Winner: Arctic Jewel Job Well Done

Back in class after contesting the Gore Guineas (Listed, 1200m), Arctic Jewel (3 f Frosted – Miss Gem, by Smart Missile) won the $17,000 Rating 60 1200 metres on 30 April at Riccarton.

Chasing a genuine pace set by stable-mate Hello Bess (Hello Youmzain), collared late to finish fourth, Arctic Jewel was caught wide in fourth before sustaining a strong run to lead inside the 150m and withstood a late challenge to win.

Arctic Jewel was ridden by Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a2), who gave her a lovely ride to record a comprehensive Maiden victory in February at Tauherenikau, and her eight starts have yielded two wins, two seconds, and third. 

In the race sponsored by Speight’s Summit Ultra on Tap, Arctic Jewel vied for favouritism with Hello Bess, ran 1200 metres in 1:10.9 on the poly-track, and paid $3.10 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“It’s good to see her back in the winner’s circle at short notice and great that she was able to handle the synthetic surface (poly-track) on the inside course at Riccarton,” said Mark Walker, who trains with Sam Bergerson.

“This is the first meeting of their poly-track season at Riccarton, and it provides those that handle it an opportunity to advance through the grades whereas otherwise they would have to spell, if they don’t like wet ground through the winter. 

“Hayley (Hassman) is riding in great form, can use the stick effectively in both hands, and her two-kilo claim is invaluable. She reduced the weight on Arctic Jewel to 55.5kg and that can often be the difference between winning or not. 

“It’s great to get another winner for Shaw's Bloodstock and Simms Davison at Mapperley Stud, and the illustrious ownership group that they've got involved.

“She is building a good record and hopefully the win will give her the confidence to win again up in grade, because she’s got the ability to do so.”

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $60,000 at the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale, Arctic Jewel has been retained in ownership by breeder Simms Davison (Mapperley Stud), along with Jonny Schick (Shaw’s Wire Ropes), All Black Will Jordan, and Maurice Robertson, father of All Black coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson. 

Arctic Jewel is the first foal out of Miss Gem, which Davison bought at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale, and had the mare served by triple Group One winner Frosted (Tapit), a Darley shuttle stallion from USA to Australia.

Following the first win by Arctic Jewel, Davison explained how the ownership group came about: “I took her to the Ready to Run Sale and she was passed in, but Mark Walker liked her and David (Ellis) bought her to train for us. 

“In the afternoon at the sales, Jonny (Schick) asked me if I had any fillies passed in and she was one of two, and we’ve ended up racing her together.

“Jonny is a friend of Razor’s (All Black coach Scott Robertson) and put forward a share in the filly for a team function, which is how Will Jordan became involved – that’s roughly my understanding, anyway.”

From a good black type winning family, with plenty of international depth, dam Miss Gem has a yearling colt by Profondo (Deep Impact), a weanling filly by Super Seth (Dundeel), and in foal again to Super Seth.

Arctic Jewel was strapped by Ruby Rae-Wood.

Photo credit - Ajay Berry - www.raceimages.co.nz