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Kiwis dominate closing night at ‘The Valley’

Two of the big three races at Moonee Valley last Saturday, closing night, went to New Zealand raced and trained horses. The other fell to former New Zealand trotter, Sundon’s Gift.

The final night at Moonee Valley was a triumph for New Zealand horses and two New Zealand horses met with deserved Group 1 success.

Courage To Rule has spent most of his racing existence chasing horses the likes of Smiling Shard and Sir Lincoln. He got one back on Sir Lincoln in the Victoria Derby, charging home late on the back of a top drive by Greg Bennett to down his Kiwi counterpart.

Courage To Rule gave owners John Green, Paul Browman, Moira Green and James Bennett due success. Though the win was Courage to Rule’s first at Group 1 level he’d already racked up two Group One placings.

Courage To Rule ran a fast 1.58.9 mile rate for the 2575m Derby distance. A time that would have equated back to a 3.12.1 2600m back at Addington. The diminutive Courage Under Fire colt rattled off his last 800m in 55.4.

In a great act of sportsmanship Sir Lincoln’s owners John Street and Graeme Blackburn were among the first down to the winner’s enclosure to congratulate Courage To Rule’s connections.

Later, Bondy finally won his major race. After tremendous early season form, Bondy broke in the Ashburton Flying Stakes before taking ill on the eve of the NZ Cup.

Since then a well-judged and meticulous campaign was mapped out and executed by David and Catherine Butt, ending with one of the biggest prizes in Australasian harness racing, the BIG6 Hunter Cup. The AUD$270,000 winner’s cheque effectively doubled Bondy’s earnings from his previous 39 starts.

Bondy’s win for Peter and Jocelyn Cates, Nicola Copland and Joanne Lovett was his first Group One and sixth for season. His career record now standing at a high-class 21 wins from just 40 starts.

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Open door awaits new track queen

The feature race in New Zealand this week will crown a new champion, of sorts, in the (Group 1) PGG Wrightson NZ Breeders Stakes on Friday at Addington.

The breaking down of Nearea Franco and the untimely illness of current champ Kiwi Ingenuity has created a tremendous opportunity for one mare to step up to a new level in her career.

Despite not having the country’s two premier mares on hand a strong field has been assembled for this week’s Breeders Stakes. A field that is chock-full with talent and at capacity. The scene is set for one mare to step out of the shadow of those before.

When TAB Bookmaker Stephen Richardson opens the market shortly, expect Southerner Beaudiene Bad Babe to be a slight favourite, with the likes of Lauraella and Breath Of Life not too far behind in the betting.

As a bit of a twist to Fixed Odds Betting punters should keep an eye out for an exotic Fixed Odds option or two at Ashburton on Saturday afternoon.

www.tab.co.nz

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Final Inter-Dom Rankings released

After the final rankings, seven New Zealand-trained horses are inside the top 40 for an Inter-Dominion Championship start.

The top ranked Kiwi and  the defending champ, Mr Feelgood, heads the list. Three-time winner Blacks A Fake is below him at two, with Kiwi high flyer Monkey King at number three. The other Kiwis, in descending order are: Bondy (5), Changeover (9), Pembrook Benny (10), Bailey’s Dream (12) and Awesome Armbro (23).

The other New Zealand nominee, St Barts, was ranked 44 in the final list. He will need several defections to make the top 40.

The Inter-Dominion commences at Harold Park on Friday 19 February, moves to Newcastle on Saturday 27 February then concludes at Menangle on Sunday 7 March.

Monkey King is the current $4 favourite for the Inter-Dominion on the NZ TAB.

Click here for the full final rankings.

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Harness Jewels Colours Back

Next week the Harness Jewels yellow colours will be out again. En masse the colours will be worn by the age group leaders in each category giving profile to the Jewels and inspiring competition between the leading contenders.

At the end of the qualifying period the money earning leaders will receive their own, named Harness Jewels colours to keep.

Hospitality packages are selling fast for Jewels Day, 05 June. For more information click here.

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Day of the Monkey

It was dubbed ‘Day of the Monkey’ at Addington on Saturday, but it is proving to be ‘Year of the Monkey’ as Monkey King added another jewel to his crown with a wonderful performance in the United Fisheries Ltd Summer Cup. And although he was hot favourite on a day dedicated to his success, his stablemate Baileys Dream stole just some of the attention in his first race start in 12 months.

The race began well for both the Brendon Hill-trained runners as top driver Ricky May, sped Monkey King from the second row to sit outside the leader. Before long he had taken over the lead before handing up to Todd Mitchell, on Baileys Dream. As Monkey King patiently sat in the trail, Baileys Dream set a comfortable pace out front.

Turning onto the home straight, Baileys Dream stepped away from the pack, however Monkey King had a win in his sights and was not going to let his stablemate outshine him on his day. May opted not to use the passing lane, instead sending the favourite down the outside of the leader. The Sands A Flyin gelding charged toward the line, with his recent race form proving too much for Baileys Dream. As hard as he tried, he could not outrun Monkey King, who crossed the line a length in front of Ohoka Dallas. Only a neck back, saw Baileys Dream finish third in an impressive season debut.

The crowd favourite continues to dominate the Australasian racing scene, with the Listed win adding to his impressive 2009/1010 season resume which includes the NZ Cup, NZ Free-For-All and the Miracle Mile across the Tasman. Already this season he has over $1.1million in the bank and will be looking to add to that with nominations in for the Inter Dominion series and the Auckland Cup, both in March. Owned by Cavalla Bloodstock Ltd (Robert Famularo), Monkey King has won 32 of his 67 starts whilst placing 18 times.

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Lancome proves favouritism in Fillies Final

The Mark Purdon and Grant Payne-trained Lancome satisfied punters, who had backed her into favourite, with a solid win in the $175,000 PGG Wrightson NZ Yearling Sales Final. One of four Purdon/Payne runners, Blair Orange took her reins over the 1950 metre pace for the three-year-old fillies.

Orange sent Lancome quickly from barrier seven and into an early lead. She maintained this position as they paced at a comfortable speed for majority of the race. But as they ran toward the home straight, Orange set Lancome alight. She charged ahead of the field with her final 400 metres in 27.2 seconds. She crossed the line with two lengths to spare over Indulge and her stablemate, Meredith Maguire.

It was strong win for the daughter of Courage Under Fire who is no stranger to the big races. She has previously placed four times in Group/Listed race and last season won the Nevele R Stakes. Saturday’s win came as Lancome’s seventh lifetime win from 14 starts and she has now earned $239,131 in stakes for Studholme Bloodstock Ltd since being purchased for $40,000 in the 2008 Sales.

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Stylish Monarch charges home in Free-For-All

Lining up behind the likes of Springbank Richard and Houdini Star, Stylish Monarch had a big job ahead from the second row. But with Ricky May in the sulky, the duo held out the favourites for a great win in the Listed United Fisheries Ltd Trotting Free-For-All.

Stlyish Monarch began well and settled mid-field as Springbank Richard took up an early lead. With 1100 metres to run, May moved the $10.60 chance through the runners to sit outside of the leader as pressure came from the three-wide line.

As they turned for home, Springbank Richard began to fall away as his stablemate Leighton Hest took charge. He looked to have the race wrapped up, however Stylish Monarch was not done yet. A massive sprint down the outside saw the six-year-old lunge at the line, holding out Leighton Hest by a head. A neck back in third was Makarewa Sun.

Trained by Murray Tapper, Stylish Monarch has now won 10 of his 21 starts. This season he has won six and placed four times from his 12 starts. Saturday’s win was his first Listed race start and the winning stake of $22,000 takes his lifetime earnings to $102,466 for owner Anne Patterson.

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Tither holds onto rep spot

The battle for the final representative spot for the 2010 Australasian Young Drivers Championship, came down to just one race. Yesterday at Wyndham, Tim Williams had a final attempt to overtake Reon Tither as the junior driver with the leading UDR for the qualifying period. He needed a win or second placing to beat the now Western Australia-based Tither. Unfortunately for Williams his 11th placing, on Yankee Dream for employer Robert Dunn, was not enough.

Tither secured the UDR spot with four wins and seven point-earning placings in his 15 drives. Just last week he flew out of NZ to take a position at John Graham’s Bunbury stables. This will be the 24-year-olds first time in the championship.

Joining Tither in also his first series, is 22-year-old Roydon Downey. The Kumeu-based junior driver has qualified as the leading North Islander with 81 points. Downey secured his ticket to Sydney last Thursday night, when runner-up Simon Lawson, failed to earn any points meaning with one race to go, Downey was untouchable. Throughout the qualifying period, he won 10 races – the most by any driver.

Luckily the first-timers will have Dexter Dunn heading across the Tasman with them. NZ’s leading driver will be heading to his third championship series after securing the South Island representative spot weeks ago.

The championship will be run over seven heats between March 2nd and 7th in New South Wales.

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NZ bred horses creating a stir in Oz

NZ Bred horses are pacing and trotting up a storm in Australia. Last month in throughout Australia, NZ bred horses won 301 races. NZ breds’ have also stormed home in most of the Group 1 Australian Grand Circuit races. Roll of Honour below:

A comprehensive list of overseas winners will be published in March’s edition of Breeding Matters. Join the NZSBA to ensure you receive your members only copy! www.harnessracing.co.nz

Increased recognition for breeders

The NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Association would like to express their thanks to Harness Racing New Zealand for accepting their request to add breeders’ names to the results section of their website.

The award winning HRNZ website and powerful search tool InfoHorse now includes the breeder details on those horses that were placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in a race.

The NZSBA constantly strive to ensure that breeders’ commitment and passion to our sport is recognised and this recent addition by HRNZ to their website goes a long way to accomplishing this.

It is interesting to note when browsing the results section that a high number of breeders also maintain the ownership of the horse.

The NZSBA are also hoping that harness racing clubs around the country also add the breeders name to the racebook, this facility is available by contacting HRNZ.

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Claimers championship to enliven winter

A joint innovation between Forbury Park Trotting Club and HNZ will see a claimers championship be staged at Forbury Park through the early winter months.

A five-heat series culminating in a $10,000 final is something expected to be a hit with trainers of battling horses in the South Island.

Club President, Alan Clyma, said, “our club has always been supportive of claimers. We have tried a number of options in the past and were delighted to work with HRNZ to formulate this series. In announcing the series well in advance, we trust owners and trainers will be able to target it with appropriate horses. All races are exempt, which we are sure will be a main attraction.”

Ian Woodhouse (Club CEO) also welcomed the series. “This is a first, in that a full claimers series has not been attempted before. We as a club are well aware that horses can use the claimers option to extend their racing life and claiming only races are an effective means of achieving this. We will work with the Handicapping Department at HRNZ on the series, and information will be included in the Harness Racing Weekly, as well as sent out to interested parties,” he said.

Harness Racing New Zealand National Programme Co-ordinator/ Handicapper, Darrin Williams said he hoped this would be a starting point for future claimer only races. “Since making claiming only races exempt, we have run quite a few. Obviously we would like to run more and support for them is coming, albeit slower than we would like. This series will allow owners and trainers to increase or decrease their claiming price from week to week, and offers a reasonable stake as a final. It is hoped that with the first heat having a $5,000 claiming limit, lesser performing horses will find that race attractive, whilst those with a higher claiming price may wish to target later races in the series.”

Should you require any further information, please contact:

Alan Clyma – Club President
(03) 472 7203 Mobile (021) 667 239

Darrin Williams – HRNZ NPC / Handicapper
(03) 964 1192 Mobile (021) 226 0234

Ian Woodhouse – Club CEO
(03) 455 2154 Mobile (021) 800 990

Any owners requiring a “Claiming Authorisation Form” (which must be completed and signed by all owners prior to the close of nominations), should contact HRNZ on (03) 964 1200.

Click here for series details.

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Auckland Cup Carnival getting close

The Auckland Cup carnival is fast approaching and dining packages are selling well, according to Auckland TC Racing and Promotions Manager, Blair Odgers. So on a night that will showcase the best of all ages and carry total stakes of over $1.4 million it promises to be a special racing event to attend.

The $500,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup might have to be renamed “The battle of the Giants” after the Auckland Trotting Club (ATC) attracted stellar nominations for the great race.
New Zealand’s two richest ever pacers, Monkey King and Changeover will be joined in the March 12 classic by $2million plus earner and Inter Dominion champion Mr Feelgood.

While that calibre of horse already suggests a great race, the Cup has also attracted New Zealand’s fastest ever mare, Kiwi Ingenuity and Victoria Cup winner Bettor’s Strike. Not to forget NZ Cup runner-up Baileys Dream and open class regulars Pembrook Benny, Awesome Armbro and Power Of Tara.

But the older stars will need to be right to their best as the young guns will be led by superstar four-year-olds Tintin In America and Highview Tommy, who have been very good this summer. Add to that last-start West Australian Cup winner Washakie and the list of trophies won by the Cup nominees is staggering.

Between them they have won two New Zealand Cups, an Inter Dominion Final, a Victoria Cup, Hunter Cup, Miracle Mile, New Zealand Free-For-All, WA Cup, Freemantle Cup, Tasmania Cup, six Harness Jewels, two Australasian Breeders Crowns and a huge array of Derbys, Oaks and age group races.

“We couldn’t be happier with the quality and quantity of the nominations,” said ATC president Rod Croon. “We have big numbers and early indications are all the New Zealand horses who are going to the Interdominions will be back for our race on March 12. So competition just to make the field will be huge.”

The club is also thrilled with the nominations for their other pacing classic, the $500,000 Woodlands Derby on March 12. The record-breaking crop of three-year-olds means super strong Derby contenders like Smiling Shard, Sir Lincoln, Four Starzzz Flash and Russley Rascal.

“And we have got three very high class Australian entries in the Derby in For A Reason, Lanercost and Renaissance Man,” said Croon.

The heats of the Derby will be held on March 5 and fixed odds betting on the two great races should be open next week.

The nominations for the two Alexandra Park features are.---

For further information on Auckland Cup Week, click here and for the Cup Week events, visit the following links:
Girls Night Out
Cup & Derby Barrier Draw Function
Young Guns Party

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Sale of the Stars Yearling Sales Catalogue out now

As usual the Yearling Sales Catalogue is out in time for Christmas. If you would like to obtain one please contact Rachel Deegan of PGG Wrightson; 03 372 0967 or email rdeegan@pggwrightson.co.nz.

The catalogue is again a very strong one. Numbers are exactly the same as 2009 for the three days in Christchurch, while the Australasian Classic Sale has 173 lots, slightly down on last year, however there are two supplementary entries. These can be found on the website www.saleofthestars.com.

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Trainer and Driver Milestones

Congratulations to the following trainers and drivers who have achieved lifetime milestones  this season:

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New Stud Book

Volume 36 of the stud book is due in store the first week of December. It has been four years since the previous volume, whilst only a limited number are being produced. So order yours now.

Stud books can be purchased from the HRNZ Office or Alexandra Park, or email admin@hrnz.co.nz for more details

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