Consistent sprinting mare Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Zoustar) was rewarded for a string of solid performances at Te Rapa on Saturday, powering away with the Lodge Real Estate 1200.
Egyptian Queen figured prominently throughout her three-year-old term, placing in the Listed O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), before rounding out her season with a fourth in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m).
Often the bridesmaid, the daughter of Zoustar was on the verge of breaking through Rating 65 grade when going down narrowly to promising filly Hankee Alpha at Te Aroha, and despite contending with a tough barrier draw (13) on Saturday, she closed favourite at $3.20.
Ace Lawson-Carroll, who won earlier on the card aboard Pericles, was forced to remain three-wide on Egyptian Queen, but got in the trail of another fancied runner in Lovaci, who dragged her into the straight with good momentum.
Up-front, Monique Tonnerre had controlled proceedings and held onto the lead to the 200m, before a wall of horses came powering down the centre of the course, with Egyptian Queen showing a good turn-of-foot to sprint clear of Koheroa and Lovaci and win by 1 – ¼ lengths.
“We had a tough draw, but we got in behind Lovaci and she took me into the race at the right time,” Lawson-Carroll said.
“I didn’t have to do anything until about the 300m and once balanced she accelerated. Once I gave her one behind the saddle she really took off.”
The mare was prepared by Te Akau Racing trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, after being purchased by David Ellis for $220,000 at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sales.
“She’d been so consistent and was really deserving of the win today,” Walker said.
“Even though she was three-wide, she had cover, so it was a nicely judged ride by Ace and he the horse power to get the job done.
“She proven herself in stakes races and I think she’ll now measure up in Rating 75 company.”
Bred by Gerry Harvey, Egyptian Queen has earned over $90,000 for the Te Akau She Reigns Racing Partnership.
