Two Stakes' Win Saturday - Family Ties Terrific

Courtesy of an outstanding ride by Opie Bosson, Family Ties (3 f Contributer - Glamazon, by Pins) scored brilliantly in the $65,000 Grangewilliam Stud Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m) on Saturday at New Plymouth.

In good form before a 1300-metre Maiden win at her second start, Family Ties was strong late for fifth in the Eulogy Stakes (Gr. 3, 1600m) on 17 December at Te Rapa, and prepped nicely by running the fastest last 600m (35.4) when getting home for fifth in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 25 January at Matamata.

Aware that near the rail was advantageous, on footing upgraded to Soft6, Bosson had Family Ties travelling sweetly turning for home before seizing space on the inner and she quickened appreciably. 

“It was a great win and a beautiful ride of Opie's,” said leading trainer Mark Walker. “Just that little bit of cut in the track is obviously what she needs, but she showed a really good turn of foot and I think there are better races in store for her.”

Going away by one and a half lengths at the line, Family Ties ran 1800 metres in 1:52.1 and reduced from an earlier fixed odds quote: $7.00 & $2.50 to pay $4.50 & $1.90 on the TAB tote.

“She's a well-put together filly that Dave (Ellis) bought at the Ready to Run Sale for some of his biggest supporters, John Elstob and his fiancé Denise,” said racing manager Reece Trumper.

“They've got their family and friends involved and it's a massive thrill, for sure.

“I think she goes better with a bit of cut in the track and that's what we've got today. It's been a lovely deck to work with.”

It was the second win from six starts and continues a path towards fulfilling her $450,000 New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) nomination on Saturday 18 March at Trentham, with the $120,000 Lowland Stakes (Gr. 2, 2100m) a possible lead-up on Wednesday 1 March at Hastings. 

Winning again with Family Ties carries on good form the stable is having with Mapperley Stud stallion Contributer (High Chaparral), after Campionessa, a mare it also bred and sold to Te Akau at the Gold Coast sales, won both the Metropolitan Trophy (Listed, 2500m) and Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m).

From a very good family, Family Ties was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000 at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, from the draft of Mapperley Stud, and is owned by Denise & John Elstob, Duck Duck Goose Syndicate, Glenn & Catherine Holmes and Gilbert Southworth.

“Every time you wake up on race days and wins races, especially two black type races, you've got to be a very happy man,” said Ellis, with reference also to Perfect Scenario (Pins) winning the White Robe Lodge (Gr. 3, 1600m) immediately after at Wingatui.

“They were both very stylish wins.

“We've got John & Denise here watching the races at the farm and after she won we opened the bar and we're enjoying a nice celebratory drink.

“They put their family into the filly, too, because they also we raced Star of Bombay (Atlante), another stakes' winner, and when she retired she was sold for good money.

“So to think that their 'replacement' filly has also won black type now is really exciting and we can look forward to getting her to the Oaks, which John & Denise have already won in the past two years, being part owners of Amarelinha and Belle En Rouge.” 

Contributer was a dual Group One winner to 2000 metres in Australia, while the dam of Family Ties, Glamazon, is by Champion Broodmare Sire Pins (Snippets). Grand-dam Glitzy (O'Reilly) won the Rotorua Stakes (Listed, 1400m) among nine wins, and left four winners of 18 races including Group Three placed Glintz, a sister to Glamazon. 

Family Ties was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz