Zouluminous Salutes - 3 Runners, 3 Winners

Rounding out a terrific day for Te Akau, with three winners from three starters, Zouluminous (5 m Zoustar - Luminous Harmony, by Fastnet Rock) won the $40,000 Champion Flour Premier Rating 74 1800 metres on the middle day (10 Nov.) of Cup Week at Riccarton.

Champion trainer Jamie Richards and the team earlier in the day produced Summer Monsoon (Stratum) to win the Stewards' Stakes (Gr. 3, 1200m) and Markus Aurelius (Ghibellines) was victorious in the Coupland's Bakeries Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) - so Zouluminous ended a perfect day.

A mare seldom guilty of sub-par performances, Zouluminous had been building nicely in three previous starts on the course and deserved success after being claimed late for second in the Rating 74 1800 metres on 23 October. Her nemesis on that occasion, King of the Castle (Castledale), arrived on the scene late for third while Zouluminous grabbed a bob of the head decision over Kick On (Per Incanto).

“It was a lovely ride from Danielle (Johnson),” Richards said. “She was unable to end up one out and one back, but held her up and fortunately she got her head down at the right time on the line. It was good to see luck go her way.

“She's stepped up to the plate today and did a really good job, so I'm really pleased for the owners who have stuck by her.”

Recording her third win, Zouluminous paid $5.10 & $1.80 on NZ TAB tote.

Purchased by David Ellis CNZM, from draft of Rosemont Stud, at 2018 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Zouluminous is owned by the Te Akau Shining Light Syndicate (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM). Her dam Luminous Harmony (Fastnet Rock) won four races to 1400 metres in Australia, is a sister to highly talented dual Group 3 winner Neena Rock, and has now left three individual winners.

“She's a horse that has continued to improve throughout her campaign, she is as genuine as the day is long, and I'm thrilled that she's been able to reward her owners with another win,” Ellis said. “It's always special to win a race during Cup Week and it's something they can cherish forever.

“She was only just beaten last time by the horse (King of the Castle) that finished third in her race today and it was a great effort to have her nose in front on the line. She's won three times now and twice at 1800 metres, so she obviously loves the distance, and she's got an attitude that you can't knock because she tries so hard.”

Delighted with how Cup Week has unfolded for the stable, winning the NZ 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) last Saturday with Noverre (Savabeel), and three from three on Wednesday, Ellis said attentions now turn to the stable's runners on last day (NZ Cup Day), Saturday 14 November.

“We've got the favourite for the Group 1 NZ 1000 Guineas on Saturday, Imperatriz ($3.80),” he said. “There is some rain forecast and with wear on the track towards the end of three meetings in a week, the outside could prove an advantage, and to have five fillies in the race is a huge thrill. Two of them were actually bred at Te Akau Stud too.

“Well done to the Canterbury Jockey Club for putting on such a great carnival. Cup Week is always a special time in the racing calendar, it's a great time to be in Christchurch, and we hope to enjoy many more.

“I feel sorry for the club that race goers who usually go to the races during Cup Week haven't been able to. They draw big crowds and it's a shame as it's a Club that really puts a lot into the industry.

“Although Karyn and I haven't been able to get down there, I've been spending a lot of time looking at all the horses for the Ready to Run Sale. I've done more homework than I've ever done and I'm really looking forward to the sale next Wednesday and Thursday (17 & 18 Nov.).”

Zouluminous was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz