Triple Te Rapa Treat - Avantage - 7th Grp 1 Heaven

Scant comment remains unsaid about the deeds of seven-time Group One winner Avantage  (5 m Fastnet Rock - Asavant, by Zabeel), but her latest victory in the weight-for-age $200,000 BCD Group Sprint (Gr. 1, 1400m) ranked among the best.

On Legends' Day at Te Rapa, in a race won previously by Sunline (Desert Sun), Darci Brahma (Danehill), and Mufhasa (Pentire), Avantage joined stable-mates Melody Belle (Commands) and Te Akau Shark (Rip Van Winkle), to provide a hat-trick for Te Akau, and four in the last six years with the addition of Xtravagant (Pentire).

Positively ridden outside the leader by Opie Bosson, while burgeoning second favourite Levante (Proisir) missed the start dramatically, Avantage let down in the straight with an enormous gallop to stop the clock among the best in the race (1:20.8), winning by three and a half lengths.

The type to run through brick walls, such is her power and determination, Avantage hurtled her sizeable frame down the straight, providing a sight to behold.

“You don't like to see that,” said trainer Jamie Richards, in regards to Levante, trained by Ken & Bev Kelso at Matamata, blowing the start. “We're all racing enthusiasts and we want to see things play out on an even playing field, ideally.

“It's my opinion that she (Avantage) is getting a bit better and able to put herself up in a race now. She's getting more and more professional and I was really pleased with the way she paraded.

“Dave and Karyn syndicated her amongst some great owners and they're all having the ride of a lifetime. Nicole Shailer and Sam Bergerson that look after her at the Middle Barn, and all the team, I can't thank everyone enough.

“The man on top (Opie Bosson) did a great job and Trev (Stewart) was there leading her in - the muscle.”

Richards said he and David Ellis would take a couple of days to consider options, but the next assignment could provide Avantage an opportunity to defend her title in the Haunui Farm WFA Group One Classic (1600m) in a fortnight at Otaki.

“I really believe she has a Group One win in her in Australia, and I'd like to give her the opportunity at some stage,” Richards added.

Rider Opie Bosson said: “We thought we'd ride aggressively and the plan was that if Levante was five lengths behind us on the home turn then she'd be hard to peg back.

“She's a gutsy racehorse, no matter what you do with her. You can ride her back, forward, up in distance, it doesn't matter.

“She and Melody Belle (13 Group One wins) are similar types of horses, and there is more in store for this one.”

Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM purchased Avantage for $210,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale, and her 14 wins from 24 starts have amassed $1.9 million prize money for Te Akau Avantage Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).

“1:20 for 1400 metres is an incredible time and Opie (Bosson) couldn't believe how easily she did it,” Ellis said.

“Out the back before the race, I said to Jamie (Richards) that's the best I've ever seen her present before a race. She looked really fit and is developing an incredible record.”

In winning the BCD Sprint, on the back of victories in the Railway (Gr. 1, 1200m) and Telegraph (Gr. 1, 1200m), Avantage became the first in history to win all three. A treble that last season was open to a $100,000 bonus.

Accepting on behalf of the owners, syndicate manager Karyn Fenton-Ellis said: “Avantage is the most winning Group One progeny of Fastnet Rock in the world. We know how good a sire he is, so here in New Zealand we can be extremely proud of what she has achieved.

“It's an extraordinary training performance by Jamie Richards and the team, and you'd go a long way in the world to find a mare that has won Group One races over 1200m, 1400m, 1600m, and 2000m.

“Interestingly, after David (Ellis) bought her as a yearling at Karaka, Avantage was the last to sell in her year and so often, when you add Cool Aza Beel (Savabeel), Sword of Osman (Savabeel), and Imperatriz (I Am Invincible), it is often the case.”

Avantage was strapped by Trevor Stewart.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz