NEWS & EVENTS

Rios Out To Make Amends In Group One Feature

Tuesday, 27 November 2007 14:59

Rios (Hussonet-Gussy Godiva) chases group one success in this Thursdays First Sovereign Trust Levin Classic at Otaki over 1600m for three year olds. Third to The Pooka and Alamosa in the Group One NZ Two Thousand Guineas last start, the LA Karaka sale graduate for breeders Arthur and Mick Ormond, only needs a change in favour with the barrier draws from last start to turn the tables on The Pooka.

Otaki's Premier meeting also sees Yelracm (Towkay-Our Secret) nominated for the Listed Levin Stakes at 1200m.

On the subject of Towkay (pictured right), Aukay produced a slashing run in the worst of the going to storm home for second in the R90 1400m at the Premier Ellerslie meeting on Saturday. The Chris Wood trained six year-old looked a real middle distance find in the summer of 2006 before spending 18 months side lined with injury. With a fresh up third preceding Saturdays effort, he's one to keep an eye this season, especially when he gets out to 2000m.

Two sons of Towkay performed well on debut in Hong Kong on Sunday evening. Towkay Flyer (Towkay-Classic Realm) showed a lot of pace before weakening late to 5th in the Class 4 over 1000m. The Paul O Sullivan trained Speedy (Towkay-Stella Suprema) despite over racing early, fought well in the straight for sixth over 1400m. Towkay Flyer, bred by LA client John Worley, was unbeaten in three trials here for the Sanders stable and Speedy, bred by our head groom Helen Phinney, had won a jumpout before his sale. Both horses will have benefited from an experience and fitness perspective.

Zabeel stallion Columbia has an exciting horse in Saturday's impressive Ellerslie winner Sterling Prince. A close relation to LA stallion Zed (Zabeel-Emerald Dream), Columbia has had a much raised profile over the last 12 months through the likes of  group 2 winner Valley Chief, listed winner Aimee's Idol and  this seasons Group 2 New Zealand Cup runner-up Bringbackthebiff. Sam's already taking enquiries for Zed for next season so don t delay and call Sam on 0274 853400.

Broodmare families that stand the test of time

Stu Hale, Cambridge Bloodstock Agent