Author: NZRacingDesk

David Archer has participated in more than enough of racing’s big dances to know that on a racetrack nothing can be taken for granted or predicted with absolute accuracy. That’s why his optimism ahead of Saturday’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) remains unbending despite the formidable challenge presented by Well Written, who has dominated pre-race discussions as the unbeaten winner of five races and since the last of those in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), the $1.20 favourite. Archer is the breeder and co-owner with his partner Diane…

In the 11th instalment of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Road to the Derby series, we take a look at the “upward trajectory” of Dazzling Fit (NZ) (Ribchester) after his fifth in Sunday’s (1 March) HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m). While Frankie Lor’s Stormy Grove (Toronado) stole the show with a scorching success in the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series at Sha Tin, Dazzling Fit produced the sort of run that has trainer David Eustace hoping his charge will be peaking just in time for the…

Anticipation is building for The NZB Kiwi (1500m) at Ellerslie this coming Saturday, with the field now complete following Slot Holder Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing’s selection of To Bravery Born (NZ) (Snitzel) as their representative in the $4 million feature. He brings leading New Zealand stable Te Akau Racing’s representation in the race to four horses, with He Who Dares (NZ) (Snitzel) competing in their own slot, while in form filly Belle Cheval (NZ) (Savebeel) will carry the hopes of Slot Holder The King’s Men, and La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) will have plenty barracking for…

Waikato Stud’s private trainer Kris Shailer has had a whirlwind last few months, and that is set to continue at Ellerslie on Champions Day when he lines-up homebred filly Convinced (NZ) (Super Seth) in the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Shailer has had four wins from six starts this season, including victory in the Group Three Matamata Slipper (1200m) a fortnight ago with Justin Case (NZ) (Banquo), and he is hoping his golden run continues. Justin Case is set to step up to elite-level at Ellerslie next Saturday in the Group One Sistema Stakes…

In just her second season in the professional jockey ranks, Amber Riddell brought up her 100th win at Hawera on Friday, and she was rapt to achieve the milestone so early in her career. Riddell started competing in the amateur ranks, winning four races before progressing into an apprenticeship under Kevin Myers and subsequently transferred to Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta earlier this season. It was on the Latta-trained Starpello that she rode her 100th winner, at her 900th start, but Riddell admitted she wasn’t sure whether she had won on the line and…

The loss of Ghibellines was further emphasised at Wingatui where the late resident of White Robe Lodge was the dominant force. The son of Shamardal was represented by two new stakes winners at the weekend and sired a trifecta on Saturday’s undercard. His son Cluedo Lane (NZ) claimed top honours in the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight-For-Age (1600m) for trainer Joseph Waldron while Noble Knight (NZ) and Capo Dell Impero (NZ) quinellaed the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m). The Sandy Cunningham-prepared Noble Knight was bred and sold by White Robe…

Aaron Bidlake admits he has always been a dreamer and this Saturday he is hoping one dream can turn into reality when his smart three-year-old Tulsa King (NZ) (Staphanos) lines-up in the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie. The Hastings horseman has long held aspirations of competing in the $1.25 million Classic, and later this week he will realise that ambition when he treks north with his diminutive gelding, who he bought online for just $1,500. The son of Staphanos, who barely reaches 15 hands, failed…

Afternoon Siesta (Shamus Award) wasn’t caught napping at Trentham on Sunday, with the John Bary-trained mare storming home to win the Gr.3 Rydges Wellington Cuddle Stakes (1600m). The daughter of Shamus Award pinged out of the gates and made a beeline straight to the front from her inside draw (2) but quickly found herself three back on the fence after Marotiri Molly and My Lips Are Sealed made bids for the lead. Afternoon Siesta tracked My Lips Are Sealed into the home turn where a gap presented itself and she…

Group One winner Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) has been retired from racing and a new home is being sought for the four-year-old entire as he transitions to a career at stud. Bred by Waikato Stud, Savaglee is by their Champion Stallion Savabeel and out of Glee, a full-sister to Group Three performer Symphonic, the dam of dual Group One winner Orchestral. They offered him through their 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he attracted the eye of The Oaks Stud’s General Manager Rick Williams, who went to…

Talented but injury plagued sprinter Poetic Champion (NZ)(Super Seth) once again displayed his absolute class in a fresh state when he monstered his rivals in the Ancroft Developments (1200m) at Matamata. Carrying topweight of 59kgs, even after apprentice Sam McNab applied his 3kg claim, the son of Super Seth made no race of it once McNab found the lead from barrier rise and applied the blowtorch to his rivals from that point onwards. Poetic Champion was cruising as he rounded the home turn and quickly extended to a two-length margin…