Group 1 NZ Derby, Ellerslie
Race Summary:
Crown Prosecutor (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) has caused a massive boilover in the G1 New Zealand Derby, prevailing at odds of $101 for trainer Stephen Marsh and jockey Craig Grylls.
Grylls gave Crown Prosecutor a ride just off the pace and burst clear at the 300m when the race was there to be won. He just held off In a Twinkling (Fastnet Rock) to win narrowly, with Platinum Invador (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) back in third.
Crown Prosecutor is raced by Huntingdon Lodge Ltd.’s Harvey and Linda Green and long-time Marsh stable client, Lib Petagna and has now won two of his seven starts, both at stakes level for NZ$644,625 in stakes earnings.
He was a $50,000 buy for Bruce Perry from the Woodside Park draft at the 2017 Melbourne Premier Sale.
Pedigree Notes:
The dam of Crown Prosecutor, Riptide (Exceed and Excel), hails from a very good family as a three-quarter sister to Headwater and Kulgrinda and a half-sister to Cross Current (Keltrice) and River Tribe (Umatilla), the dam of Willow Creek (Tale Of the Cat {USA}).
Recent 2-year-old Group 3 winner McLaren (Exceed and Excel) is also a three quarter brother to the dam.
The third dam is Listed winner Ride The Rapids, who produced Headwater's G1 winning dam River Dove (Hurricane Sky) as well as River Serenade, who produced both First Command and Oneworld.
Group 3 Waikato Stud Plate, Ellerlsie
Race Summary:
Sitting near the front of the pack behind the leaders, Princess Kereru (NZ) (Pins) looked to be in trouble in the straight when she was looking for a gap between the leaders.
When one finally opened, the filly was ready to go, joining the leaders at the 150 metres mark.
She had to work even harder to keep the lead once she got it with Santa Monica (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}_ pushing her every step of the way and Ronchi (NZ) (Stravinsky {USA}) closing quickly. The line came just in time with Princess Kereru getting a close win over Ronchi with Santa Monica third.
Pedigree Notes:
The first live foal by the winning Fleur d’Amour (NZ) (Thorn Park), Princess Kereru was one of two Group winners on the card for her late sire Pins (Snippets).
Her dam is a half-sister to Group 2 winner and Group 1 placed Thunder Lady (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {IRE}) and a granddaughter of Group 2 winner Fleur De Chine (NZ) (Centaine), who is also the dam of Group 1 winner Tully Thunder (Thunder Gulch {USA}) and third dam of Group 1 winner Levendi (Pierro).
Fleur d’Amour has a 3-year-old unraced Pins gelding named Mr Renaissance and a yearling by Shocking (Street Cry {IRE) colt.
Group 3 Sunline Vase, Ellerslie
Race Summary:
Pinmedown (NZ) (Pins) started Saturday’s New Zealand stakes in a big way when winning her second career stakes race.
The filly raced in midfield and had to be steadied as the field entered the straight but soon was back in stride. In the final 200 metres she found another gear and slid down the inside to take the lead as a group of horses made a late rush behind her to battle for second.
She won by three quarters of a length with Clementina (NZ) (Savabeel) winning a four way photo for second over Savy Yong Blonk (NZ) (Savabeel) to give their sire a 2-3 finish with Oratia (Redoute’s Choice) finishing fourth and Stilton (NZ) (Savabeel) fifth.
Pedigree Notes:
A NZ$28,000 Karaka purchase as a yearling Pinmedown is the seventh foal from Alleyway (NZ) (Oregon {USA}) and second winner.
Alleyway is a half-sister to stakes winning Recall (NZ) (Kaapstad {NZ}) and the dam of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Ambitious Dragon (NZ) (Pins {AUS}).
Alleyway’s youngest foal is a 2-year-old unnamed Super Easy (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) filly who sold for NZ$500 at the 2018 Karaka South Island Yearling and Mixed Sale.
Listed Mufhasa S.,Ellerslie
Race Summary:
A golden run on the rail allowed Qiji Express (NZ) (Shamexpress) to pull off a minor upset in New Zealand.
Settling just behind the leaders, a hole opened as the field turned into the straight to give Qiji Express the perfect gap. He took advantage of the run and took control in the last 200 metres. He was a clear winner to give Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman a third win on the day.
It was a closer finish for the minor placings with She’s a Thief (NZ)(Showcasing {GB}) just edging out Tiger Silk (All American) and Cavallo Veloce (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Pedigree Notes:
A NZ $27,500 yearling Qiji Express is one of two stakes horses from the winning Miss Krisdel (NZ) (Spectatorial). That mare’s first foal was Group 3 placed Spectacular Vision (NZ) (Mastercraftsman {IRE}) and the two runners are two of four winners from five to race from the mare.
Miss Krisdel is a half-sister to champion Gee I Jane (Jahafil) and the Group winning dam of champions Katie Lee (NZ) (Pins) and Banchee (Oratorio).
The mare next foal after Qiji Express is yearling Jimmy Choux colt sold for NZ$20,000 this year, and she had a Vadamos colt in 2018.
Listed NZB Insurance S., Wingatui
Race Summary:
Emily Margaret (NZ) (Pins) recorded her second stakes victory here.
Breaking quickly and taking control of the lead from the outside gate, she was at least a length ahead at nearly all stages.
Pricking her ears in the straight, the game was over as she extended her lead to finish ahead of Dreamtesta (NZ) (Testa Rossa) with Naval Fleet (NZ) (Declaration Of War {USA}) in third.
Pedigree Notes:
A NZ$55,000 yearling at Karaka, Emily Margaret is the only stakes winner for Group 3 winning Seven Schillings (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Also Group 1 placed, Seven Schillings is a full sister to Listed winning Eight Schillings and from a half-sister to three-time Group 1 placed Kajema (O’Reilly).
There is class throughout this family with Seven Schillings’ third dam the dam of three-time Group 1 winner Avedon (Famous Star).
Seven Schillings has an unnamed Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic {USA}) 2-year-old filly, a yearling Jimmy Choux (NZ) (Thorn Park) colt who sold for NZ$190,000 at Karaka earlier this year, and a weanling Turn Me Loose (Iffraaj) filly. She was served by Charm Spirit (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire} in 2018.
Group 3 Lord Reims S., Morphettville
Race Summary:
Bondeiger (War Pass {USA}) made the final group stakes of the day an exciting affair when coming from near last to win his second career stakes.
While Wasabi Bob set the pace, Bondeiger wasn’t in a hurry in the 2600 metre affair, sitting one off the rail while racing for last place.
With 700 metres left, he was tired of watching the horses in front of him and moved through the pack to be nearly even with the leaders at the 300 metre mark. From there, it was just a matter of seeing how big his margin would be as he took over the lead with 200 metres left and winning with his ears pricked by over a length with Sylpheed (Real Saga) second and October Date (Barely A Moment) third.
Pedigree Notes:
By War Pass (Cherokee Run {USA}), who had two crops of racing age before his untimely passing, Bondeiger is from the Japanese-bred Debutante Robe (Admire Vega {JPN})
Unraced herself, Debutante Robe is from Group 1 winner Derobe (Pompeii Court), who is also the half-sister to the granddam of two-time Group 1 winner Pompeii Ruler (Genuine).
Debutante Robe has eight runners with five winners, including a 3-year-old filly named Cotillion (Your Song) who is her final live foal.
Listed Cinderella S., Morphettville
Race Summary:
Two-year-old Lady Naturaliste (Chosir) had been facing tough fields in each of her previous four starts but finally broke through at Morphettville.
Going off as the race favourite, she was never far off from the leader. As they turned into the straight, it was clear she was full of running and she confirmed that when she found a hole and was able to take the lead with 100 metres left to run.
While Li’l Kontra (Krupt) stuck with her all the way to the line, she still won by over half a length to put her maiden tag behind her. Movie Role (Fastnet Rock) also closed quickly with Angel Rock (Rock Hero) to take third and fourth respectively.
Pedigree Notes:
A $150,000 Inglis Easter purchase, Lady Naturaliste is the second foal from Listed winner Calcatta (Tale of the Cat {USA}).
From a Listed winner herself, Calcatta is one of two stakes horses from her dam and comes from the family of Group 2 winners Never Quit (Sir Tristram) and Super Sequel (Centaine).
Calcatta’s yearling Pride Of Dubai colt sold for $170,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale and after missing to Not a Single Double (Redoute’s Choice), she was served by Zoustar (Northern Meteor) in 2018.
Listed Members' Cup, Doomben
Race Summary:
Going off as the race favourite, Sword of Justice (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) paid off the punters’ faith in him in Queensland.
The gelding took the lead soon after the break and while he was challenged throughout, it was enough to win him the race early on.
By the time he turned into the straight, he had a few lengths on the field and never let anyone get close to him when winning by 2 ¼ lengths.
The bigger battle was for second with First Crush (Husson) just edging out Xebec (USA) (Mizzen Mast {USA}).
Pedigree Notes:
Sword Of Justice was the second Australasian stakes winner of the day for Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado {IRE}), who also sired the Group 1 New Zealand Derby winner.
A $45,000 purchase at the 2017 Inglis December Thoroughbred Sale, he is the first of two stakes winners for Joyeuse (King’s Best {IRE}) and oldest of her live foals. His year younger half-brother Sword Of Light (New Approach {IRE}) is the winner of the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes and three of his dam’s four runners have won.
Joyeuse is a half-sister to four stakes winners, including three-time Group 1 winner Flamberge (Exceed And Excel) with stakes winners found under each of Joyeuse’s fist three dams.
She has a 2-year-old filly named Singing Sword (Written Tycoon) in training with Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra, a yearling Redoute’s Choice (Danehill {USA}) colt and was served by Churchill (IRE) (Galileo {IRE}) last year.
Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas, Ascot
Race Summary:
An eager Adornment (Medgalia d’Oro {USA}) took her place just a few lengths off the leader soon after the field broke from the gate though it would take the Peters Investments filly some time to look comfortable in her running.
As the field turned for home, it looked like she was ready to run but it took Vintage Stock (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) joining her to encourage her to go for the lead. Once she switched into gear, she took over the lead in just a matter of strides to pull away in the final 50 metres.
Vintage Stock was able to finish second in a large pack battling behind the winner with the pacesetting Brelleta Five (Planet Five {USA}) settling for third.
Pedigree Notes:
It was a top-notch day for Darley stallion Medaglia d’Oro who sired three stakes winners across Australia and New Zealand. Adornment is one of three foals by the stallion from Listed winner Jewelled (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) and the only stakes winner from the siblings though all have won.
Jewelled’s third dam Pushy (GB) (Sharpen Up {GB}) was a Royal Ascot winner who went on to produce three stakes winners with her daughters producing a further 15 stakes horses.
All of Jewelled’s four foals to race are winners with the three Medaglia d’Oro runners being joined by Bijou Belle (All Too Hard).
The mare also has a 2-year-old So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral {NZ}) colt named Treasured Crown in training with Adornment’s trainers, a yearling filly by that sire, and she was served by him again in 2018.
Listed Lex Piper S., Ascot
Race Summary:
It was a big day for Bob and Sandra Peters at Ascot on Saturday with their powerful stable sweeping the stakes on the Ascot card.
Regal Power (Pierro) showed speed early to catch up to the leader after breaking from a wide draw before settling just a few lengths off the pace. Going wide around the turn gave the gelding a clear path to take over the lead but it took him until the final 150 metres to get the lead with Fred Dag (Patronize) running from the back of the field to stick with him every step of the way.
Recently at the losing end of close finishes, he had a change of luck today to beat Fred Dag by a slim margin with Final Hearing (Reset) a few lengths behind them in third to give the Peters and trainers Grant and Alana Williams the first and third place finishes.
Pedigree Notes:
From Listed winner Broadway Belle (Redoute’s Choice), Regal Power is a full brother to Group 2 winner Action and from a strong Peters family.
Broadway Belle is from Group 1 Oaks placed Antique (Metal Storm), the granddam of Group 1 winner Arcadia Queen (Pierro) and Arcadia Dream (Domesday) among others. Under the next dam, you also have multiple Western Australia stakes winners in addition to New South Wales Group 3 winner Kencella (Exceed And Excel).
Regal Power is one of three winners from three named foals from his dam. She also has a yearling Vancouver colt (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}) and a weanling filly by American Pharoah (USA) (Pioneerof the Nile {USA}).
The mare was served by Pierro in 2018 for a full sibling to Action and Regal Power.
