Yes - It's Love Actually

The second of Te Akau Racing NZ's midweek winners was Love Actually ...

Sporting a grand-dam that won ten races and half a million in stakes, Love Actually (3 f Swiss Ace - Just Platonic, by Danehill Dancer) defied the odds for a break through victory in the Maiden 1400 metres on September 30 at Ruakaka.

Purchased as a yearling by David Ellis for $25,000, from the draft of Westbury Stud, at the 2014 New Zealand Bloodstock Sale, Love Actually is owned by Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM and the Love Actually Syndicate.

Although from an unraced mare, her grand-dam (It's) Platonic had a wicked turn of foot which saw her impress over 1400 metres and a mile to register three stakes wins to group three level - including the 2001 Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m).

Eased off a wide gate by Matt Cameron, who scored earlier aboard the Te Akau trained Thetruthisoutthere (Starcraft), Love Actually settled second last in a field of twelve. Still tenth and nine lengths from the leader at the 600m, Cameron bided his time to track up horses rounding the home turn. Once drawn to the outside at the 350 metres, she quickened and sustained her sprint to snatch victory right on the line.

A few nervous moments followed before the judge declared Love Actually the winner. She posted 1:25.6 for the 1400 metres, last 600m in 36.3, and although closing at $7.80 on the tote she remained at $10 on TAB fixed odds.

“We had an excuse to go back from the draw and she relaxed nicely,” said Cameron. “I waited for the second horse to take off and give me a drag around the turn and although flushed a bit wide, with the stick in my left hand, she straightened up and hit the line really well.

“It was a nice ride from Matt (Cameron),” said co-trainer Jamie Richards. “We had planned to end up in the first half dozen, but when the speed went inside him he let them go and she got home strong.

Following a solid performance for sixth in the $12,000 NZB Pearl Series Maiden Fillies & Mares 1200 metres on Slow8 footing at Te Rapa, on Sept. 9, Love Actually appeared nicely placed and gained the win at her fourth attempt.

“Alysha Collett rode her last start and she got home well out of midfield, so the secret might be to ride her quiet,” said Richards.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz