Eagle Farm, G3 Mullins Grand Prix S., $250,000, 2206m
Race summary :
Chains Of Honour (Redoute’s Choice) was sent out an odds on favourite, but his army of supporters had a few anxious moment soon after the start.
The 3-year-old was shunted wide on the course going out of the straight before rider Mark Zahra decided to head for the front.
Chains Of Honour settled well at the head of affairs and kicked clear early in the run home.
Mission Phoenix (Reset) chased gamely, but had to settle for second and Mosshiki (Mossman) came on well for third.
Pedigree notes :
The winner is a son of Faint Perfume (Shamardal {USA}), who won both the G1 VRC Oaks and the G1 Vinery Stud S.
She is out of the Zabeel mare Zona (NZ) and she is a sister to the G3 Chairman’s S. winner Zingam (NZ) and a half-sister to the stakes winner Banc De Fortune (Galileo {Ire}).
Their dam is the two-time Group 1 winner Danendri (Danehill {USA}), a three-quarter sister to the G1 Brisbane Cup winner Danestorm.
Eagle Farm, Listed Magic Millions Falvelon Quality, $140,000, 1200m
Race summary :
Isaurain (Exceed And Excel) sat just off a good speed to the turn before rider Robbie Fradd asked the 5-year-old for a serious effort on straightening.
The gelding responded positively and lengthened stride to collar the pacemakers for an emphatic victory, the sixth of his 14-start career.
Scallopini (Snitzel) came into the race off a spell and he did well to finish off well for second with the front-runner Fiery Heights (Hidden Dragon) clinging on for third.
Pedigree notes :
Isaurain is a brother to Ottoman, who won two races including the G3 Royal Randwick S. and a half-brother top the stakes performer Nemrud (Reset).
Their dam Byzantine (Elusive Quality {USA}) is a half-sister to the outstanding galloper Mummify (Jeune {GB}), who won five times at Group 1 level.
The pedigree also features the G3 Champagne S. winner Take Pride (Reward For Effort) and the Listed CS Hayes Memorial Cup winner Pestalozzi (Danger).
Awapuni, G2 Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge S., NZ$100,000, 1400m
Race summary :
South Island visitor Kiwi Ida (Squamosa) made the long trip north worthwhile by doubling her tally at Group 3 level.
She settled in the body of the field before moving into contention at the top of the straight and she came with a well-timed finish.
The well-backed Rock on Wood (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) was a game second on an unsuitable rain-affected track with Shadows Cast (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) coming from the tail of the field for third money.
Pedigree notes :
Kiwi Ida is a daughter of the unraced Empress Ida (Blevic) and she is out of a sister to the dual Group 3 winner Royal Ida (Star Pyramul).
There are numerous multiple winners within the first five generations of this family, but Kiwi Ida and Royal Ida are the only two to have succeeded at black type level.
Awapuni, G3 Aberdeen On Broadway Manawatu Cup, NZ$100,000, 2300m
Race summary :
Concert Hall (NZ) (Savabeel) confirmed her staying promise with a commanding performance to claim the biggest middle distance prize of her career.
The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained mare improved wide from midfield 800 metres from home and she surged clear to win with authority.
Platinum Invader (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) made ground resolutely in the run home for second with the topweight Dolcetto (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) a game third under 60kg.
Pedigree notes :
Raced by breeder Joan Egan, Concert Hall is a daughter of Classic Legacy (NZ) (Carnegie {Ire}), the winner of four races.
The dam is out of a half-sister to the G1 South Australian Oaks winner Lee’s Bid (Tawfiq {USA}) and to Ultra Sound (NZ) (Sound Reason {Can}), a multiple black type winner.
Ultra Sound produced the G1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas winner and G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Tartan Tights (NZ) (Tights {USA}) and it’s also the family of the G2 Chelmsford S. winner Nell (Danehill {USA}).
