 2022 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Landsdowne Park, and is among the first offerings of Te Akau trained 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Embellish (Savabeel), whom Ellis also bought as a yearling at Karaka.

Embellish, standing at Cambridge Stud, a sister to Group One winner Diademe, has already left some promising gallopers, among them What You Wish For, bought by Ellis at the same sale (within 10 lots) as Talisker. He impressed winning the 2YO 1300 metres on Good4 footing in April at Hastings, and resumed with a nose margin defeat to listed winner Solidify (Redwood) on 23 August at Taupo.

At the time of purchasing Talisker, Ellis said: “He’s a magnificent colt and was a standout when we did the farm inspections, and he’s a colt with a lovely influence of Sir Tristram on each side of his pedigree.

“The Savabeel/O’Reilly cross is one that has really worked. He was extremely popular in the lead-up to the sale, more so than any other yearling by the sire, and we were very pleased to buy him.

“The first three dams on the page were all winners as two-year-olds and he looks like he’s the sort of horse that could come to racing a little bit quicker. 

“We’ve been taken with the young stock of Embellish. He’s left some really nice types of horses and he’s doing a good job.”

Dam Glenkinchie, by Champion Sire and Broodmare Sire Redoute’s Choice, won as two-year-old over 1000 metres in Australia, while the family includes outstanding galloper Racing To Win (Encosta de Lago), winner of five Group One races, and successful stallion Purrealist (Tale of the Cat). 

Talisker carries a bloodline cross of Epsom Derby winner Sir Ivor, the sire of legendary stallion Sir Tristram.

Talisker was strapped by Kendyll Lee.

Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz