Top Winning Effort - Tauparae

In the green and gold colours of owner/breeder Christopher Grace QSM & Susanna Grace, Tauparae (3 f Savabeel - Matakana, by Mastercraftsman) scooped the pool on Wednesday at Cambridge.

In winning the $10,000 NZB Insurance Pearl Series Maiden 1300 metres, she also collected an $11,500 Pearl Series bonus, with eligibility for the scheme restricted to fillies nominated as yearlings.

At her second start, following the fastest last 600m (33.2) of the day for third in the Maiden 1200 metres on 20 March at Tauranga, Tauparae had shown her liking for the poly-track when diving through late for third when trialling on the course in May, and rider Opie Bosson got the best out her to win.

Not all plain sailing, Tauparae ($2.70 & $1.40) was able to secure a handy position from barrier seven but appeared under pressure at the 600 metres. To her credit, she rallied to find space turning for home and kept giving.

While the second start for Tauparae, it was also just the second race day ride on the course for the Te Akau stable rider. Bosson had a mount earlier on the programme, and showed the class aboard Tauparae that you expect from a national Group One record-holder with 83 Group One victories to his credit and approaching 1900 career wins.

“That was a really nice win from her and aided by a nice ride from Opie,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “She's a filly that's needed time to mature, but getting there now.

“Things got a little tricky at the 600m, but she was able to get out and gain momentum. Opie said that although a bit flat on the corner she really pinned her ears back and had a go.”

By six-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel), Tauparae is the first foal from a race winning Mastercraftsman mare, in turn out of impressive five-time winner Titanium (Kingdom Bay) and a family that has produced some very good racehorses for the Grace family.

“She's always shown plenty of promise and from a lovely family,” Richards said.

“We are proud to train her for Christopher and Susanna who have been long-time supporters of the stable.  With plenty of maturing still to come, we'll put her aside now and save her for next season. She looks to have a nice future.”

Tauparae was strapped by Katija Cherie.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz