Quality mare Orchestral set Ellerslie alight on Karaka Millions night in 2024 with a stunning victory in one of the feature events and she did it again in 2025 with another perfect performance to claim the Listed Aotearoa Classic (1600m).
Last season’s Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) winner went on to take out a pair of Group One victories, triumphing in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Group 1 Vinery Stakes Stud Stakes (2000m) before finishing a gallant third in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) to round off her three-year-old campaign.
What followed had her army of supporters scratching their heads a little as her Spring campaign was somewhat disappointing with an indifferent showing in a campaign opener at Ellerslie followed by two lacklustre efforts in Melbourne which necessitated some more time out before resuming at Ellerslie a fortnight ago with a handy enough effort in finishing last of four over 1400m lumping topweight of 60kgs.
James knew not to panic when others were questioning her desire and she looked a different mare before the race on Saturday as she produced her hallmark home straight surge under rider Craig Grylls to down a quality line-up in the $1million feature.
Grylls had her travelling sweetly four back on the fence throughout and when he angled her into the clear at the 250m she quickly hit top gear to draw in fellow mare Mary Shan within the shadows of the post to score going away by a length and a half, with Mosinvader making up good ground for third.
James was quick to point out he never lost faith in his stable star.
“I stayed staunch and we all did around the stable, but you guys (media) came from every angle this week and asked whether she had lost her enthusiasm for racing,” James said.
“We got all sorts of grilling but she is mare and often they are better in the autumn and I think that is probably the case with her.
“We were super happy going into this with her although a bit apprehensive with the draw (barrier 3) but it assisted her as he (Grylls) was able to sneak runs and be handier than normal.
“It was a masterful ride.”
James would not be drawn on where the daughter of Savabeel would be seen next but hinted she may stay in New Zealand for the time being.
“There is a lot of money here, but we will see how she pulls up and make a decision from there,” he said.
Grylls had James’ pre-race words ringing in his ears after finding himself in the exact position they had feared after 200m.
“My instruction from Roger was to try not to be four back the fence, but from that draw she never begins that good although she was better than normal,” Grylls said.
“I found myself in that position but I couldn’t have asked for a better run after that as there was good speed and I was able to peel her out and get her going without any traffic problems.
“She did the rest and I’m just the lucky one who gets to sit on this very good mare.
“I don’t want to sound too arrogant but she was clearly the best horse in the field on paper and it was just a matter of getting a good run and she did the rest.”
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