Winner: Mind Masterful

With a terrific performance, Presence Of Mind (3 f Fastnet Rock – Supreme Mind, by Akeed Mofeed) won the $17,000 Maiden 2YO & Up 1000 metres on 3 May at Tauherenikau.

Second on debut as a two-year-old and freshened following two starts earlier in the season, Presence Of Mind had finished strongly for a close third when resuming in March at Matamata, and last start found the line well after settling back from a wide draw (10) in the Maiden 1200 metres on 4 April at Ellerslie.

Rating a top three chance and drawn barrier three for Te Akau apprentice Hayley Hassman (a2), Presence Of Mind was caught three-wide over the 1000-metre scamper but instead of being dampened by the rigours, she loomed into contention turning for home and sustained a strong gallop to win.

It was a no panic ride by Hassman, who continues to excel in her jockeyship, and a grand effort by the filly to overcome some adversity.

On Good4 footing, in the race sponsored by The Farriers Bar & Eatery/Horseshoe Taproom, Presence Of Mind ran 1000 metres in 57.0 and held firm in betting to pay $4.60 & $1.50 on the NZ TAB tote. 

“She didn’t get all favours in running, but Hayley (Hassman) kept her nicely balanced and it was good to get the Maiden win out done,” said Mark Walker, training partner with Sam Bergerson.

“The owners have allowed us to take a patient approach with her and hopefully the win gives her the confidence to keep progressing up in grade.

“She was suited to the 1000 metres, overcame obstacles, and was strong through the line.”

A day earlier the pair trained three winners at Riccarton, winning both feature races, including the $80,000 Listed Berkley Stud Champagne Stakes 1200m with debut two-year-old colt Zafar (Snitzel).

The three stables: Matamata, Riccarton, and Melbourne, remain in grand form, with 23 wins including four stakes’ wins, with three Group One wins, in the past 34 days. 

By the same Champion Sire, Fastnet Rock (Danehill), as Te Akau purchased and trained nine-time Group One winner Avantage, Presence Of Mind was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $260,000 at the 2024 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale, from the draft of Newgate Farm, and is owned by Te Akau Front Of Mind Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). 

Avantage is the best performed Group One winner by reigning Australian Champion Broodmare Sire Fastnet Rock, while in addition Te Akau has bought, syndicated, and trained, other Group One winners by the sire: Rock ‘N’ Pop, Heroic Valour and Age of Fire. 

Dam sire Akeed Mofeed is by Dubawi (Dubai Millennium), who has been the highest ranked stallion in the world and currently third to second ranked Frankel (Galileo) and leader Into Mischief (Harlan’s Holiday), bred on the Northern Dancer sire line through Storm Bird and Storm Cat. 

Dubawi is the sire of Makfi, who stood successfully in New Zealand, producing Group One winners in both NZ and Australia. 

On the dam line, Presence Of Mind has highly influential sire, Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) winner and Champion Australian Sire Canny Lad (Bletchingly), who adds speed and quality to any pedigree.

At the time of purchase, Ellis said: “She’s an absolutely beautiful and classic filly, just a darling. 

“Very much in the mould of Fastnet Rock, she has impeccable conformation, great balance, and an outstanding temperament.

“She looks a real racehorse in the making and is from a farm that continually produces strong and fast horses.”

Presence Of Mind carries a Danehill cross, as the sire of Fastnet Rock and on the dam line of dam sire Akeed Mofeed (Dubawi).

Presence Of Mind was strapped by Rhiannon Smith. 

Photo credit - Peter Rubery - www.raceimages.co.nz