Golden mating
Former champion 3-year-old filly Norzita (NZ) (Thorn Park), purchased for $1.7 million by Freyer Bloodstock for Arrowfield Stud at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale, will be served by new resident stallion The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice) later this year.
The two-time Group 1 winner is due to foal to Snitzel in August and was offered for sale by Lime Country Thoroughbreds on behalf of the late Dato Tan Chin Nam’s Think Big Stud.
“Norzita is an absolute queen, a magnificent individual with an elite race record and an outstanding match in every way for The Autumn Sun,” Arrowfield Chairman John Messara said.
Norzita recently sold for $1.7 million at the Inglis Chairman's Sale
Return to glory days
Perth horseman Dan Morton believes Man Booker (Discorsi) may be able to roll back the years and provide him with further success in Queensland in the G1 Doomben 10,000.
Trainer Dan Morton
Morton and his father Len have had plenty of success in the past there with the likes of Scenic Shot (Scenic {Ire}) and Scenic Blast (Scenic {Ire}). "Scenic Shot loved it in Queensland. He won two Doomben Cups, a Brisbane Cup, Hollindale S.and the Eagle Farm S.," Morton said.
Scenic Blast, who won three Group 1 sprints in Australia and the G1 King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot also raced in Brisbane. "He had been all around the world by the time he came back to Australia and we took him to Brisbane. Sea Siren just beat him in a couple of Group 1s," Morton said.
Glorious Derby gate
Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young are banking on an ideal barrier for Group 1 success in Saturday’s South Australian Derby with Savvy Oak (NZ) (Savabeel), who will be ridden by Michael Walker.
"We've finally got a draw in a Derby, it's brilliant," Young said. "We've got the ace draw.
"I think Michael will give him every chance, put him to sleep on the rail, cuddle him up so he can run the 2500 metres out and hopefully it’s not too wet in Adelaide."
The Shark is back
One of New Zealand’s most exciting gallopers is back in work after his season was cut short through soreness issues late last year.
Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}), who has won five of his six career starts, had a stellar spring, winning all three starts including the G3 Red Badge Sprint at Hastings and the G2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile at Riccarton before he was side-lined.
“He came back in with Sword of Osman and Melody Belle on Monday, they all look great,” trainer Jamie Richards said.
Te Akau Shark
Gem of a ride
Lightweight jockey Ron Stewart will have a rare opportunity for trainer Kris Lees on Gem Song (Your Song) at Doomben.
Gem Song was ridden by Blake Shinn to win the G3 Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm last Saturday week. Lees weighed up several options with the Gooree Stud-owned Gem Song before settling on Saturday's Listed Members H. in which the colt has 54kg, below Shinn's limit.
Promising apprentice
New Plymouth trainer Allan Sharrock has plenty of talent to unleash on his home track on Saturday, among the highlights the return of stakes performers Art Deco (NZ) (Road To Rock) and Tutta La Classe (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}).
However, the most exciting talent produced from his stable at the meeting could be apprentice Hazel Schofer, the 20-year-old jockey set to make her race day debut.
"I've got five in and she's on four of them," Sharrock said. "I really think a lot of her. She's shown a heap of ability. She uses the left-hand well with the whip and she's a mature apprentice.”
