Wednesday was a big day for the stable with nine runners for the day. Queen of Cool completed a great win result for our stable from a very limited numbers of 2yo runners we have had this season.
From just four yearlings in the stable at the start of the season, we have been successful with Selfie, Untamed Diamond and Queen of Cool, with the fourth Cinematic being stakes placed 2nd in her only start in the spring before spelling.
All four yearlings were purchased into the stable directly and indirectly on our selection process, something we are very proud of. All were selected as early developing types and have given their owners a thrilling trip so far.
Queen of Cool is raced by an interesting group of owners, a mixture of previous clients and first time owners to the stable. Gerald Shand, his partner Pat and Barry & Carol Kidd are long time stable clients who have raced numerous horses with us including Cog Hill. Brian Mollet, his daughter and son in law Kerry & Anna Stove and Brian’s close friend Neville Markwick have shares in the filly and also have shares in Untamed Diamond.
Then we have Phil Cross, my second cousin from Southland who comes from a trotting background and finally new owner Peter Sparrow from Katikati who interestingly also has a share in Ventura who finished an impressive 2nd placing fresh up on Wednesday.
The filly will be aimed towards to Otaki Listed Ryder Stakes later in July over 1200m.
Queen of Cool is a half-sister to stable newcomer Gerry O’Reilly who won as a 2yo late last season for owner Gerald Shand when racing out of Shane Kennedy’s stable in Christchurch.
From just four yearlings in the stable at the start of the season, we have been successful with Selfie, Untamed Diamond and Queen of Cool, with the fourth Cinematic being stakes placed 2nd in her only start in the spring before spelling.
All four yearlings were purchased into the stable directly and indirectly on our selection process, something we are very proud of. All were selected as early developing types and have given their owners a thrilling trip so far.
Queen of Cool is raced by an interesting group of owners, a mixture of previous clients and first time owners to the stable. Gerald Shand, his partner Pat and Barry & Carol Kidd are long time stable clients who have raced numerous horses with us including Cog Hill. Brian Mollet, his daughter and son in law Kerry & Anna Stove and Brian’s close friend Neville Markwick have shares in the filly and also have shares in Untamed Diamond.
Then we have Phil Cross, my second cousin from Southland who comes from a trotting background and finally new owner Peter Sparrow from Katikati who interestingly also has a share in Ventura who finished an impressive 2nd placing fresh up on Wednesday.
The filly will be aimed towards to Otaki Listed Ryder Stakes later in July over 1200m.
Queen of Cool is a half-sister to stable newcomer Gerry O’Reilly who won as a 2yo late last season for owner Gerald Shand when racing out of Shane Kennedy’s stable in Christchurch.
 Queen of Cool as a baby in 2012, with her dam Chilled Out....... |  And now……winning her first start at Avondale as a 2yo. (photos courtesy of Trish Dunell) |
Going into this season we have a greater number of yearlings including some nice early developing types. We still have shares available in a Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline gelding and a Choisir – Folk Music filly who are both good types that were purchased in Australia. They are both broken in and currently spelling.
You may have noticed that our daughter Alysha has been absent from riding this week. She is currently taking a short break holidaying in Europe with friends. She is due back at the end of the month.
Ventura also produced a great effort on Wednesday at Avondale to run a close 2nd first up following a spell. She went into the race without a trial due to the continued cancellation of trial meetings so the effort was even more meritorious. She has always shown promise on the training track and she should go on with it from here.
He’s A Bigdeel raced quite keenly in the middle stages of his 1400m race and as a consequence ended up in front too soon for Matt Cameron, he just got run down over the final 100m to finish a close 4th. He will race again over 1400m in the next fortnight.
The Hawk found the 1600m too short for him. He will step out next over 2000m possibly Waipa on Sunday 28th.
Shantav ran a sound race in his first start to finish 6th over 1200m. He may also step out next at Waipa on the 28th over 1400m.
Blue Pool Blur also ran on well for 5th at his first start over 1200m. Given he drew 17 and had to drop back to last, then raced greenly, he finished off the race well.
Raadical Jazz & Mills N Boon both found the heavy holding track conditions too tough and have been turned out for 2-3 weeks to freshen up.
Racing at Ruakaka on Saturday are Coachline (R85 2100m) and Biggin Hill (R75 1200m) Both should appreciate the better going at Ruakaka and will benefit from Zinjete Moki’s 3kg claim.
Les Silk will kick off her winter campaign at Te Teko on Wednesday 17th over 1200m. She will also be ridden by Zinjete Moki.
Our Kismet bypassed Avondale this week and will also travel to Te Teko to race over 1600m.
Given his liking for wetter track conditions Jesshanimo will now wait to race at Tauranga on Saturday 20th over 1400m. He has been schooling over hurdles in addition to his usual track work.
Hot Mustard raced at Hawkesbury in Sydney on Sunday over 1800m. He was unsuited by the tempo of the race, then got held up in the running in the straight and never really had a chance thereafter. Plans for his next start are yet to be decided but will likely be over 2000m.
So Wotif is continuing to tick over, hopefully the weather will hold and he will get a trial on Tuesday over 1000m.
City Boy & El Escolta are both due solid gallops on Saturday, providing they come through the work well they may trial on Tuesday also.
Perfectly Ready – Cataari – continues to improve in his track work and will have some barrier education next week.
Cartell, Fast Learner, Gerry O’Reilly, Selfie, Untamed Diamond, Cinematic and Red Giant/Regal Symphony filly all continue with slow work.
Lady Royale has resumed training this week and is in excellent order.
Proud Life left our stable this morning bound for Australia and a date with Redoute’s Choice at Arrowfield Stud. Proud Life herself is extremely well bred being by US stallion Proud Citizen out of The Perfect Life. Her owner Matt Goodson is yet to decide whether she may race in Australia prior to breeding.
Yearlings –
Alamosa – Pinot Grieve filly & Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock filly have come ahead in leaps and bounds this week. Both are working at Counties track this week.
Two fillies belonging to Gerald Shand, Savabeel – Shantaine & Keeper – Mondue arrived at our stables this week from the breakers. They will have a couple of week’s education at Counties track.
Currently Spelling – Bellino, Primrose Hill, Bachelor Brave.
You may have noticed that our daughter Alysha has been absent from riding this week. She is currently taking a short break holidaying in Europe with friends. She is due back at the end of the month.
Ventura also produced a great effort on Wednesday at Avondale to run a close 2nd first up following a spell. She went into the race without a trial due to the continued cancellation of trial meetings so the effort was even more meritorious. She has always shown promise on the training track and she should go on with it from here.
He’s A Bigdeel raced quite keenly in the middle stages of his 1400m race and as a consequence ended up in front too soon for Matt Cameron, he just got run down over the final 100m to finish a close 4th. He will race again over 1400m in the next fortnight.
The Hawk found the 1600m too short for him. He will step out next over 2000m possibly Waipa on Sunday 28th.
Shantav ran a sound race in his first start to finish 6th over 1200m. He may also step out next at Waipa on the 28th over 1400m.
Blue Pool Blur also ran on well for 5th at his first start over 1200m. Given he drew 17 and had to drop back to last, then raced greenly, he finished off the race well.
Raadical Jazz & Mills N Boon both found the heavy holding track conditions too tough and have been turned out for 2-3 weeks to freshen up.
Racing at Ruakaka on Saturday are Coachline (R85 2100m) and Biggin Hill (R75 1200m) Both should appreciate the better going at Ruakaka and will benefit from Zinjete Moki’s 3kg claim.
Les Silk will kick off her winter campaign at Te Teko on Wednesday 17th over 1200m. She will also be ridden by Zinjete Moki.
Our Kismet bypassed Avondale this week and will also travel to Te Teko to race over 1600m.
Given his liking for wetter track conditions Jesshanimo will now wait to race at Tauranga on Saturday 20th over 1400m. He has been schooling over hurdles in addition to his usual track work.
Hot Mustard raced at Hawkesbury in Sydney on Sunday over 1800m. He was unsuited by the tempo of the race, then got held up in the running in the straight and never really had a chance thereafter. Plans for his next start are yet to be decided but will likely be over 2000m.
So Wotif is continuing to tick over, hopefully the weather will hold and he will get a trial on Tuesday over 1000m.
City Boy & El Escolta are both due solid gallops on Saturday, providing they come through the work well they may trial on Tuesday also.
Perfectly Ready – Cataari – continues to improve in his track work and will have some barrier education next week.
Cartell, Fast Learner, Gerry O’Reilly, Selfie, Untamed Diamond, Cinematic and Red Giant/Regal Symphony filly all continue with slow work.
Lady Royale has resumed training this week and is in excellent order.
Proud Life left our stable this morning bound for Australia and a date with Redoute’s Choice at Arrowfield Stud. Proud Life herself is extremely well bred being by US stallion Proud Citizen out of The Perfect Life. Her owner Matt Goodson is yet to decide whether she may race in Australia prior to breeding.
Yearlings –
Alamosa – Pinot Grieve filly & Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock filly have come ahead in leaps and bounds this week. Both are working at Counties track this week.
Two fillies belonging to Gerald Shand, Savabeel – Shantaine & Keeper – Mondue arrived at our stables this week from the breakers. They will have a couple of week’s education at Counties track.
Currently Spelling – Bellino, Primrose Hill, Bachelor Brave.
