WINNER: Koko You Cracker

Fully deserving of victory, Koko (4 m Written Tycoon – Tawteen, by Stratum) broke through stylishly in the $32,000 Pt. Leo Estate Maiden 1000 metres on 4 September at Mornington (Melbourne).

Capturing the fourth win inside a week for trainer Mark Walker and the Te Akau stable at Cranbourne, Koko had been a model of consistency to place in five of eight starts, including two from two at Mornington, and put the writing on the wall when finishing strongly from the trail for close second in the Maiden 1000 metres on 13 August at Moe.

Ridden again by Jamie Mott, who was aboard last time out at Moe, Koko utilized barrier one to hold a hotly contested lead, travelled sweetly on the bridle approaching the home turn, and gave nothing else a chance when racing clear to score by three and a quarter-lengths.

“I was worried that there were two other speed influences that I didn’t think had a great chance in the race, so if I was to let them cross, I could be in world of pain trying to get out,” Mott said.

“She’s fit and she’s racing really well, so I was happy to use that little bit extra than I usually would to hold her spot. 

“Once we were established (in front) and we got a furlong (200m) breather and she really appreciated getting onto a better surface.

“When I asked for an effort, she really kicked well and it was a nice dominant win.

“She’d been very consistent without winning, so when these horses get their confidence up and win that they put a couple together.”

On footing upgraded to Soft5 prior to the race, Koko ran 1000 metres in 59.3, last 600m in 35.1, and paid $5.50 & $1.60 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a well-deserved win, today, because she’d been knocking on the door, been really consistent and had a lot of seconds,” Walker said.

“It was great to get the win not only for the horse but also for Howard & Carol Riley, who have been great supporters of the stable. 

“They’re the loveliest people you’d ever meet, so really satisfying to see her get a win on the board for them. 

“She’ll go up in grade, now, but I think the win will give her the confidence to go on with it, especially given how dominantly she won.”

Regarding the good winning week, Walker added: “Leaving Caulfield last Saturday I felt like I’d gone 10 rounds with Mike Tyson, but our last four runners have all won, so a week in racing is a long time.

“The staff are working very hard and things are going well.”

A filly with a good pedigree, she was purchased by Sir David Ellis for $120,000, from the Yulong draft, at the 2024 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale.

“She was a lovely filly from the outset,” Ellis said. “No fuss, very professional and athletic, and Mark (Walker) and the team at Cranbourne have nurtured and placed her well.

“She’s by the great Victorian sire Written Tycoon, who stands at Mr Zhang’s Yulong Stud, and there’s a lot of residue value in the fillies and mares by the sire, especially if you gain a few wins and even some black type.”

Australian Champion Sire and nine-time Victorian Champion Sire, Written Tycoon (Iglesia) has produced over 1000 individual winners, including Te Akau bought and trained 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Captured By Love, who sold earlier this year for $1.5 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Koko became the fifth winner for Tawteen, who included a stakes’ win among seven victories to 1200 metres, she being by Golden Slipper (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Stratum (Redoute’s Choice), a Champion Australian 2YO Sire. 

Koko was strapped by Felecity Mantelone.