Continuing from where they left off, Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson produced debutantes Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel) and Quintefeuille (Xtravagant) to quinella the Maiden 2YO 1100m at New Plymouth on Wednesday.
The stable had a memorable day on Boxing Day, with six wins including Group One winner Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer), Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) winner Kai (NZ) (Ocean Park), and exciting debutante two-year-old winner Cool ‘N’ Fast (NZ) (Savabeel) who quickly trimmed from $21 to $3.50 for the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m).
Able to sweet-seat in the trail behind Quintefeuille, who had company in front, Damask Rose was out to challenge early in the straight and drew an advantage in the final stages as the pair raced clear from their rivals.
Ridden by Michael McNab, Damask Rose had wound up nicely in the straight for third in her sole trial on 5 December at Waipa, and appeared ideally drawn (2) to race well.
“It was a lovely ride of Michael McNab’s and a good winning effort by the filly,” said co-trainer Mark Walker.
“She’s a filly with a lot of scope about her and going to be a lovely three-year-old, but doing it at present on pure, natural, ability.
“We’ll get her home and let the dust settle, but if we’re really happy with her she could be a contender for the Karaka Millions.
“She’s got a bright future and we’ve thought a bit of her for awhile, and Dave (Ellis) bought her from a very good farm at Milan Park.”
In winning, Damask Rose gained enough prize money to make her eligible, at present, among 14 runners for the Karaka Millions 2YO, joining five others from the stable headed in earnings by Cool ‘N’ Fast.
Damask Rose was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for $200,000, from the draft of Milan Park, at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, and is owned by Te Akau Coming Up Roses Racing Partnership (Mgr: Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM).