Auckland Racing Club has announced a new sponsorship partnership that will see the $2.2 million New Zealand Derby become the Telecom New Zealand Derby.

The announcement was made at a special event held at New Zealand Bloodstock's 'Ready to Run' sale at its sales complex in Karaka. It coincided with the announcement of nominations for the race, which will be held on 28 February 2009 - the first day of Auckland Cup Week.

Nominations for the 2009 Telecom New Zealand Derby to date have totaled 304, a significant rise on last year's 256 at the same stage. Moreover, Australian interest in the race is unprecedented with ten trainers from across the Tasman having signaled their keenness to be involved. Among these are high profile trainers David Hayes, Lee Freedman, Gai Waterhouse and Anthony Cummings, as well as Tim Martin, who tasted success in the 2007 Derby with Redoubte's Dancer.

The New Zealand entries are headed by First Sovereign Trust 2000 Guineas winner Tell A Tale, and the three highest rated fillies in the country, II Quello Veloce, Daffodil and Juice also among those to enter.

Trainers with the highest number of entries are John Sargent (14), Logans/Gibbs (13) and Murray and Bjorn Baker (12), while last years successful trainer Kevin Myers has nominated four three-year-olds in an attempt to defend his title.

With a new sponsor and the potential of a very exciting and competitive field, the 2009 Telecom New Zealand Derby is in line to be the most anticipated racing event of the summer season.

Cambridge Stud and Auckland Racing Club Announce Joint Bonus Scheme

The Auckland Racing Club, in association with Cambridge Stud, has announced the inception of a $200,000 bonus payment on the country's two Group 1 1200m races.

To be known as the Cambridge Stud $200,000 Bonus, the incentive will be available to the horse that is able to win both the Waiwera Railway Stakes at Ellerslie on 1 January 2009, as well as the Telegraph Handicap at Trentham on the 17th of the same month.

This bonus is part of a three-stage plan to strengthen this important Group 1 sprint. Earlier in the year the Auckland Racing Club announced a change in the conditions to set weight and penalties, as well as a $50,000 stakes increase. The bonus completes its plan.

Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan won the Railway in 1987 with Diamond Lover. Her time of 1.07.73 is still the Ellerslie 1200m track record.

Woodville trainer Neil Connors has always considered Samurai (NZ) (Daggers Draw x Wait and Sea) to be a horse destined for the top.

At Tauranga on Saturday the seven-year-old Daggers Drawn gelding dented plenty of reputations with his comfortable win in the Gr.3 Tauranga Classic over 1600m.
Samurai (NZ) was a $35,000 purchase at the 2003 NZB Yearling Sale
Samurai (NZ) has furnished a race record of seven wins and nine placings, with Saturday’s win being his first at black-type level.
Owned by Neil and Erin Connors, Samurai (NZ) has more than repaid his NZ$35,000 price tag at the 2003 NZB Select Yearling Sale, with stake earnings of $207,065.

Tough staying mare Hoorang (NZ) (Zerpour x Kay Maree) answered the call of the New Zealand Cup yesterday, with a barnstorming late run to take out the Gr.2 3200m feature.
It was the Zerpour mare’s most important win to date, and her seventh career success.
With pre-race attention focused on the two favoured runners Stand Tall and Young Centaur, Hoorang (NZ) seemingly shot under the guard of punters, and delivered a $47 win dividend.

Hoorang (NZ) crossed the finishing line a half-head in front of Young Centaur, with a further long-neck back to Vickezzchardonnay (NZ) in third position.
Owned and trained by Ian Shaw, Hoorang (NZ), who has now banked in excess of $250,000 in stakes, was a $3,600 purchase from the 2005 Westbury Stud Mixed Bloodstock sale.
She was bred by David and Jayne Jolly, together with Westbury Stud Ltd.
A half- brother to Hoorang (NZ) by City on a Hill will be offered by Cairnmuir Farm at Tuesday’s NZB Ready to Run sale at Karaka.

Tell a Tale confirmed his status as New Zealand's leading three-year-old with a stunning win in the NZ$1 million Group One Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton today.

With a barnstorming finish the Australian bred and sold son of Tale of the Cat got up to beat last start winner Il Quello Veloce by a head.

Tell a Tale continued the golden run of Magic Millions Yearling Sale graduates in New Zealand over recent seasons. He was purchased from the Gold Coast for $125,000.

It was a triumph for the Harris family with Troy booting home the winner and his father, veteran kiwi hoop Noel riding the runner-up.

The win was yet another feature victor for New Zealand's premier trainer Mark Walker. The stable also had the race's third placegetter, fellow Magic Millions graduate Minstrel Court.

The smile couldn't be wiped from the face of Troy Harris after the race. He knew on the line he'd won the race, as for his father, he was just hoping he'd held out the challenge.

“He missed the start, got back, and was stiff up the straight, but the gaps came, must have been five lengths off at the furlong, but he flew," Troy Harris said.

Senior part owner John Galvin was thrilled with the performance from Tell a Tale after he bungled the start and got back to last.

“He missed the jump, and at the 300 I said no, but he is a very good horse, and it was an incredible performance," he told reporters.

Galvin praised his good mate and leading New Zealand agent David Ellis for his foresight when buying Tell a Tale as a yearling.

“David told me from the Gold Coast Sale 'I have bought you a Guineas horse', and so it has proved.”

Trainer Mark Walker said he would considering pressing on to the NZ$2.2 million Group One New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.

"His dam is by Sir Tristram, anything is possible," he said.

Tell a Tale, by Coolmore Stud stallion Tale of the Cat, is turning out a great money spinner for connections after being purchased by Ellis from the Gold Coast in 2007.

Ellis went to $125,000 to secure the attractive colt from the Coolmore Stud draft at the National Yearling Sale in the June of that year - interestingly the same sale where Ellis bought star mare Princess Coup two years earlier.

Tell a Tale is one of three winners from the lightly raced and placed Sir Tristram mare Cheeky Veronika.

Cheeky Veronika is a half sister to nine winners including multiple stakes winner Kidlat and black type getter and sire Zorro's Lad.

Meanwhile, Magic Millions graduates went close to a big feature race double at Riccarton when proven Group One winner Young Centaur went to within a half head of winning the Group Two New Zealand Cup (3200m).

Moveovr’s (NZ) (Postponed) perfect four-from-four record will be on the line this Saturday, as he faces his toughest ever challenge in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (3YO, 1600m) at Riccarton.

The son of Postponed is from the same family as the champion racehorse, Uncle Remus who won the 1977 running of the NZ 2000 Guineas, defeating Braless and Greek Magic. Uncle Remus won 15 races in all including a staggering 13 of those during his three-year-old season.

Successful at Listed level at his last start, Moveovr’s (NZ) graduation to Gr.1 level is sure to be made all the more difficult by the presence of the Champion 2YO Filly and Colt of last season, Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio) and Fully Fledged (NZ) (Align).
Moveovr (NZ) is from the same family as Uncle Remus
Il Quello Veloce (NZ) defining Gr.1 moment came in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) last season and this time in, she has achieved a Gr.3 third on debut to another of Saturday’s contenders in Juice (NZ) (Bertolini) and enters with a last start 1400m win to her name.

Like Moveovr, Fully Fledged (NZ) (Align) comes into the race boasting a last start Listed win, but to this he is also able to count a Gr.1 triumph in the ARC Diamond Stakes over 1200m last season.

Other stern challengers to Movevr on Saturday include the exciting galloper Altered Image (NZ) (Strategic Image) and the up and coming Ready to Run star Kildonan.

By Te Runga Stud’s resident stallion Strategic Image (NZ), Altered Image (NZ) beat all bar Fully Fledged (NZ) home at his last start in the Sarten Memorial (1400m) and there is much to recommend him from his earlier efforts, with Listed success and a record of 6:3,1,1 counted here.

Purchased from the 2007 Sale for $56,000, Kildonan (NZ) finished third to Fully Fledged and Altered Image at their last starts, and in his two starts prior netted debut success and a Listed Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) win.

Iconic New Zealand trainer John Wheeler will shoot for his third New Zealand Cup success on Saturday when he saddles-up Stand Tall (NZ) (Zabeel) in the Riccarton 3200m Gr.2 feature.
Wheeler collected the winners sash courtesy of Waltermitty (NZ) in 2004, and Pentathon (NZ) in 2006, and if successful again on Saturday, he would be presented with the 2008 Cup by Princess Anne who is attending the Riccarton races as a special guest.
Stand Tall (NZ) is by Zabeel out of the brilliant racemare Grand Archway
Interestingly, Pentathon (NZ) also claimed success in the Metropolitan en-route to his NZ cup win.
Stand Tall (NZ) firmed into Cup favouritism following his win in the Gold Cup Metropolitan Trophy on November 8 over 2500m, and is currently just ahead of Young Centaur as the TAB elect.
The royally-bred son of Zabeel is out of the outstanding racemare Grand Archway (Archway), a winner of nine races up to 2500m.
Second to Stand Tall (NZ) at his last start was Halls (NZ) (Generous), who will team up with visiting Australian rider Craig Newitt.
The David Haworth-trained six-year-old has four career wins to his credit, but as the case with the majority of Saturday’s cup field, he is yet to be tried at the two-mile distance.

The multiple group winner Fiscal Madness (NZ) (Volksraad) will make a welcome return to the racetrack on Saturday when he steps-out in the Gr.3 Platinum Homes Tauranga Stakes (1600m).
It will be six months since the John Sargent-trained gelding has made a raceday appearance.
Fiscal Madness (NZ) is a winner of 12 races, and counts an additional 15 placings to make him a half-million dollar stake earner.

His most important wins to date include the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile at Ellerslie, and the Gr.3 ARC Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m). He also counts Gr.1 placings in the Otaki Maori WFA, and the ARC Zabeel Classic.
Fellow Gr.1 performer Gaze (NZ) (Cape Cross) comes into Saturday’s race with two solid placings counted from her last two starts.
The Roger James-trained mare returned to winning form in the Listed Jim and John Evans Classic at Counties in September, and was second to Gallions Reach in the Gr.3 Lindauer Special Reserve Stakes at Ellerslie at her last start on Melbourne Cup day.

Mufhasa highlighted the day by taking the Group 2 CJC Coupland's Bakeries Mile (1600m) by over a length in a course record time of 1:32.83. He flew by the previous course record of 1:33.51 set by Cog Hill (Star Way) in the same event three years ago. Trained by Stephen McKee, Mufhasa now boasts nine wins from 18 starts and earnings of $382,437 for owners DL, Ms NN and SC Archer and Mrs DJ Wright. The four-year-old gelding was purchased by part owner David Archer from Rich Hill Stud at the 2006 Karaka Select Sale for $50,000. Bred by Colin and Irene Thompson, Mufhasa is by Pentire out of Sheila Cheval (Mi Preferido).

Pentire will be represented by seven youngsters at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 Ready To Run Sale at Karaka. A standout on pedigree is Lot 388, out of Donna's Habit (Ashabit), who worked up the 200m in 11.13. When asked about Lot 388, John Thompson of Rich Hill Stud stated that he is, "A big, strong, and powerful colt; the sprinter/miler type of Pentire with a standout pedigree." Entered in the 2009 Karaka Premier Sale is a full brother to Mufhasa. Thompson stated that the dark brown colt is, "A typical Pentire that possess' more quality than Mufhasa did as a yearling."

Earlier on the card, New Zealand Bloodstock graduates were represented by two more winners, the first being San Bernardino in the Group 3 Steward's Stakes (1200m). San Bernardino was a 2007 Karaka Select Yearling Sale purchase, taken home by Rogerson Bloodstock at the price of $28,000. He is a three-year-old brown gelding by Gold Mine out of Miss Katella (The Commander) who was bred by T O Hurley. In the care of the Rogerson, Lucock and Bergerson partnership, San Bernadino added the Canterbury Group 3 sprint featureto his two Listed wins as a juvenile for owners T C Clarke, B Hickey, B K Parker, G A Rogerson MNZM & K Summers.

There will be three progeny of Gold Mine available at the upcoming Ready To Run Sale, including Lot 212, a bay gelding out of Shaayil (Haayil) who won a Cambridge trial by five lengths on 23 September. Shaun Ritchie of Bremner Bloodstock, the vendor offering the gelding, commented, "He had an easy win at Cambridge. The fact that he is nominated for the Karaka Million is a bonus in his case. He was quick out of the barriers and ticked over easy. He will be ready for the races within a fortnight of the Sale and is a genuine candidate for the Karaka Million."

Madam Stravinsky by Stravinsky out of Standing Ovation (Ruling) brought home the trophy in the CJC Canterbury Breeders Stakes (1400m) for owner/breeder/trainer David Jones, who is also bred last year's Group 1 Caulfield Cup winner Master O'Reilly. The seven-year-old mare has won four times, earning over $110,000 since being offered at the 2003 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale.

Her sire, Stravinsky will be represented by three lots at this year's Ready To Run Sale, which include Lot 268, a colt out of the Last Tycoon mare, Tycoon's Gold. This bay colt is a full brother to Wine Win, who has won four times in Hong Kong, earning HK$2,553,600. Eion Kemp of Kilgravin Lodge commented "He's a nice athletic type with a good turn of foot , and he has shown us enough over the time that we have had him in work".

10/11/08 Stand Tall measures up in the Gr.3 Metropolitan Trophy

The impeccably bred Stand Tall (NZ) (Zabeel x Grand Archway) sealed his place in next weekend’s Gr.2 New Zealand Cup field (3200m) with a seemingly effortless win in the Gr.3 Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
Settling beautifully off the pace , Stand Tall (NZ) was cruising as the field entered the home straight and when asked for an effort by jockey Paul Taylor, the pair soon kicked clear to cross the line by one-and-a-half lengths over Halls (NZ), with Le Alto (NZ) a nose back in third position.
Stand Tall (NZ), who has now won six of his 23 starts, will head into Saturday’s 3200m feature as the TAB elect, ahead of the John Sargent-trained Young Centaur.

By Cambridge Stud champion sire Zabeel, Stand Tall (NZ) is one of four winning foals to from the outstanding racemare Grand Archway, herself a multiple group one winner, and third top filly of the 1989/99 Australasian classifications.
Trained by John Wheeler, Stand Tall (NZ) is owned by Dorothy and Joseph Battiston, John Rudd, John Struthers, Watson Bloodstock Ltd (Mgr Eric Watson) & Benny Kim Woon.

Veteran galloper Our Umaga (NZ) (Centaine) proved that there is still plenty of juice left in the tank, following his stylish win in the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) at Riccarton on Saturday.
The Centaine eight-year-old left the 1000 sprint down the Riccarton "chute" behind in a slick 55.79 seconds.
Carrying topweight of 58kg, Our Umaga (NZ) had three-quarters of a length to spare at the line ahead of O'Cartier (NZ), with a neck back to Clifton Prince (NZ).
It was Our Umaga's (NZ) 11th career win from 32 starts, with four wins counted from his last five outings.
Owner-trainer Bill Thurlow has confirmed that he will press on to the Gr.3 Stewards Handicap at Riccarton on Wednesday.

The promising Pins mare Tootsie (NZ) put her best foot forward in the Listed Timpson Family Trust Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday, crossing the line to register the first black-type success of her career.
Tootsie (NZ) has now recorded six wins from 12 starts
Winning by a length from Magic Tryst (NZ) and Shinko Bay (NZ), the Mike and Paul Moroney-trained four-year-old has now recorded six wins and three placings from 12 raceday outings.
Bred by Garry Chittick of Waikato Stud, Tootsie (NZ) is out of the O'Reilly mare Hyades, who is a half-sister to the stakes-winning daughter of Centaine, La Rose Noir.
Tootsie (NZ) is raced by Richard, John and Rosemary Couch of Auckland.

Polished last start winner, Il Bacaro (Bahhare) has strong support to add black-type to his race record on Saturday, when he sets out in the $75,000 Gr.3 Gold Cup Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) at Riccarton.

The Graeme and Mark Sanders-trained galloper treks south following a five-and-three-quarter-length trouncing of a small but select field at Ellerslie on October 25.

Il Bacaro (NZ), who has furnished a race record five wins and five placings is on track to take his place in next Saturday’s Gr.2 New Zealand Cup (3200m) field.
Il Bacaro (NZ) won his last start by five lengths

The Paul Harris-trained Quantum Dude (NZ) (Yamanin Vital) is similarly on target for a start in the New Zealand Cup.

A recent addition to the Harris stable at Rangiora, Quantum Dude (NZ) who has nine career successes on the board, has registered two wins and three placings from just six outings this season.

With a record revealing one win and two runner-up performances, Canterbury’s Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) has proved kind to Clifton Prince (NZ).

The dual Gr.3 winning son of Volksraad will attempt back-to-back wins in the said feature on Saturday, but should face tough competition from the last start winner Our Umaga (NZ), a Centaine galloper who he beat narrowly in the race last year.

The local galloper O’Cartier (NZ) (My Halo) could well upset the applecart, with Gr.3 success at the track and a Listed win in the WRC Lightning Stakes (1200m) three starts back advancing his chances.

North Island raider Volscar (NZ) (Volksraad) was similarly in great form three starts back, striking here with back-to-back wins over 1200m.

Special Mission injects Gr.1 Class
Nov 07, 2008

Towkay’s four-year-old daughter Special Mission (NZ) injects Gr.1 class into the equation that is Saturday’s Listed Timpson Family Trust Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa.

Special Mission (NZ) struck Gr.1 success in this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha and if successful would add win number eight to a 16 start career.

Special Mission’s key opponents include:

Magic Tryst (NZ) (Magic Ring): Yet to be tested at Gr.1 level but brings strong form into the race having placed 2nd in the Gr.3 Highview Stakes (1200m) at just her third start. Has been in the money in all of her last four starts, including a near miss to Raid (NZ) in the Listed Lion Red Plate.

Tootsie (NZ) (Pins): Finished third to Raid (NZ) in the aforementioned and lines up on Saturday with a smart record of 5 wins from 11 starts.

Dashing Donna (NZ) (Don Eduardo): Delivered a smart win over the trip at her last start and has been a class sort prior to this courtesy of three wins and five placings.

Brianna (NZ) (Sudurka): Much better than her last three starts indicate and will be a strong chance if can emulate her earlier Listed success in the Counties Bowl or her placed effort in this year’s Gr.1 Railway Hcp.

6/11/08 Filly Series in Full Swing with NZB 1000 Guineas
One of the jewels in the crown of the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series, the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m), is set to be run on Saturday at Riccarton.

Marking the third race in the Series, a full field of 16 fillies will race for the $325,000 purse plus the 12 points for the winner, seven for the runner up and 3.5 for the third placegetter. The field is comprised of fillies from as far north as Matamata and as far south as Wingatui.

The winning filly on Saturday will not only immediately become a highly valuable breeding proposition, but will also be in a strong position to be crowned the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year. In the last five years, Insouciant (Keeper), Just a Tad (Istidaad), and Taatletail (Faltaat) have all gone on to win the coveted Series after being victorious in the 1000 Guineas.

The Series is currently lead by 1000 Guineas contender Juice (Bertolini) who sits on six points, while other fillies in the race with points on the board include Awesome Planet (4 points), Daffodil (3 points), Glamorous Girl (2 points) and Shock (1 point).

Juice is trained by John Wheeler and won the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings in September. In her last start, the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1500m), she finished sixth behind fellow Guineas contender, Skirmish (Le Bec Fin).

Finishing just half-a-length behind Juice in the Gold Trial Stakes was the talented Daffodil (No Excuse Needed) who has since won for her Palmerston North-based trainer Kevin Gray.

From the Rogerson Stables is the Listed Soliloquy Lodge Stakes (1400m) winner Awesome Planet (Giant's Causeway) who has drawn wide with barrier 14.

The Group 2 Matamata Breeders Stakes (1200m) winning juvenile Te Akau Coup (Thorn Park) will be looking to recapture her form with Noel Harris in the saddle for Mark Walker.

Northern raiders Andrew Scott and Bellalini (Bertolini) enter the race off the back of a courageous second to the New Zealand 2000 Guineas bound colt Moveovr (Postponed) in the Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m). She will be ridden by David Walsh.

Also making the trip south is the Paul Mirabelli and Roger James-trained Glamorous Girl (Thorn Park). Not far off breaking through for her first win, she finished second in the Listed Soliloquy Stakes and also in her last start over 1600 metres. She will be joined by her lightly-tried stablemate La Etoile (Thorn Park) who comes off the back of her first win, a stunning five-length victory at Te Aroha over 1400 metres. Andrew Calder retains the ride.

Lisa Latta's Platinum Zana (Noverre) finished second to Metropolitan in the Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes at Riccarton two starts back and has drawn barrier four with Jason Waddell taking the reins.

Also with stakes form at Riccarton is the Brian and Shane Anderton-trained Inferno (Yamanin Vital) who finished third in her last start, the Listed Canterbury Stakes.

Paul Harris's Rangiora Stable has two hopes with Full Pitch (Stay Tuned) and Polly Rocket (Danroad). Full Pitch finished third in the Listed NZB Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) while Polly Rocket has weighed in in four of her seven starts to date including breaking maiden ranks in her last start at Riccarton on 26 October.

Addicted (No Excuse Needed) is another last start winner with the Guy Lowry trained filly winning the WRC Chinese Dragon 3YO Handicap (1400m) ahead of Yeshi Shinko and Platinum Zana.

Rounding off the field and with one win each on the board is Robert Priscott's Elusive Order (Elusive City), Jim Collett's Sub Prime (Van Nistelrooy) and Bryce Revell's Ekstreme (Ekraar).

The fourth race in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series is the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Awapuni on 13 December.

Fillies and Mares take centre stage at Trentham on Tuesday, with the running of the Gr.3 Cadbury Cuddle Stakes (1600m).

A 14-strong field headed by the nine-race winner Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad) will greet the starter, each with black-type aspirations.

Ististar (NZ), who will wear the same colours as Melbourne Cup stablemate Boundless (NZ), was fourth in last year’s event.

Ististar (NZ) will wear the same colours as Boundless (NZ)
Ististar (NZ) hit a purple patch of form earlier this year when she claimed three consecutive 1400m events, two of which were at Listed level.
The Wayne and Vanessa Hillis-trained mare Pretty Vegas (NZ) is touted as another strong contender in the race to take stakes honours.
Pretty Vegas (NZ) (Viking Ruler) has been placed at black-type level on four occasions, with her most important result to date coming in the Gr.2 Cambridge Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie where she finished a close second to Satinka (NZ).

New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale graduate Jonbalena (NZ) (Lord Ballina) chalked up his first black-type success on Saturday, courtesy of a convincing one-and-three-quarter length win in the Listed First Sovereign Trust Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) at Palmerston North.

Storming home over the final stages, Jonbalena (NZ) claimed the Awapuni feature at the expense of last year’s winner The Veep (NZ), with Butch James (NZ) close-up in third position.

Jonbalena (NZ) was a NZ$60,000 purchase at the 2005 NZB Ready to Run Sale
Purchased by his owners Ray and Judy Stevens for NZ$60,000, the Lord Ballina five-year-old has now banked over NZ$140,000 in stakes earnings, courtesy of his five win-11 place career record.

Trained on the Palmerston North track by Lisa Latta, Jonbalena (NZ) will now head to the Wanganui Cup (2000m) on November 29, with the Gr.2 Waikato Times Gold Cup (2400m) in December also being considered as a possible target race.

Jonbalena (NZ) is the second winning foal from the Truly Vain mare Desdemona (NZ), and was bred by Eric Johanson and Helen Jones.

The Volksraad nine-year-old has knocked on the door for the Gr.1 win on no less than seven occasions but put paid to this close but no cigar record with a neck win over O’Ceirins Angel (NZ) (Al Akbar) in Trentham’s Hutt City Captain Cook Stakes (WFA, 1600m).

Dezigna (NZ) registered Gr.1 success at Trentham in the Captain Cook Stakes

Trained by Wayne and Vanessa Hillis and owned by his breeder Emma Evans, Dezigna (NZ) is the winner of 11 races, with 24 additional career placings seeing him net over $740,000 in earnings.
Prior to Saturday, Dezigna’s two closest Gr.1 encounters had come at the 1600m trip, with second placings here being registered behind Alamosa in the Thorndon Mile, and Floydeboy in the Champions Mile.
His other Gr.1 runner up effort was behind Gee I Jane in the Telegraph Hcp (1200m).
With a view to his breeding, Dezigna (NZ) is out of the three time winner Label Basher, a Conquistarose mare that has to date produced six named foals for the five winners: Dezigna, Multi Tasker (NZ) (Kaapstad), Fascinator (Spinning World), Label This (Star Way)and Izonit (Volksraad).
Dezigna’s win credited Volksraad (GB) with the second Gr.1 of the season, with earlier honours here going to Orange County (NZ) in the MRC Sir Rupert Clark Stakes.
In all, the Windsor Park Stud stallion boasts the 10 Gr.1 winners: Dantelah, Orange County, Dezigna, Star Satire, Clifton King, Willy Smith, Zola, Vinaka, One Under and Sir Slick.
Standing for NZ$27,500 this season, Volksraad (GB) (Green Desert) counts 6 accolades as New Zealand’s Champion sire and beyond 46 stakes winners has achieved a 65.5 per cent winners-to-runners ratio.

Bred by J Bull and trained by Adrian Bull for her owners H L Bull & J P McLean, Skirmish has had just four raceday outings, including a creditable fourth behind Keeper Special followed by a deserved maiden victory at her last start.

Out of the Kingdom Bay mare Jollify, Skirmish is from the first crop of Le Bec Fin, a half-brother to champion racemare, Ethereal (Rhythm).

By Tale of the Cat, Le Bec Fin is from top performing Sir Tristram mare, Romanee Conti, and was bred by Peter and Philip Vela. Romanee Conti was the Hong Kong International Cup and G3 STC Queen of the Turf S. winner, with four other Stakes and Listed races amongst the seven career wins to her credit. She also placed second to champion Octagonal in the Queen Elizabeth Randwick Stakes.

Lightly raced, Le Bec Fin was a scorching winner on debut over 1000m in course record time, and placed in his other two career starts. He now stands at Mark & Denny Baker's Hallmark Stud for $2,500.

FRITZY BOY (NZ)
Trained by Alby MacGregor, Fritzy Boy (NZ) landed his first Gr.1 win in this year’s Mudgway Partsworld Stakes (1400m) at Hastings.

His following start similarly recommends him to the task, having subsequently beaten all bar Princess Coup and Nom Du Jeu (NZ) in the second leg of the Hawke’s Bay Triple Crown, the Gr.1 Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m).

Whilst Fritzy Boy (NZ) is regarded as the one to beat, the ultra consistent Bulginbaah (NZ) (Starjo) will be sure to make a battle of it.

Bulginbaah (NZ) enjoyed a purple patch of form from May to June, winning four consecutive starts.

His form has remained strong since, with gallant black-type efforts resulting in a second to Fritzy Boy (NZ) in the Gr.1 Mudgway Partsworld Stakes (1400m) and with two runner up performances at Listed level.

The 2007 Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1500m) winner Rios (NZ) (Hussonet) is rated as another who could upset the apple cart.

Rios (NZ) registered his last victory in August when weaving home for an impressive win over 1400m at Hasting.

Arguably, Dezigna (NZ) (Volksraad) rates up with Bulginbaah (NZ) in terms of the most deserving Gr.1 winner within the field. The 10 time winning nine-year-old has yet to achieve the feat despite seven career placings at this level.

Seachange’s half-sister Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper) need also figure in calculations for the race.

The four-year old daughter of Keeper counts Gr.1 success in the 2007 Levin Classic (1600m) and brings good form into the race with her last start second to O’Ceirin's Angel (NZ) (Al Akbar), a seven time winner who she again meets on Saturday.

Won by Dorabella (NZ) (Postponed) last year, the Captain Cook Stakes has been claimed by many top New Zealand gallopers in contemporary times. Subsequent Gr.1 winners include the mighty galloper Rough Habit, Lord Tridan, Allegro, Cinder Bella and Tit For Taat.

In Form Juice (NZ) Aims for Gr.2 Success
The in-form Bertolini filly Juice (NZ) aims for Gr.2 reward in the $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Wellington Thoroughbred Breeders Guineas (3YO, 1500m) this Saturday.

Trained by John Wheeler, Juice (NZ) has strung together four wins in her last four outings, with Gr.3 success coming at the latest of these in the Hawke’s Bay Gold Trail Stakes (1200m).

Whilst Juice’s form leading into the race is impeccable there is some question however over her suitability to Trentham’s current Heavy 10 track condition.

Other NZ Bred gallopers to receive strong support in the race in include a fellow Bertolini representative All In Brawl - winner of the Listed Champagne Stakes three starts back, and Indacool, a son of Indian Danehill who has two wins and two placings to his seven start credit

Debut Thorn Park Winner to be put to Black-Type Test
Thorn Park’s impressive debut winner Hollows (NZ) will be put to the black-type test on Saturday, when he lines up at his second ever start in the $55,000 Listed The Hutt News Wellesley Stakes (2YO, 1000m) at Trentham.

Whilst challenging to step up to black-type level this early, Windsor Park Stud’s resident sire Thorn Park demonstrated his progeny were capable of doing just this last year with the win by Te Akau Coup (NZ) in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders Stakes (1200m).

An even greater challenge is being asked of the Bachelor Duke representative Bewitched (NZ).

Bewitched (NZ) enters the Listed two-year-old feature with no previous raceday experience, although is recommended to the task with a winning trial effort.

Sure to be a big danger to the above will be Ali Spur (NZ), a smart More Than Ready filly who has so far registered two from two.

Metropolitan Shoots for Dual Listed Success
The Elusive City filly Metropolitan will shoot for dual Listed success on Sunday, when she sets sail in the $55,000 Listed Royal Gem @ Stoney Bridge Canterbury Stakes (3YO, 1600m) at Riccarton Park.

Metropolitan’s earlier Listed win came at the same track in the Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m ) and she performed well at her only start since, finishing second to Moveovr in the Guineas Trial.

Other NZ bred representation in the race with proven racetrack ability includes Balaq (NZ) (Keeper) - a debut winner over 1200m at Egmont racecourse and Masons Run (NZ ) (Al Jadeed) a debut 1200m winner at Trentham.

New Zealand Racing Board Head of Broadcasting Glen Broomhall said the new programme, covering all things equine, airs on Saturday mornings at 7.30am.

"Our aim was to develop a programme that was relevant to breeding enthusiasts," Mr Broomhall said.

"We are delighted that New Zealand Bloodstock, an integral player in the New Zealand breeding industry, has come on board as the major sponsor for the programme."

The initial series of 10 programmes will feature a variety of topics from key players and preparing a foal for sale, to healthcare issues.

The 30-minute programme is hosted by Aidan Rodley, a respected racing journalist and regular Trackside presenter. It features interesting and in-depth stories as well as a weekly horse profile and a regular animal health segment with a leading vet.

The programme's format and focus was devised after receiving feedback during a survey of Trackside viewers and breeding industry participants, Mr Broomhall said.

Born to Run airs every Saturday morning at 7.30am on Trackside Television and is also repeated at other times during the week. For latest schedule information visit http://www.trackside.co.nz/.

RAID (NZ)
The daughter of Pins had looked one of the best juveniles around last season with placings in the Karaka Million-Restricted Listed (3rd), Matamata Breeders’ Stakes-Gr.2 (3rd) and Ford Diamond Stakes-Gr.1 (2nd).

The weight-for-age scale meant Raid (NZ) carried just 50.5 kilos in the Lion Red Plate and rider, Sam Spratt made the most of that advantage, outgunning favourite Magic Tryst in the closing stages to score by nearly a length.

Raid was purchased by successful car dealer, Herbie Dyke, for $250,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2007 Karaka Premier Sale.

Raid is from the O’Reilly mare, Vanilla Sky who is a half-sister to Hamlets Ghost, who races in Hong Kong as ‘Jackpot Delight’. He has won 6 races to date and was second in the Hong Kong Derby.

The third dam of Raid is Emancipation, Australia’s Horse of the Year in 1984. The wonderful grey mare won 19 races in all, with six Group One victories amongst that haul.

Raid is not among contenders for next month’s NZ 1000 Guineas at Riccarton Park where the joint TAB favourites are Juice (NZ) (Bertolini) and Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio).

20/10/08 Moveovr Now Second Favourite for 2000 Guineas
Moveovr (NZ) (Postponed) took his record to four wins from as many outings when scoring a decisive victory in yesterday’s Listed Ray Coupland Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton.

The son of Postponed only began racing in the middle of August and has now been installed as joint second favourite for the $1 million NZ 2000 Guineas on the 15th of November.

The NZ TAB has Kildonan favourite at $5, which Moveovr sharing the second line at $8 with All In Brawl.

Moveovr is from the same family as the champion racehorse, Uncle Remus who won the 1977 running of the NZ 2000 Guineas, defeating Braless and Greek Magic.

Uncle Remus won 15 races in all including a staggering 13 of those during his three-year-old season.

Moveovr, the top-priced seller at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale, becomes the sixth individual black-type winner for Postponed, the Summer Squall stallion who heads the stallion roster at Stoney Bridge’s Auckland-based operation.

20/10/08 Ginga Dude & Ististar Shine for Istidaad
The Chief’s Crown stallion, Istidaad has been well represented this calendar year by the black-type performers Ginga Dude and Ististar.

The former won his second black-type race in 2008 at Gate Pa last Saturday when getting home narrowly in the Listed Rotorua Plate.

Alternatively, Ististar has also won two stakes races during the year for her sire.

Istidaad won an Australian Cup before being retired to Brian Corbett’s Blue Gum Lodge in Cambridge.

Latest figures, courtesy of Arion Pedigrees reveal that he is the sire of 117 winners worldwide including six individual black type winners.

The best is Justa Tad who won the NZ 1000 Guineas and NZ Oaks during her three-year-old year and went on to earn the title of 2005 New Zealand Bloodstock 3YO Filly of the Year.

The Rotorua Plate was the second important win for Ginga Dude at Tauranga’s Gate Pa racetrack. In March he took out the Group Two Japan-New Zealand International Trophy (1600m).

Prize Lady (NZ)
Prize Lady ran a meritorious sixth placing two weeks ago behind Princess Coup in the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes at Hastings under weight-for-age conditions.

She will again be ridden by Mark Sweeney who won the Auckland Cup on the mare last March. It was Prize Lady’s second straight win in the 3200 metres feature, having won it in 2007 in the hands of Mark Du Plessis.

Prize Lady, a seven-year-old mare by Prized, has compiled a race record of 4 wins and 7 placings for prize money of $964,375. A win in tomorrow’s $65,000 feature would take her earnings beyond the $1m barrier.

Prize Lady holds a nomination for the A$5.65m Melbourne Cup and has been allotted 51 kilos. Young Centaur has been weighted at the same level and senior rider, Noel Harris has been booked for the Flemington two-miler.

Harris will combine with Young Centaur tomorrow at Tauranga. It is the Jeune stayer’s third run back from a spell. He’s won 7 races in all, the best being last January’s Wellington Cup-Gr.1 in the hands of Michael Walker.

Sure to make the task difficult tomorrow for Prize Lady and Young Centaur is the quality racemare Katy Keen. She was unplaced in the Kelt Capital Stakes, but back to handicap conditions the five-year-old looks the hardest to beat & is expected to start favourite.

Quality Juveniles from Last Season Lightweight Chances
Two of last season’s very best two-year-olds, San Bernardino (NZ) (Gold Mine) and Raid (NZ) (Pins) look like dangerous lightweights in tomorrow’s Listed Lion Red Plate which is run under weight-for-age conditions at Rotorua’s Tauranga's Gate Pa racecourse.

San Bernadino (NZ)
San Bernardino, by Hallmark Stud’s Mr Prospector horse, Gold Mine comes into the race as a fresh runner with 53 kilos on his back. Last season he stepped out 8 times. He won the CJC Welcome Stakes-LR at Riccarton Park and backed up a month later to take out the Waikato RC Fairview Ford Stakes-LR at Te Rapa. San Bernardino was also placed third to Il Quello Veloce and Captain Fantastic in the Group One Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Raid, a great-granddaughter of the champion racemare, Emancipation is at the bottom of the weights with just 50.5 kilos. The Pins filly comes into the Rotorua race with two outings under her belt. She resumed with a fifth placing in the Listed Wanganui Fillies Stakes at the start of September. Next up was a fourth placing behind Awesome Planet in the Listed Soliloquy Stakes at Ellerslie at the end of September.

Last season Raid looked a top-draw filly with three placings in the very best of juvenile company. She was third to Vincent Mangano in the Karaka Million (restricted Listed Race); third in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes-Gr.2 and second in the ARC Diamond Stakes-Gr.1 at Ellerslie.

1001 (1) Every person commits a serious racing offence within the meaning of these Rules who, in New Zealand or any other country:

(p) commits any dishonest or fraudulent act connected with racing or the on-course or off-course Totalisator

528 (2) Every rider or stablehand who, having been required by a Stipendiary Steward or Racecourse Inspector or Judicial Committee to supply a sample of his blood, breath, urine, saliva or sweat (or more than one thereof), at a time and place nominated by the Stipendiary Steward or Racecourse Inspector or Judicial Committee who refuses or fails to comply with such a request commits a breach of this Rule. Any breach of this Rule shall be reported to the Board of Thoroughbred Racing by the Registrar of the Judicial Committee which dealt with the breach and that Board shall consider whether, in addition to any penalty imposed by the Judicial Committee the Licence or Certificate of a rider shall be cancelled or withdrawn under Rule 318(1) of these Rules.

Each leg of the NZ Dr Le Winn's Ladies Championship Series: 10 - 6 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 (1st to 6th)

End of Season 2008-09 NZ Premiership (Female Jockeys only): 10 - 6 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 (1st to 6th)

These combined points will determine the female Jockey to represent New Zealand in the Australasian Dr Le Winn's Ladies Championship Race at Moonee Valley in October 2009.

Sherrill Towner of Dr Le Winn's commented: “The outright Australasian winner will be invited to stay in Melbourne, enjoy a complete makeover by Dr Le Winn’s, be dressed by G.P.O. fashion and appear as a guest to draw the raffles at the Dr Le Winn’s Ladies Spring Lunch the Day before the Cox Plate.”

Next year Ascot Racecourse (UK) will host a Dr Le Winn’s Ladies race and it is planned to include other major racing jurisdictions with a strong contingent of female Jockeys, such as Canada, after that.

13/10/08 O’Ceirin’s Angel Defeats Group One Winners
O’Ceirin’s Angel (NZ) is now a valuable stud proposition following her success in last Saturday’s Group Three Stoney Bridge Stakes (1400m) at Hawera.

O'CEIRIN'S ANGEL (NZ)
Making the win all the more significant was the fact that she defeated two of last season’s very best three-year-old fillies in Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Levin Classic-Gr.1) and Insouciant (NZ) (1000 Guineas-Gr.1).

O’Ceirin’s Angel(NZ) becomes the ninth individual black-type winner for her deceased sire, Al Akbar (by Success Express), the others being Hustler, Bridie Belle, Oxborough Castle, Vegas Showgirl, Aka Bilk, Canned Heat, War Paint and Akram.

Sandie Cookson, who operates from a Foxton base, prepares O’Ceirin’s Angel (NZ) and also trained her dam, Cadell, a Yachtie mare who won 6 races up to 1650 metres. This is the family of Higgins (by Avatar) who won a Wanganui Guineas. It’s also the family of the Group One winners Card Shark (AJC All-Ages Stakes) and Avon Angel (STC Rosemount Wines Classic).

O’Ceirin’s Angel (NZ) was bred by the Keenan Family Trust who also race the mare. She has now won 7 of her 23 starts for prize money of $141,100.

4 from 6 for Unwanted Agamemnon
Last Saturday’s Listed Matamata Cup winner, Agamemnon (NZ), was unwanted as a yearling, failing to raise a bid when offered at New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2005 Karaka Select Sale.

AGAMEMNON (NZ)
“We had no option but to bring him home, break him in and really he was pretty much forgotten about till he was a three-year-old, “ Angenita Holzke of Auckland’s Soliloquy Lodge told NZTM today.

A five-year-old by Generous from Oratorio, by Oregon, Agamemnon (NZ) was bred by Richard Moore at his Soliloquy Lodge and has now won four of his six starts. He only began racing in May of this year, so has made a rapid climb through the grades.

The gelding is prepared by Sally Gillespie, who is responsible for breaking-in and pre-training at Soliloquy Lodge, but also has a small racing team in work at the farm.

The Moore family have a team of approximately 20 horses in work, the majority of which are prepared by Stephen McKee at his private property in Auckland.

Agamemnon descends from a family which the Moore family have had outstanding success with. His third dam is Solveig (1985 NZ Filly of the Year – 14 wins). Agamemnon’s half-sister by Centaine, Aria, won four races and was stakes-placed.
Soliloquy Lodge will offer a Savabeel filly from the mare at Karaka 2009.

NZTR Investigators have interviewed two male Riders in regard to this matter.

A decision will be made within the next 48 hours as to what action will follow

10/10/08 Kaatoon (NZ) Out for more Black-Type in Matamata Cup
Last season’s class act Kaatoon (NZ) (Kaapstad) will look to add further lustre to her race record on Saturday, when she jumps in the Listed Matamata Wealleans Cup (1600m).

Kaatoon (NZ) will line-up in Saturday's Matamata Cup

Aiming for the Counties and Avondale this season, Kaatoon (NZ) rose to forefront of racegoers attention last season with smart wins in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) and the Gr.3 Lowland Stakes (2100m).
Pleased with her first up effort when 5th on September 20, trainer Roger James is confident the 1600m will suit the mare, but conceded confidence in the camp will hinge on track conditions.
2007 Gr.1 Levin Classic runner up, Run Like Al (NZ) (Al Akbar) is tipped as the leading danger on Saturday and will enjoy the drop back in class from his recent Gr.1 outings.
With a last start win at the distance Mill Vinnie (NZ) (Magic Ring) also warrants as a serious contender, a rating that is similarly shared by recent Chairman’s Trophy winner Pindy (NZ) (Pins) and the former Hong Kong Derby hero Izzat (NZ) (Almutawakel).

Fully Fledged

Mountain Road

Messrs Murray and Bjorn Baker, licensed trainers of the above named horses, were jointly charged with three charges of a breach of Rule 1004(2) the Prohibited Substance Rule. They pleaded guilty and were jointly fined $5,000 on each of the three charges ($15,000) and ordered to pay costs of $1,000 to NZTR and $600 to the Judicial Control Authority (JCA).

Nom Du Jeu, Fully Fledged and Mountain Road raced and won at the Auckland Racing Club meeting held at Te Rapa on Friday, 5 September 2008.

Following routine swabbing New Zealand Racing Laboratory Services reported the three horses had returned positives to the prohibited substance Ranitidine.

The order of entry for the top 50 horses in the $1,000,000 First Sovereign Trust NZ 2000 Guineas following the closing of the first withdrawals and racing at Riccarton Park and Hastings on the weekend is as follows:

1 MOVEOVR
2 FULLY FLEDGED
3 IL QUELLO VELOCE
4 JUICE
5 TELL A TALE
6 TE AKAU COUP
7 ALTERED IMAGE
8 VINCENT MANGANO
9= ALL IN BRAWL, MINSTREL COURT
11= AWESOME PLANET, KILDONAN
13 RAID
14 POCKET DIARY
15 BRIGHT SPARK
16 THE DIAMOND KNIGHT
17= SHOCK, SPONTANEOUS
19 PLATINUM ZANA
20 SIR INVINCIBLE
21 GLAMOROUS GIRL
22= BIG LOVE, EXPLOSIVE DANCER
24= CONCERTO, PERKY PARROT, BALOO, IZONIT, KIWI HUSSLER, NOBLE MANOR, SIEM REAP
31= CARATACUS, DUNKERQUE, FIREBOLT, ISLINGTON BAY, KATE RUSH, LAUAKI, MACADAMIA, MASONS RUN, MY SCOTSGREY, MYSTIQUE, OXBOROUGH MAGIC, QUARTZ REEF, TLINGIT

44= BALZANE, BELLALINI, BLAKMANDU
47= JULIA, MERRYMAKER, MISS MILLBROOK, SLIPPERYWHENWET

Selection Criteria

If at the time of the final withdrawal the number of horses remaining in the field is in excess of the starting limit, the Club reserves the right to select the field on the basis of the criteria detailed below and to determine the order of re-entry for emergencies.

The order of entry into the field will be determined in order of:
1. Winners of a Group race or races.
2. Winners of a Listed Stakes race or races who have also been placed 2nd or 3rd in a Group race or races.
3. Winners of a Listed Stakes race or races or horses which have been placed 2nd or 3rd in a Group race or races.
4. Winners of three or more races.
5. Winners of one or two races who have also been placed 2nd or 3rd in a Listed Stakes race or races.
6. Winners of two races.
7. Maidens who have been placed 2nd or 3rd in a Listed Stakes race or races.
8. Winners of one race.
9. Maidens who have been placed 2nd 3rd or 4th in a race.
10. Unplaced and unraced maidens.
11. Horses on a similar level as a consequence of this policy will be selected on the basis of their Rating with the highest rated horse being selected first and so on.
12. Horses on a similar Rating will be selected by the Handicapper.

Moveovr, the winner of the 2008 Canterbury Racing Guineas Trial run at Riccarton Park on Saturday 4 October 2008, is exempt from the ballot.

Second withdrawals Wednesday 29 October 2008 at 11 am
Final late nomination Wednesday 29 October 2008 at 12 noon
Final withdrawal Wednesday 12 November 2008 at 11 am

It was the Stephen McKee-trained gallopers’ fifth win from his last eight starts, and seventh career success.

Pentire gelding Mufhasa (NZ) claimed his first stakes win on Saturday

Bred by John and Colleen Thompson of Rich Hill Stud, Mufhasa (NZ) had signalled his stakes quality with a creditable fourth placing behind Pasta Post (NZ) in the Gr.1 ARC Easter Handicap at Ellerslie in April.
Mufhasa (NZ) will now head south for a start in the NZ$300,000 Gr.2 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton on November 12.
Mufhasa (NZ) is owned by Natalie, David and Simon Archer, in partnership with Diane Wright, and was a NZ$50,000 purchase as a yearling by David Archer at the 2006 New Zealand Bloodstock Select from the draft of Rich Hill Stud.

Princess Coup confirmed her place as one of Australasia's top racehorses and earned a crack at the Cox Plate following a brilliant win in the Group One Kelt Capital $2,000,000 Stakes (2040m) at Hastings in New Zealand today.
Winning New Zealand's highest regarded race for the second year in succession, Princess Coup sent her earnings soaring past $4.2 million.

The chestnut daughter of Encosta de Lago has been an incredible for owners John Bromley and Ray Coupland following her purchase by good friend David Ellis for $260,000 at the 2005 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

In the run to the line Princess Coup easily held out a gallant Red Ruler (Viking Ruler) by a length and a quarter while the second favourite Nom Du Jeu (Montjeu) was third, a further short neck back.

Boundless, the reigning New Zealand Oaks winner, was the best of the unplaced brigade in fourth position, another short neck from the third placegetter.

Princess Coup, who scored a thrilling come from behind win in last year's edition of the Kelt, will have her next run in the $3.1 million WS Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley on October 25.

"It was a big effort," Walker beamed after the race. "She's a class mare."

"It's just so good," the delighted trainer added.

Winning rider Opie Bosson was all smiles after weighing in on the mare who paid $2.20 for a win on the NZ TAB.

"It's very satisfying," Bosson reported. "It's just unbelievable."

"She appeared to hit a bit of a flat spot, but when Red Ruler went around her, I gave her a couple of back handers, and she took off."

Part owner and one of New Zealand racing's biggest supporters Ray Coupland, was almost speechless after the big race.

Coupland was back on the track today after a recent heart operation.

"I'm very emotional," Coupland beamed. "Racing is an amazing game. It does things that nothing else does."

"John (Bromley, part owner) and I are so lucky. Come on the Cox Plate now!"

"She's earned a crack at (Cox Plate favourite) Weekend Hussler now.""Weekend Hussler is a champion. But I think she (Princess Coup) is a champion as well - we'll just wait and seem," Coupland summed up.

Fellow part owner John Bromley was thrilled with the victory and said he was now looking forward to the Cox Plate.

"I'm more excited than I was last year," Bromley said. "It's absolutely huge."

"It's a dream. I'm just blown away."

"This horse is underestimated," Bromley added.

Princess Coup was sent out the hot favourite in the Kelt Capital Stakes after winning the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m) a fortnight ago.

The mare - a Group Two winner in Australia - has also placed in a Caulfield Cup, Australian Cup, Ranvet Stakes and BMW across the Tasman.She is attempting to be the first New Zealand trained horse to win the Cox Plate since the mighty Sunline won the race for the second year running in 2000.

Princess Coup, by Coolmore Stud's champion sire Encosta de Lago, is from the multiple Sydney stakes winning Sovereign Red mare Stoneyfell Road.

She was bred by South Australians - Mark Kelly and Brenton Wise.

Tell a Tale will most likely head to the Group One 2000 Guineas after a brilliant win in the $100,000 Group Two Golan Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings in New Zealand today.
One of two runners in the race for leading New Zealand trainer Mark Walker, Tell a Tale got home first in a driving finish to beat the favourite Fully Fledged.

The win surprised connections after the son of Tale of the Cat disappointed in a work out earlier in the week.

"It was a big effort second up," Mark Walker said after the win. "All credit to Troy (Harris, rider) he rode a good race."

"Troy rode him in work on Tuesday and fair dinkum he worked like a camel," he added with a laugh.

"It's a funny thing horse racing - good on John Galvin - he and David Ellis bought this horse on the Gold Coast during the winter and he said one day he'll win you a big race."

"So John said (to David) - ok I'll have him and syndicate him and it's a very happy bunch of owners."

"He's a lovely relaxed sort of horse."

Walker said he would keep the Group One 2000 Guineas in mind with Tell a Tale - that race will be run at Riccarton in November.

"We'll just see how he pulls up. We don't make decision on the day."

Tell a Tale, by Coolmore Stud stallion Tale of the Cat, is turning out a great money spinner for connections after being purchased by prominent New Zealand bloodstock agent David Ellis from the Gold Coast in 2007.

Ellis went to $125,000 to secure the attractive colt from the Coolmore Stud draft at the National Yearling Sale in the June of that year - interestingly the same sale where Ellis bought star mare Princess Coup two years earlier.

"I've got three runners today and they are all Magic Millions horses," Ellis said. "I couldn't be happier."

Previous winners of the Hawke's Bay Guineas in recent years include Singalong, Bunker, Darci Brahma, Jokers Wild and Alamosa.

The honour roll further back stars in well known performers Balmerino, Veandercross, Beechcraft, Al Akbar and Game

Fully Fledged (NZ) (Align) and Vincent Mangano (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) have met on two previous outings. Fully Fledged (NZ) emerged on top in one of these with a brilliant win in the Gr.1 Ford Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie.

The outstanding Align colt Fully Fledged (NZ)

Fully Fledged (NZ) kicked off his three-year-old season in style, impressing onlookers with an all too easy win at Te Rapa on September 5.
Vincent Mangano (NZ) counts the inaugural Karaka Million race among his four-win race record, and should show marked improvement on Saturday following a fresh-up run in the Wanganui Guineas three weeks ago.
The Storm Creek gelding Rubin Carter (NZ) boasts a "one from one" formline, and another to impress on debut is the aptly named big strapping gelding Lauaki (NZ) from the Vanessa and Wayne Hillis stable.
Looking to emulate the 1993 Guineas win of his sire Al Akbar, The Diamond Knight (NZ) adds to the puzzle and has looked like a serious racehorse in the making with a win and a second placing coming from just three starts to date.

“He’s got a real spring in his step” said co-trainer Wayne Hillis.
“He’s the best he’s been”.
Dezigna (NZ) made an eye-catching return to the track at Whangarei on September 13, trouncing rivals over the 1200m journey to stop the clock at 1.09.99.
This was the Volksraad geldings first start back following a five month spell.
Dezigna (NZ) has 10 wins and 24 placings to his merit, with a remarkable seven of these placings coming at Gr.1 level.

Mirkola Lass (NZ) On Black-Type Mission
Tough kiwi staying mare Mirkola Lass (NZ) (Prized) will be out to add further black-type print to her race record on Saturday, when she steps out in the Listed Christchurch Casino Spring Classic (2000m) at Riccarton.

The Prized six-year-old has been an absolute model of consistency for her trainers Kenny and Lisa Rae, and counts the Gr. 2 Waikato Cup (2400m) among her six wins and fourteen placing career resume.
Mirkola Lass (NZ) campaigned in Australia last year, with her Queensland performances included a first-up second to Mandela (NZ) in the Gr.2 Chairman's Handicap, a third in the Gr.3 Tatt's Cup and a fourth in the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup.

There will also be six other Group 1 winners trying to make their mark on the Kelt Capital Stakes at 4.52pm on Saturday including Spin Around, Fritzy Boy, The Pooka, Gaze, Prize Lady, and Boundless.

New Zealand Oaks winner Boundless will be hoping to make it three years in a r