Winner: Dare to Proisir Perfect

Seizing the opportunity, Dare To Proisir (3 g Proisir – Hayle Bay, by Pentire) recorded a strong victory in the $17,000 Carrfields Maiden 2YO & 3YO 1400 metres on 14 June at Matamata. 

Displaying ability from the outset of his two-year-old season, Dare To Proisir included third to four-time winner and Group Three placed stable-mate To Bravery Born (Snitzel) and fourth in the Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (Gr. 3, 1200m) won by unbeaten Group One winning stable-mate Return To Conquer (Snitzel), who now stands at Waikato Stud.

Off the scene for a lengthy spell, Dare To Proisir had returned to racing with two good efforts, most recently closing strongly in the fastest last 600m (34.2) for second in the Maiden 2YO & Up 1400 metres on 23 May at Ellerslie, and he rated a top three chance from barrier two.

Although not the sharpest into stride, Dare To Proisir quickly recovered to trail in fourth for jockey Craig Grylls, was away from the rail nearing the home turn and proved too strong for race favourite Chappy (King Of Comedy) as the pair drew clear in the straight.

“He travelled well, a gap opened up for him turning for home and he was off,” Grylls said. “He still did a bit wrong, but he’s got it there and it was a good win.”

On Soft7 footing, Dare To Proisir ran 1400 metres in 1:27.3, last 600m in 37.3, and paid $3.10 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was good to get that Maiden win out of the way on his home track and it was nice ride by Gryllsy,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson 

“He’s come back to racing in good fettle in this campaign, after racing well in good fields last season, and the confidence he takes from the win should see him remain competitive as he gets up in grades.”

Owned by the Te Akau Proisir Perfection Racing Partnership (Mgr: Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM), Dare To Proisir was purchased by Sir David Ellis for $230,000 at the 2024 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Rich Hill Stud, whose owner John Thompson kept a share in the horse. 

In his previous season at stud, Proisir (Choisir) had made a real statement when heading off, then, eight-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel) to become NZ Leading Sire, through the deeds of horses like Levante, Legarto, Prowess, Pier, Riodini, Dark Destroyer, and Waitak.

Dam sire Pentire (Be My Quest) is noted for putting quality into his progeny, displaying his versatility with Group One winners from 1200m – 3200m, including Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m) winner Prince Of Penzance, and subsequently made a name for himself as a broodmare sire with over 700 winners.

There are some very good gallopers within the family of Dare To Proisir, including VRC Derby (Gr. 1, 2500m) and Wellington Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m) winner Second Coming (Oak Ridge), who placed in the Melbourne Cup (Gr. 1, 3200m). 

Also, smart two-year-old Cellarmaster (Dubawi), Head of the 2YO Free Handicaps, and Cups horse winner of 11 races Intransigent (Refuse To Bend). 

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “He’s from a really good Rich Hill Stud family that has left some very versatile and talented gallopers.

“He has fantastic presence, great bodied, and a very fluid way of going. He’s a really good quality colt.”

From a family with a preference for better ground, Dare To Proisir carries bloodline crosses to breed-shaping Champion stallions Danzig and Northern Dancer.

Dare To Proisir was strapped by Tayla Mitchell. 

Photo credit - Kenton Wright - www.raceimages.co.nz