Win 5 of 5 - A Stakes' Winner

Te Akau's fifth fabulous Saturday winner was the stable's second stakes' winner for the season - Darci Brahma filly Risque - whose sire claimed the Group 1 and two Listed races on the day ...

On a red-letter day for Te Akau, with five wins shooting trainers Stephen Autridge & Jamie Richards to Premiership leaders, it was fitting that Risque (3 f Darci Brahma - So Explicit, by Straight Strike), impressive winner of the $70,000 Armadillo 3YO Stakes (Listed, 1600m) on Saturday at Riccarton, was sired by a $1.1 million dollar colt purchased by David Ellis.

Darci Brahma (Danehill), a five time Group one winner trained by Mark Walker, has gone on to be a terrific sire at the Oaks Stud and it was their distinctive blue & white colours carried to victory by Risque.

It was a special day for Darci Brahma, as he sired stakes' winners at all three venues on Saturday in New Zealand: including Julinsky Prince in the Windsor Park Plate (Gr. 1, 1600m) at Trentham and No More Tears in the Soliloquy Stakes (Listed, 1400m) at Ellerslie.

The day was also special for talented young rider Michael McNab (29), who not only guided Risque to perfection but also won aboard three other Te Akau winners on the day at Riccarton.

“I'm over the moon, it was an amazing day,” said McNab, on his way to the airport for a flight home to Cambridge.

McNab settled Risque off the pace in eighth, after being handy initially, and she travelled kindly when tracking a wall of horses to the 600m. Seeing daylight at the 350m, she pounced and saw out the mile strongly with a powerful gallop.

Paying $3.80 & $1.60, she ran the mile in 1:35.5 and 36.4 for the last 600m. Stable-mate Special Memories (Fastnet Rock) over-raced at times yet still remained resolute in her effort third.

“She's very good and I think that in the future she could be a lovely Oaks' filly,” said McNab, of athletic Risque.

“The way she raced I see no reason why she wouldn't and the last furlong was her best. She's a beautiful filly that would have learnt a lot more again today and most definitely has the quality for the 1000 Guineas. And, she let down on the good footing.

“She'll be a lot more professional the next time she goes out - 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) is Nov. 14 at Riccarton - and there is still good improvement.

“I'm thrilled and especially pleased with the opportunity that Te Akau has given me to repay them with a day like that,” said McNab.

Inundated with congratulatory phone calls, Te Akau principal David Ellis was stoked with the rides through the day by McNab.

“Te Akau has always had the policy that the boys that ride the work get the race day rides and Michael has been over a lot within the past three months, riding jump outs, work and also at the trials,” said Ellis.

“He's a young guy that seems to be riding very well and making good decisions in life”.

Risque is one of six fillies Te Akau has gearing up for the 1000 Guineas, and she leads the team in the market at $14.

Picture credit - www.raceimages.co.nz