Punters had plenty of faith in Stonybreck (Tavistock) at Cambridge on Wednesday, backing him into $1.20 favouritism for the Pryde’s Easifeed 1550, and the Tavistock gelding duly delivered.
In the hands of leading jockey Michael McNab, Stonybreck jumped well to sit outside leader Branciforti and hit the lead with 400m to go, eventually running out a comfortable 4-3/4 length victor.
“It was another great win by a horse that Dave (Ellis, Te Akau principal) bought cheaply and he’s established a really good record,” trainer Mark Walker said.
“He’s relaxing so much better now in his races, showing versatility to win on both turf and the polytracks and he’s a horse that should keep improving as a four and five-year-old.”
Stonybreck now boasts an impressive record of four wins and three placings from 10 starts.
Stonybreck was purchased out of Pencarrow Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale draft by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $20,000.
“He was a bargain from a really good Pencarrow Stud family of Sir Peter Vela, and beautifully bred,” Ellis said.
“We were actually so taken with him that I went back the following year, in 2022, and bought his half-sister by the Triple Crown winner Justify.
“We had a good look at her and really liked what we saw. She cost a bit more, $190,000, but from a family with deep black type pedigree and quality. She’s named Star of Justice, recorded a strong trials win in April at Avondale, and preparing to trial again on 1 August at Te Rapa.”
