Timaru Treble - Talisker Terrific
Date: 8 Oct 2023
Winning both starts this season, Talisker (3 g Embellish – Glenkinchie, by Redoute’s Choice) scored in the $18,500 Rating 65 1200 metres on 6 October at Timaru.
Stakes' placed last season when finishing powerfully for second to stable-mate Trobriand (Kermadec) in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) and stretching out late in the Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) won by stable-mate Tokyo Tycoon (Satono Aladdin), Talisker appeared capable of winning quickly as a three-year-old.
He strode clear to win easing down when resuming in the Maiden 1200 metres (poly track) on 31 August at Riccarton, and immediately took the next step.
Confidently ridden by Warren Kennedy, Talisker began swiftly again to lead before being softened up by an eager rival, but to his credit found reserves when asked in the straight for a strong win over race favourite Betty Spaghetti (Stratum Star).
“He had to do it tough when working forward from a wide draw (11) and then got taken on badly in front, so I thought it was a really good effort to shake off an older horse and win in the manner he did,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.
“I was impressed by the way he did a lot of work and then kicked again, which shows he’s a promising three-year-old.
“We love the progeny of Embellish. They’re coming to the fore now as three-year-olds and we think he has the makings of a very good sire.”
In the Richard & Bridget Preston Handicap, Talisker ran 1200 metres in 1:11.1, last 600m 34.8, on Soft5 footing, and paid $2.80 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote.
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 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.
Holding a nomination for the $600,000 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) on the first day of Cup Week (Saturday 11 November) at Riccarton, Talisker may get the opportunity of emulating his sire who won the race in 2017.
“He’s down there (Riccarton) with the aim of getting to the 2000 Guineas, and he couldn’t have made a better start in his campaign,” Ellis said.
“He’s won a couple over 1200 metres, but looks like he’ll appreciate stepping to 1400 metres and then the mile.
“It’s exciting to have a horse by Embellish heading towards the Guineas, and an advantage that Talisker is by a stallion who won the race and also that he’s prepared at the venue (Riccarton).
“We’ve had plenty of success in the race and when Noverre (Savabeel) went down there in 2021 he absolutely grew a leg before winning the 2000 Guineas.”
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.
At the time of purchasing Talisker, Ellis said: “He’s a magnificent colt and 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, and we were very pleased to buy him.
“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.”
His 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 Amit Gujar.
Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz
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