Group 1 Barfoot And Thompson Auckland Cup
Race Summary
Glory Days (NZ) (Red Giant {USA}) had it all to do after settling at the back of the field, but she was more than up to the task.
She improved around runners quickly from the 800 metre mark and surged to the front early in the run home.
The mare was relentless in the straight and was too good for last year’s runner-up Five To Midnight (Domesday) and Blue Breeze (NZ) (Bullbards).
Pedigree Notes
Glory Days is a daughter of Bilancia (NZ) (Montjeu {Ire}) and she is a half-sister to the dual black type winner Katsumi (NZ) (Shinko King {Ire}).
The family features the G2 Western Australian Guineas winner The Right Money (Magic Of Money) and the G3 winner Ourforeignminister (Dubai Destination {USA}) and Bell Academy (Royal Academy {USA}).
Group 1 Sistema Stakes
Race Summary
Yourdeel (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) endured a hard run and had to work overtime to sit on the pace, but he was still too good.
The Jamie Richards-trained youngster drew the outside gate and was forced to cover extra ground before landing upsides with the leader.
He got to the front in the straight before he was headed, but rallied impressively to beat Aalaalune (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) with Aretha (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire} coming through closet to the inside of the track for third.
Pedigree Notes
Yourdeel was purchased out of Little Avondale Stud’s draft at Karaka for NZ$100,000 by part-owner Chris Rutten.
He is a son of Miss Zapper (Red Ransom {USA}), who was successful on three occasions, and all three of her foals to race have won.
She is a half-sister to the G3 SAJC Breeders’ S. winner Broadband (Sebring) and the family of the multiple Group 1 winner Grand Armee (Hennessy {USA}).
Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes
Race Summary
Melody Belle (NZ) (Commands) got back in the running before rider Opie Bosson got her into clear air and improving before the turn.
They hit the front early in the run home and after a ding-dong battle with Danzdanzdance (Mastercraftsman) in the closing 300 metres got the upper hand close to home.
Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) did well on an unsuitably wet track to get third with Authentic Paddy (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit {USA}) a distant fourth.
Pedigree Notes
Bred by Ngaire Leicester, Melody Belle was purchased out of Haunui Farm’s Karaka consignment for NZ$57,500 by Te Akau boss David Ellis.
She was bought on behalf of John Galvin’s Fortuna syndication company and is out of Meleka Belle (NZ) (Iffraaj {GB}).
The dam is from the famous Belle family that includes the G1 Golden Slipper winner Dance Hero (Danzero) and Belle Du Jour (Dehere {USA}).
