Two Southern Te Akau Successes

Added to Te Akau's clean sweep of the Group races at Hastings on Saturday - not to be outdone, Te Akau's southern team was busy with two Riccarton winners ... the first a blue blooded filly winning her maiden ...

Beautifully bred mare Miss Scandinavia (4 m Smart Missile - Miss Helsinki, by Hussonet) has been patiently handled before delivering stylishly in the $10,000 Daffodil Raceday Maiden 1200 metres on Saturday 22 September at Riccarton.

Chasing home very well for second when fresh-up in the Maiden 3YO 1400 in March at Hawera, Miss Scandinavia scored a soft trial win in August at Te Rapa, and saluted at her fourth start for the Te Akau 2016 Scandinavia Syndicate.

“It's funny how horses grow and develop,” said Te Akau principal David Ellis. “I thought she was more of an early maturing horse when I bought her, but when horses tell you that they need time, you just have to give them that opportunity, and we're grateful that the wonderful owners that are in her were prepared support us.

“She's got an absolutely stunning pedigree, so winning added enormously to her value and she still has it all ahead of her. She's a mare that needs firm tracks and that's the reason we've sent her to the South Island, and I think she'll win more races.

“I bought her from Arrowfield Stud after she was passed in at the Sydney Easter Yearling Sale. Jamie (Richards) has done a great job identifying the right horses to have stabled at Riccarton, and she is a perfect example of being beautifully placed to win.

“The horses in the South Island are going really well and we've had six winners there in the last three weeks. Paul (Richards) has a great team of staff with him at Riccarton. We've got fifteen (horses) there at present and more going down in the next few weeks.”

Able to secure the trail after some early jostling for positions, Miss Scandinavia had plenty to offer before being extracted by Te Akau apprentice Nik Bakar at the 250m and she surged clear under a hand ride to win easily by 2 ¼ lengths.

On Good3 footing, Miss Scandinavia ran the 1200 metres in 1:10.9 and after the late scratching of race favourite Sacred Quartz (Zacinto) she shortened to pay $2.50 & $1.20.

Bakar has now won six of his 10 rides, with the previous coming a day earlier on stable-mate Don'tblamethemusic (Coats Choice) at Taupo, who incidentally gave him his first winning ride a month ago at Taupo.

“He's doing an excellent job and his strike rate is just incredible,” Ellis said. “Again, Jamie has given him the right opportunities and he's taken them with both hands.”

Miss Scandinavia has an exceptional pedigree. Her grand-dam Miss Finland (Redoute's Choice) was Champion 2YO & 3YO Filly in Australia, and winner of five Group One races including the Golden Slipper (1200m) and VRC Oaks (2500m). Her progeny has sold for $500,000, $750,000, and $900,000, as an indicator of her quality.

“I thought it was a good, tough win, from a mare that continues to improve,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “We've had to be patient, but she's starting to strengthen up nicely now. She trialled well at Te Rapa, came on for a gallop at Taupo, and went down to the South Island in good order.

“We think she's a mare capable of working her way through the grades and given her pedigree every win she gets adds to her value after racing. I'm pleased for all the connections and the team down South, who are doing a great job.”

Miss Scandinavia was strapped by Charlie Carroll.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz