Regan Todd gets wake up call in Sapling Stakes

By Mike Love

Yaldhurst trainer Regan Todd learned of Marketplace's victory in yesterday’s Group 2 Rakaia Seed Cleaning Sapling Stakes at Ashburton initially via text message.

Todd is currently travelling abroad in the United Kingdom.

“I had a few messages from people so then I had to wait for the replay to come up on the website. It’s not a bad way to wake up!” said Todd.

Driven by southern reinsman Craig Ferguson, Marketplace initially led off the gate before settling three back the markers throughout, while the Robert and Jenna Dunn pair Malakai and race favourite Got The Chocolates sorted out the speed. Ferguson and Marketplace waited on the passing lane before shooting through to wear down Got The Chocolates to win by three quarters of a length in a sizzling mile rate of 1:53.1 and final 400m in 26.6.

“It’s great to win races for the owners like this when the money has been spent at the sales. He’s the most expensive one we’ve bought.”

Marketplace is out of Christian Cullen mare Cullen Who and was purchased at the Christchurch National Standardbred Yearlings Sale for $100,000. He is raced by Phil and Glenys Kennard, Peter Baken, Small Car World LTD, R Magness and Todd himself.

“He just keeps taking that next step like a good horse should. He’s always been nice right from day dot. Stephen Boyd who broke him in always liked him.”

It's his first win in five starts.

Marketplace will now head to the paddock for a spell before returning for a Sires Stakes series campaign in the spring.

Meanwhile Robert and Jenna Dunn produced another outstanding training effort winning the Group 2 Helen Pope Fillies Classic with Downbytheseaside filly Gone Surfin. The Dunns also trained the trifecta in the $30,000 Rural Business Accountants Champion Stakes with Harrison John, Miki’s Courage and Hadron Collider.