Progressive mare Risque Ruler (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) produced a performance that had to be seen to be believed when taking out the second running of the Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.
The Janelle Millar-prepared daughter of former Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Mongolian Khan was a clear $3.80 favourite for the $350,000 contest when the early Fixed Odds market was released off the back of an unlucky run for second at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, following two consecutive victories.
However, after the early pattern of the day favoured those racing on or near the speed, the four-year-old’s get back and run on style saw her remain the favourite but drifting to a $5 quote as punters looked at those more suited to the perceived frontrunning bias.
That strategy looked to be paying dividends as Te Akau Racing runner Class (NZ) (Embellish) set up a solid tempo in front for the majority of the journey before scooting four lengths clear rounding the home bend.
In contrast, rider Chris Dell settled Risque Ruler at the tail of the field and was conservatively 15 lengths from the lead before starting a swooping run around the field at the point of the home turn.
Class began to feel the pinch at the 150m as firstly Our Time (NZ) (Time Test) and then Risque Ruler began to charge down the outer, with Risque Ruler getting in the decisive stride to defeat Our Time. Class held on bravely for third.
It was an emotional Millar who fielded questions after the race.
“She gives me a heart attack every time she goes out there, but man she is good,” Millar said. “This is something we targeted and to pull it off like she did, I’m overwhelmed and so proud of her.
“We always knew that Class would go forward, but when (Risque Ruler) detached herself from the field, I thought ‘holy moly’. But when she lets go, she is just amazing.
“There is a big syndicate in her and I’m just thrilled for all those who are involved.
“I think we will tip her out now as she has done us proud, and she is still growing so next year she could be unbeatable.”
Dell sported a beaming smile as he was swamped by syndicate members upon returning to the winners’ enclosure.
“It might not be a Group One, but it has a $350,000 purse associated with it,” he said. “Janelle has been very, very good to me and we have a good record up here when she brings horses north.
“I earmarked this horse at the trials before she had her first start and I told Janelle that she was her next nice horse, so thank god my judgement was correct.
“She is special this one and I had no qualms as I said I was going to ride her for one run, ride her to win and she has come from stone motherless last, looped the field and won in a smart time (1.35.51)
“She has more upside to her, so she is a mare who is just a special horse.”
Bred by Windsor Park Stud out of their Volksraad mare Risque Business, Risque Ruler is the younger half-sister to seven-race winner So Risque (NZ) (So You Think) and stakes-placed six-race winner It’s Business Time (NZ) (Turn Me Loose).
She has now won three of her eight starts and boosted her prizemoney earnings beyond $256,000.