Wanganui Double - A Daring Debut
21 January, 2025
Beautifully bred colt He Who Dares (2 c Snitzel – Rondinella, by Ocean Park) won impressively on debut in the $18,500 Maiden 2YO 1200 metres on 20 January at Wanganui.
In recent trials, He Who Dares had quickened appreciably to grab the win when trialling in October at Waipa, and remained camped on the leading division with more to offer in a trial on 14 January at Matamata.
Out of top group performer Rondinella (Ocean Park), He Who Dares sports a top-notch pedigree, had trialled accordingly, and rated a top three chance.
Away well and onto the lead 1000m out, He Who Dares was steadied by jockey Craig Grylls to dictate terms through the mid-stages, appeared to be travelling the best turning for home, and quickened clear to win easily by two lengths.
In the race named the Whanganui Vintage Weekend, He Who Dares ran 1200 metres in 1:11.2, last 600m in 35.3 (approx.), on footing upgraded after the race from Soft5 to Good4, and paid $1.60 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.
“It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.
“The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride.
“It was a good positive ride of Craig’s (Grylls), electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge.
“Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he’s got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt.
“Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a two-year-old is a bonus because we think he’ll be better at three.”
Walker said that safely through the experience, He Who Dares would prepare for the $150,000 Group 3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) on Saturday 15 February at Matamata, ahead of the $550,000 Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) on Saturday 8 March at Ellerslie.
Owned by the Te Akau 2024 Karaka Stallion Breeding Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM), He Who Dares was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $825,000 from the draft of Haunui Farm at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale.
He Who Dares is by four-time Champion Sire in Australia, Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), who serves so well the trilogy of Danehill – Redoute’s Choice – Snitzel, which is unrivalled in great Australian thoroughbreds.
Snitzel was the Leading Sire of Two-Year-Olds four times and also leading Australian Sire of earnings worldwide.
Snitzel is also the sire of Group One winner and Champion Two-Year-Old Sword Of State, now standing at Cambridge Stud, whom Ellis also purchased as a yearling.
Rondinella, by five-time Group One winning stallion Ocean Park (Thorn Park), was a high-quality filly that won impressively from 1400m – 2100m and placed three times at both Group One and Group Two level.
Rondinella is a half-sister to four individual winners of 23 races, including six-time stakes' winner Celebrity Dream (Thorn Park), four-time stakes' winner Catalonia – Vilanova, and triple stakes' winner Vavasour (Redoute’s Choice).
Their dam, Valpolicella (Red Ransom), was an impressive winner and high-quality filly that won at Group Three and Listed level.
At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “The family goes back to some of the most gifted horses to race in New Zealand: Dopff (Tight), Pussy Willow (O’Reilly), Valpolicella (Red Ransom), and Catalonia (Commands), who we bought as a yearling at Karaka and he won over $600,000.
“We not only know how good this family can be, having trained horses from it, but also realise how classy that many of the family have been. Going back, they’re some of the most talented horses to have raced in New Zealand, and they have also made an impact in Australia.
“To secure such a magnificent colt in every way, by Snitzel, from this family is a real highlight for us and we’re excited about his future. Snitzel is one of the best sires we’ve had in this part of the world in the last 50 years.”
Descendants of Dopff are in some ways unprecedented for ability. Winning eight races, including a Group Two 1600-metre race and two listed 1400 metres, Dopff left seven individual winners of 33 races.
The distaff line has left impressive winners Octapussy (Octagonal), Pussy Willow (O’Reilly), Pussy O’Reilly (O’Reilly), Valpolicella (Red Ransom), Vavasour (Redoute’s Choice), Shezzacatch (Savabeel), and Tavimyfriend (Tavistock) – the direct descending family of He Who Dares.
He Who Dares was strapped by Chris Charmo.
Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz