Author: NZRacingDesk

Dual Group One winner La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) continued her consistent run of form when finishing runner-up to El Vencedor in Saturday’s Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa, and she will now be set for another elite-level 2000m test. The daughter of Vadamos has been in a purple patch of form since winning last year’s Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at Otaki, winning two and finishing runner-up in five of her subsequent seven starts, much to the delight of her trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander. “She is nothing…

Rich Hill Stud’s senior statesman Shocking again emphasised his potency and versatility when proving the dominant figure in Te Rapa’s flagship events on Saturday. His sons El Vencedor (NZ) and Here To Shock (NZ) produced commanding performances in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) respectively for a memorable weight-for-age double. “You don’t take these things for granted, but for one stallion to win two Group Ones on the same card with one over 2000m and one over 1400m is a pretty unusual occurrence,” Rich…

Versatile mare Catherinenz (NZ) (Shamexpress) made the perfect return to her five-year-old term at Otaki on Sunday, scoring a gritty victory in the Cavallo Farms and Chris Rutten Bloodstock Handicap (1400m). Having just her 10th start, Catherinenz has been patiently handled by Robbie Patterson since she joined his stable in mid-2023, recording three wins up to Rating 75 level, most recently seen when running third at New Plymouth in July. The daughter of Shamexpress went to the paddock following her winter campaign and was well-backed on resumption, starting the $4.50 favourite…

The possible return from retirement of Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) has reached a crucial stage with the Trelawney Stud bred back in work at trainer Ciaron Maher’s Cranbourne stables. Maher confirmed on Saturday that the seven-year-old mare is being prepared for another racing campaign. “She’s just come into the stables and while she’s obviously had her issues, she seems in good order,” Maher said. He said the commencement of trackwork did not necessarily mean Pride Of Jenni was certain to race again. “I want to see her come…

Guy, Jayne & Emily review all the action from Legends Day at Te Rapa, including a deep dive into the two Group 1 features. Plus, we meet the new NZTR CEO Matt Ballesty. Weigh In, February 9

Consistent performer Mr Intelligence (NZ) (Niagara) displayed his love of a firm track surface when he proved too tough in a battling finish to the open handicap stayers feature at Wingatui, the Grand Casino (2200m).  Having just her first ride on the Nikki and Barrie Blatch owned and trained nine-year-old, leading South Island jockey Tina Comignaghi produced a masterclass as she had him bowling along without a care in the world just behind the pace on the outer, after moving forward from a wide draw early in the piece.  Pulled…

Progressive mare One More Dance (NZ) (Sweynesse) dropped back in distance and picked up a lucrative maiden victory at Te Rapa on Saturday, claiming top honours in the TAB 1200.   The daughter of Sweynesse had recorded three minor placings from seven starts, while her most recent effort was a game fourth in a competitive MAAT contest at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day. On that occasion, she was ridden by Sam Weatherley, who advised her trainer Ross McCarroll to revert the mare back to 1200m, advice he took on board…

Emerging talent The Princie One (NZ) (Savabeel) continued her rapid rise through the grades at Wingatui on Saturday, schooling her rivals in the KB Contracting (1200m). The well-bred daughter of Savabeel commenced her career in the North Island with Mark Walker, finishing fourth in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) as a juvenile before joining Robert Dennis’ stable at Ascot Park. The Princie One entered the winner’s circle for the first time last October, and when she finally struck a good track in mid-January, the mare made a serious impression winning…

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Smart three-year-old Public Attention (Written Tycoon) is on a path to the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) after an impressive first-up victory in the Gr.3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday. Ridden by Chad Schofield, the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-prepared son of Written Tycoon sat just off surprise leader Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) and forged clear of his fellow Kiwi-bred over the concluding stages to score by just over a length. The well-related grey colt has now won two of his five starts, and previously boasted a…