Ventura broke through for a well-deserved win over 1400m at Avondale on the 14th and in doing so also picked up bonus stake money from the Pearl Series for her owners Leigh Crockford, Martin Conlon, Peter Sparrow, Derrick David, Phil & Grant O’Connor and Bede Hogan. Ventura is by Iffraaj out of Newgrange and was purchased at the 2012 Karaka Select yearling sale by Richard. She has now had a win and 3 placings from 7 starts. She will head next to Waipa on Wednesday 2nd September for another 1400m Pearl Series race.

El Escolta made his race day debut over 1200m on the same day and finished off the race well to run 4th only four lengths from the winner. He gives the impression he will be suited over more distance and will run next at Te Rapa on the 9th September over 1400m.

HHHCity Boy has come through his impressive win at Taupo on the 19th in good order. Ridden by Opie Bosson he got up to win by a nose over 1000m. He is by Elusive City and was bred by his owners Matt Goodson and Di Perron who raced his mother Mary Agnes with us. He may race next at Hastings on 19th September in a special conditions maiden over 1300m.

Blue Pool Blur also raced at Taupo. He failed to handle the turning track and was disappointing finishing 9th over 1800m. He will head back to Avondale on the 19th September where he has raced well previously.

Raadical Jazz and So Wotif will both head south to Hastings this Saturday, Raadical Jazz will race in the special conditions maiden over 1200m and be ridden by Vinnie Colgan.  So Wotif will run in the R85 1200m, Zinjete Moki will ride and will claim 3kgs.

Queen of Cool will race next at Ruakaka on Saturday 29th over 1200m. Shanozou will also race at Ruakaka over 1200m after having to be scratched from Taupo with a boil.

Hot Mustard ran another honest race for 3rd at Kembla Grange in Australia on the 15th. He led and fought on well over the 2400m journey.

We will have a big team trialling next week at Avondale including Untamed Diamond, Fast Learner, Bellino, Coachline, Selfie and Lady Royale. Their trials will determine where they kick off their spring campaigns.

Biggin Hill, Chaprise, Mills N Boon, Primrose Hill, Artic Breeze, Shantav, Perfectly Ready –Cataari gelding and Sahkees Secret – Sister City gelding are all getting through good groundwork. Cartell has had a change to his shoeing and continued with pace work.

Les Silk has unfortunately gone amiss with a fracture of the cannon bone. She has been operated on and with a long spell she is a good chance of returning to racing.

Jesshanimo has been retired after racing at Te Rapa, he has gone to a good home to be a show hack.

 Two year olds –

Domesday – Orpenella, Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline, Snippetson – Molta geldings have all had sprint ups and are coping well with their work.

Cape Blanco-Beauty Queen gelding & Rip Van Winkle- Lady Pay gelding, Alamosa – Pinot Grieve & Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock fillies, Fully Fledged – Zazonali gelding continue with pace work.

Currently Spelling –     Swiss Ace- Sacrista, Swiss Ace- Princess Caroline, Choisir – Folk Music, Florence Hill, Man of Power – Ocean Run & Red Giant – Regal Symphony.

The start of the new racing season means spring is not far away and with it comes the anticipation and excitement of spring racing. We have a nice team of horses all coming along nicely for their spring campaigns.

Shanzou  will run at Te Aroha on Sunday in the R65 1300m, with Alysha suspended he will be ridden by Craig Grylls and has had blinkers added to his gear.

 So Wotif began the season on a good note finishing 3rd over 1200m at Ruakaka last Saturday. He is almost back to full race day fitness, having now had two runs back after 14 months off the racing scene.

Hot Mustard raced at Warwick Farm on Wednesday. He didn’t get a lot of luck in the running being caught wide early from the outside draw then being held up when he needed to be making his run into the straight. He battled away to finish 6th.

 Jesshanimo has schooled over hurdles this week and will gallop on Saturday in preparation for Te Rapa next Saturday 15th over 1600m.

Les Silk has come through her race at Avondale in good order and will run next at Te Rapa on the 15th over 1400m. She has been so consistent and only needs an ounce of luck to win one.

Both Ventura and Blue Pool Blur have also come through their races well.  Ventura will head back to Avondale next Friday 14th for another fillies & mares 1400m Pearl series race. Blue Pool Blur may head to Te Rapa Saturday 15th or Taupo on the 19th and race over more ground.

City Boy & El Escolta are both close to making their race day debuts. They will gallop on Saturday and could race as soon as Friday 14th at Avondale.

Raadical Jazz may also resume racing at Avondale on Friday 14th or Te Rapa on the 15th. He has freshened up nicely & worked well over the past week.

 Selfie has looked good working at ¾ pace and is not far off stepping up to galloping. He is coming to hand nicely.  Fast Learner and Lady Royale are also not far off galloping this preparation.

Cartell & Bellino have had workouts at ¾ pace this week, they are both still carrying good condition and look well heading into their spring preparations.

Queen of Cool, Untamed Diamond, Mills N Boon, Chaprise, Biggin Hill, Coachline, Primrose Hill, Cinematic & Shantav have all had a quiet week’s pace work.

Perfectly Ready –Cataari gelding has resumed training this week in very good order.
Also resuming, the Sahkees Secret – Sister City gelding  along with newcomer  Artic Breeze both owned by Keith Oddy.

 Two year olds –

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina again looked good stretching out over 400m during the week. They will have some barrier education over the next week.

Domesday - Orpenella gelding and two fillies – Choisir – Folk Music & Florence Hill  had their first breeze ups over 400m. They all coped well with the work.

Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline, Man of Power – Ocean Run, Snippetson – Molta continue with pace work.

Cape Blanco-Beauty Queen colt & Rip Van Winkle- Lady Pay gelding have stepped back into their training routine nicely.

Alamosa – Pinot Grieve & Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock fillies  have resumed training this week along with the  Fully Fledged – Zazonali gelding.

Currently Spelling –    Red Giant – Regal Symphony.

Richard & Judy have recently returned from a 14 day tour of Europe. They stopped over in Macau on the way to visit daughter and son in law Tasha and Andrew Calder. Whilst there they attended Macau night races where Andrew rode a double including a group race. Andrew continues to ride winners regularly and is fighting out for 2nd place on the local premiership.

Macau racing is a bit of a hidden gem where they race for stakes similar to Singapore but without the competitive depth of horses.

Photos below of the Macau Stable block.

With a few extra days in France prior to their tour, Richard and Judy spent some time visiting Chantilly and were given a tour of the training facilities as well as attending the races at Chantilly that day. During the visit they were privileged to meet Criquette Head- Maarek who trains a large team which includes the champion mare Treve the winner of the past two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphes. The mare looked in great condition going in to this year’s event when she was paraded.

We had three runners today at Avondale, the last race meeting for the season.  Racing on a heavy  10 track, Ventura got well back over 1400m and ran on strongly to finish 2nd in the maiden fillies & mares race. She looks like further ground will be to her liking.

Blue Pool Blur also got back in his 1400m maiden race and ran home well to finish 3rd, he too looks like more ground will suit.

Les Silk was well fancied in the R65 1200m race, ridden by Leith Innes she relished the heavy going and flew home late to finish 2nd.

Jesshanimo was our only other runner this week. He once again struck unsuitable track conditions at Waipa and battled in the very heavy going. He will race next at Te Rapa on Saturday 15th August over 1600m and hopefully have some luck with better track conditions.

So Wotif will race tomorrow at Ruakaka in the R85 1200m. He has taken good improvement from his first up run over 1000m and should be suited by the extra distance. Alysha will again take the mount.

Hot Mustard has come through his win in Australia in excellent order. He will line up next at Warwick Farm on 5th August over 2400m.

El Escolta will have a jump out at Avondale on Tuesday, providing he comes through it well he will be close to making his race day debut, possible at Avondale on 14th August. Shanzou will also head to Avondale for a jump out to sharpen him up before racing again.

Fast Learner, Selfie & Lady Royale have looked good in their faster workouts this week.

Queen of Cool & Untamed Diamond will gallop on Saturday after having a quiet week. Cartell, Bellino & Cinematic have all worked along well in their pace work.

Raadical Jazz will tick over quietly until the tracks improve, he may race at Ruakaka or Te Rapa mid-August.

Mills N Boon, Chaprise, Biggin Hill & Coachline have all had a quiet first week back in work.

Primrose Hill & Shantav have resumed training this week. Both have spelled well. City Boy has also resumed after a short let up.

 Yearlings –

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina looked good having a 400m breeze up on Thursday.

Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline, Man of Power – Ocean Run, Snippetson – Molta & Domesday Orpenella geldings and two fillies – Choisir – Folk Music Florence Hill continue with pace work. They are all working well and continue to improve & impress.

Cape Blanco-Beauty Queen colt & Rip Van Winkle- Lady Pay gelding have resumed training this week.

Currently Spelling –    Perfectly Ready – Cataari & Red Giant – Regal Symphony.

 

Hot Mustard broke through for a good win at Hawkesbury, in Australia on Sunday. He was ridden by Kathy O’Hara and was always travelling like the winner, going away at the line to win by 2.8 lengths in the C2 2000m race. It was a well-deserved win for his owners Leigh Crockford, Barry Colman and Talbot Munro.  

Blue Pool Blur was almost another winner for the stable going down by a nose in a photo finish, running 2nd at Avondale on Friday. He finished the 1600m race off well, only to be run down right on the post.

 Our Kismet finished well back in her 2000m race at Avondale and her owners, Gary & Lynn Witters have made the decision to retire her. Our Kismet (Zabeel - Minelli) was very consistent and although she only won 1 race from her 26 starts she also finished in the prizemoney 14 times giving her a better than 50% strike rate. She will head to Westbury Stud and be served by Makfi in the coming season. We wish Gary & Lynn all the best with her as a broodmare.

Shanzou made his return to the racetrack on Wednesday at Matamata after having time off with barrier issues. He was well behaved in the birdcage and at the barriers but found the very sticky track too testing in his first run back. He doesn’t appear to have taken any harm from the race and will be improved by the outing.

 Jesshanimo missed his race at Te Rapa last Saturday with the races being abandoned. He will now run at Waipa on Wednesday 29th over 1580m. He has enjoyed schooling over hurdles this week.

 Les Silk is another who missed her race at Te Rapa. She may now head to Avondale next Friday 31st over 1200m or Matamata on the 7th over 1400m. She has been working well in her recent gallops.

So Wotif will gallop on Saturday in preparation for Ruakaka on the 1st August over 1200m.

Ventura will also gallop on Saturday and race at Avondale on Friday 31st over 1400m.

Lady Royale had her first run along at speed this time in, she looked good stretching out and pulled up well.

El Escolta has been working nicely at speed over the past week. He will also gallop on Saturday in preparation for a trial in the near future.

Raadical Jazz is another who will gallop on Saturday and if forward enough may start at Avondale on Friday 31st over 1400m.

Queen of Cool has had an easy week with some muscle soreness following her race on the firm track at Ruakaka. Fast Learner has looked good working at ¾ speed over the past week and has been keen to do more. He is coming to hand nicely.

Selfie & Cartell have both had a steady week of pace work.

Untamed Diamond, Cinematic & Bellino have all worked a full week at the track after some minor issues. Mills N Boon, Chaprise, Biggin Hill & Coachline have resumed training this week in good condition.

 Yearlings –

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina have now completed 6 weeks in work and may have a breeze up next week.

Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline & Man of Power – Ocean Run geldings, Snippetson – Molta colt and two fillies – Choisir – Folk Music & Florence Hill continue with pace work.

Domesday – Orpenella has returned to the track this week.

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Perfectly Ready – Cataari & Red Giant – Regal Symphony, Shantav & City Boy.

 

Jack Frost has been with us this week giving us some very chilly mornings as seen by the photo below taken by our apprentice Gee on Sunday morning.

Our two runners at Avondale tomorrow  Our Kismet & Blue Pool Blur  both look like they will appreciate the step up in distance from their previous starts.  Our Kismet will line up in the R65 2000m and Blue Pool Blur in the maiden 1600m. Both will be ridden by Alysha Collett.

Les Silk & Jesshanimo will be opposition in the R65 1400m at Te Rapa on Saturday. Jesshanimo was disappointing at his previous start on a very heavy track at Tauranga, he should appreciate the better surface at Te Rapa and will be aided by Zinjete Moki’s 3kg claim.

Les Silk goes into the race off the back of a close 2nd at her last start and will not be worried by the slow track conditions. She will again be ridden by Michael Coleman.

Hot Mustard is duel accepted in New South Wales, Australia over the weekend, at both Hawkesbury on Sunday over 2000m and Goulburn on Monday over 2100m. Weather conditions will determine where he will run. He will be ridden by Kathy O’Hara.

So Wotif has come through his first up run at Ruakaka last Saturday in great order. He was given a good ride by Alysha and held on well for 3rd. He will head back to the same venue in 2 weeks over 1200m.

Queen of Cool on the other hand had no favours, she was cleaned up coming out of the starting gates and then never really got into the race at any stage. The much firmer track conditions at Ruakaka may not have been to her liking either.

 Shanzou will gallop on Saturday and if forward enough will start at Matamata on Wednesday 22nd over 1200m.

El Escolta has worked quietly this week. He will have his work stepped up on Saturday and aim for a trial over the next couple of weeks.

Ventura worked along at ¾ speed on Wednesday and will gallop on Saturday to keep up her fitness level for Avondale on the 31st.

Fast Learner, Cartell & Selfie have all had workouts at ¾ speed this week. All three looked good in their action and looked to enjoy the step up to faster work.

Lady Royale and Raadical Jazz have both continued to work along settled and relaxed in their work.

Cinematic is back on track and working quietly after physio and ultrasound treatment.

Bellino has had a week’s box rest with a stone bruise and Untamed Diamond has had a quiet week with some shoulder stiffness.

Yearlings –

The seven yearling we currently have in work - Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina, Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline & Man of Power – Ocean Run geldings, Snippetson – Molta colt and two fillies – Choisir – Folk Music & Florence Hill are all impressing with their excellent attitudes this time in.

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Mills N Boon, Coachline, Biggin Hill, Chaprise, Perfectly Ready – Cataari & Red Giant – Regal Symphony, Shantav & City Boy.

 

So Wotif will make his long awaited return to racing at Ruakaka on Saturday over 1000m with Alysha Collett in the saddle. He has had plenty of ground work and two trials going into the race so he is well prepared but with such a long layoff he may still lack full race day fitness.
So Wotif winning at Ellerslie below.

Queen of Cool will also race at Ruakaka over 1200m with Sam Spratt keen to retain the ride after her good win at Avondale. She has worked well going into the race and can only improve on her run at Avondale.

Les Silk ran a super race at Matamata on Wednesday over 1200m to be beaten by just a nose on a very heavy 11 track. She appears to have come through the race well.

Hot Mustard was our other runner last week at Goulburn in Australia. He finished a good 3rd over 2100m. The wide draw probably cost him the race and he should be hard to beat when he lines up again in a similar race again on 20th July.

Our Kismet has taken no harm from her race at Rotorua where she ran another honest race for 3rd over 1400m. She is running her races out like she is looking for more ground so she will step up in distance at her next start at Avondale on Friday 17th.

Blue Pool Blur has had a steady week, he will gallop tomorrow and race next at Avondale on Friday 17th over 1600m.

 Jesshanimo will gallop tomorrow in preparation for Te Rapa next Saturday 18th over 1400m.

City Boy is another who will gallop tomorrow in preparation for his race day debut, possibly next Friday 17th at Avondale. A start will be determined by his work over the next few days.

Shanzou has continued to work well on the heavy tracks during the week, he may line up at either Matamata on 22nd or Avondale on 31st July over 1200m.

El Escolta has improved greatly with physio treatment and is back working at the track this week.

 Ventura has had an easy week, taking a little time to get over her race at Waipa. She will work at speed again next week.

 Fast Learner, Cartell, Untamed Diamond , Selfie & Gerry O’Reilly have all completed six weeks conditioning work and will step up to some faster work tomorrow and next week. They are all progressing well towards their spring campaigns.

Lady Royale & Bellino have had a steady week of pace work. Raadical Jazz appears to have lost little fitness from his short break and may race again at the end of the month.

Cinematic has had a week of box rest with some muscle soreness, she will resume training again next week.

He’s A Bigdeel leaves with the South Island on Monday and will do his future racing with Pam Robson.

Yearlings –

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina & Man of Power – Ocean Run geldings continue with steady pace work at the track. All three are very professional in their work and attitudes.

 Choisir – Folk Music filly and Florence Hill have both returned to the stable. Both fillies have grown and filled out considerably during their break.

Testa Rossa – Taunt Pauline gelding also resumed training and has filled out during his spell.

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Mills N Boon, Coachline, Biggin Hill, Chaprise, Perfectly Ready – Cataari & Red Giant – Regal Symphony & Shantav.

 

Les Silk will be our only New Zealand runner over the coming week. She will race at Matamata on Wednesday 8th July over 1200m. Michael Coleman has been booked to ride her. She has run her best races on wet tracks so the forecast rain will only be of benefit.

Hot Mustard will race today at Goulburn in NSW over 2100m. He has had a gear change and with Jason Collett in the saddle we are hoping he will break through for his first win in Australia.

Waipa last Sunday was a day of mixed results. Ventura found the 1150m too short, getting back in the field and running on from well back to finish 4th giving the impression that more ground would suit. We are looking to run her at Avondale on the 31st over 1400m before stepping up over more ground.

Blue Pool Blur jumped midfield and stayed there for the majority of the race, really just battling to the line over 1400m. He will be tried over 1600m at Avondale on 17th July.  Shantav was dropped back from his wide barrier and made up good ground in the straight to finish 5th. He will head to the paddock for a few weeks to freshen up.

 The Hawk and He’s A Bigdeel were both disappointing finishing well back in their respective races.

 So Wotif & Queen of Cool both look on target to race at Ruakaka Saturday 11th July.

Jesshanimo is ticking over quietly, he will gallop on Saturday and be trained on for Te Rapa on 18th July.

 Shanzou was good again out of the starting gates on Thursday and has been cleared to race. There are a couple of options coming up for him later in the month. He has been galloping well on the track.

El Escolta has had a slight setback with a pulled muscle over his hindquarter so is on restricted exercise. He has been treated by the physio and is improving.

City Boy was to trial at Waipa next week however he may head straight to the races depending on his work over the next week.

Fast Learner, Lady Royale, Gerry O’Reilly, Untamed Diamond and Selfie are all looking good, bright and happy and working along well.

 Cartell & Bellino continue with steady pace work. Cinematic will have a few days of box rest with some soreness in a shoulder.

Raadical Jazz has resumed light work after a short let up.

Yearlings –

All of our current yearlings have now been broken in and are now either spelling or back in for their second preparation.

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina & Man of Power – Ocean Run geldings continue with steady pace work at the track.

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Mills N Boon, Coachline, Biggin Hill, Chaprise, Perfectly Ready – Cataari & Red Giant – Regal Symphony.

 

The stable will step out with numbers on Sunday at Waipa with five runners from the stable all looking to break through with wins this season.  He’s A Bigdeel looks well placed over 1400m after his good run for 4th at Avondale last start. He will be ridden again by Matt Cameron.

 Blue Pool Blur was strong to the line in his first start over 1200m and should be suited by the extra distance stepping up to 1400m. He will be ridden by Sam Collett.  Shantav in the same race, will need to be ridden patiently by Shaun McKay from his 15 barrier. Shaun’s 3kg claim is also an asset at this time of year.

Ventura was another who ran on very well for 2nd at her first start back from a spell. She is in good order going into the race and has trained on well. She will start over 1150m and be ridden again by Michael McNab.

The Hawk will need to improve on his last two outings however we expect the extra distance of 2000m will be of benefit to him. Patrick Holmes is booked to ride.

Our apprentice Zinjete Moki is taking a short break having a week off in Sydney to catch up with friends. Alysha has just returned from her holiday in Europe and will be back riding next week.

Queen of Cool has galloped well this week, she will gallop again on Saturday and looks on target for Ruakaka on the 11th July.

 Les Silk is bright and well following her race at Te Teko and is progressing nicely for Te Rapa on the 4th July again over 1200m. She could be looking for more ground after Te Rapa.

 Jesshanimo was very disappointing at Tauranga last Saturday. As he has got older he has struggled on very heavy tracks. We will freshen him up and he will race next at Te Rapa on 18th July where the surface is usually better.

Hot Mustard raced at Goulburn in New South Wales on Monday. He ran an honest race for 4th over 2100m. He may race again at Goulburn over the same distance on 3rd July.

So Wotif is coming to hand nicely based on his good gallops this week. He may be forward enough to start at Ruakaka on 11th July over 1000m.

City Boy has come through his trial nicely and has been bright in his work this week. He will trial again at Waipa on 7th July prior to making his race day debut later in July.

Shanzou was better through the starting gates this week, and we expect he will be forward enough to race later in July.

Cartell, Fast Learner, Gerry O’Reilly, Untamed Diamond and Selfie have all completed 5 weeks back in the stable and are shaping up nicely at this stage. Lady Royale is thriving and better than ever following her wind operation. Bellino and Cinematic are ticking over quietly with pace work.

Perfectly Ready – Cataari gelding will go to the paddock for a month after a progressive first preparation. He has come a long way and shown promise in his sprint ups over the last few weeks.

Red Giant – Regal Symphony filly will also head to the paddock now after a short educational preparation. She moves nicely at speed and we look forward to her re-joining the stable.

Yearlings –

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina geldings have come back in good condition, they are working nicely at the track in their second week back.

Man of Power – Ocean Run gelding has resumed training back at the track this week. He has grown & developed during his break. He is owned by Brian Mollet & Kerry Stove.

 Fully Fledged – Zazonali gelding has joined our stable this week after completing his breaking in. He is a big strong type owned by Matt Goodson and Di Perron.

Alamosa – Pinot Grieve filly, Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock filly, Savabeel – Shantaine & Keeper – Mondue fillies continue to tick over with education at the track.

 

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Raadical Jazz, Mills N Boon, Coachline, Biggin Hill & Chaprise.

 

Avondale trials on Tuesday saw three geldings from the stable step out showing promise for the future.

City Boy ridden by Opie Bosson, was not pushed to finish 2nd by a short head in his 800m trial. He relaxed nicely on the speed and looked good in his action on the heavy surface. He is still getting to full fitness and will probably trial again before making his debut.

He is a 3yo by Elusive City out of Mary Agnes. His dam Mary Agnes also raced out of our stables and was successful in her limited career with 2 wins & 4 placings from only 10 starts. He was bred by his owners Matt Goodson & Di Perron who raced Mary Agnes.

El Escolta ridden by Zinjete Moki also did well in his first trial to finish 3rd over 1000m after racing on the speed early. He will be ridden more patiently in his next trial to learn more before debuting on raceday.

He is a 3yo by Alamosa out of The Minder. His half-sister The Beekeeper also raced from our stable and was a handy type winning 4 races and placing 11 times from 20 starts.

So Wotif looked close to being back to full fitness finishing a close 2nd in his 1000m trial ridden by Gee Saejorhor. He is steadily getting back to full fitness following a lengthy spell due to foot problems. He has racing options coming up in July at Ruakaka.

For trial results and videos click here -

http://www.nzracing.co.nz/RaceInfo/44365/Meeting-Overview.aspx

Winter time!

On the racing front we have been doing some miles to find track conditions to suit horses.

Les Silk  was very fresh going into her race at Te Teko on Wednesday over 1200m, she raced quite awkwardly for Zinjete going round the bend right handed but still finished the race off well to run 4th, 2 lengths from the winner. She may be better suited to racing left handed next time, possibly Te Rapa on 4th July over 1200m at the annual Taumaranui meeting.

Our Kismet also raced at Te Teko over 1600m and was given every chance by rider Michael McNab. After looking a winning prospect on straightening she failed to finish the race off ending up in 5th placing.

Coachline & Biggin Hill didn’t get a lot out of the shifty Ruakaka surface last Saturday. We have opted to turn both horses out for a spell and wait for better tracks in the spring.

Jesshanimo will race at Tauranga this Saturday over 1400m. The track is currently a slow 9 and rain forecast on the day should loosen the track to suit him. He has galloped well this week in preparation.

Queen of Cool has come through her race well, she could race next at Ruakaka Saturday 11th July over 1200m.

He’s A Bigdeel, The Hawk, Shantav, Ventura and Blue Pool Blur may all head to Waipa next Sunday 28th to race. Hopefully the track there will provide a better than heavy surface.

Perfectly Ready – Cataari will go through the wooden barriers tomorrow for education and is close to stepping up to galloping.

Cartell, Fast Learner, Gerry O’Reilly, Selfie, Untamed Diamond, Cinematic, Red Giant/Regal Symphony filly & Lady Royale are all ticking over quietly with pace work.

Bellino resumed training this week in robust condition.

Shanzou returned to our stables this week after having some barrier education with Phil Stevens. He was satisfactory in a jump out this morning and will have another jump out next week before resuming racing.
 
Yearlings –

Alamosa – Pinot Grieve filly, Smart Missile – Miss Shamrock filly, Savabeel – Shantaine & Keeper – Mondue fillies have had another weeks pace work at Counties track and are coping well.

Swiss Ace- Sacrista & Swiss Ace - Princess Carolina geldings have both resumed training this week after a six week break. They have both done well during their spell.

Currently Spelling –    Primrose Hill, Bachelor Brave, Raadical Jazz, Mills N Boon, Coachline, Biggin Hill & Chaprise.

 

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.    

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.