Back-to-Back Group 1 Wins for Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ)

Volkstok’n’barrell (NZ) (Tavistock) scored his second consecutive Group 1 win, and the third of his career, when he prevailed in a thrilling finish to the $200,000 Group 1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Two weeks after making a triumphant return to his best form in the Haunui Farm WFA Classic at Otaki, Volkstok’n’barrell was the $1.70 favourite to give a repeat performance in the $200,000 weight-for-age feature at Ellerslie.

The Ruakaka four-year-old was pushed to the limit by Girl Of My Dreams (NZ) (Gold Centre), but Volkstok’n’barrell’s class and his will to win shone through as he refused to surrender in a ding-dong battle down the home straight.

The lead swung between Volkstok’n’barrell and Girl Of My Dreams with each desperate bob of the head, but it was Volkstok’n’barrell who lunged for the line and prevailed by a nose. His victory was confirmed following an unsuccessful protest by the runner-up.

“This was a great effort,” co-trainer and part-owner Donna Logan said. “The pace was on and it was a hard race, he was under pressure but he kept going end got up to win. We’ll head over to Sydney with him next.”

Volkstok’n’barrell has now won eight of his 18 starts and more than $1 million in prize-money. The $50,000 Logan paid for him at the 2013 Select Sale at Karaka has proven to be exceptional value.

Logan has often spoken of how highly she regards the progeny of young Cambridge Stud sire Tavistock (NZ) (Montjeu), and Volkstok’n’barrell has become a leading flag-bearer for the stallion. His three-year-old season included a win in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and placings in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby and Australian Derby.

A large number of Tavistock’s progeny have gone through the Karaka sale ring in recent years, and many of them have gone on to be stars on the racetracks of Australasia. In addition to Volkstok’n’barrell, Tavistock’s Karaka graduates include Tarzino (NZ), who sold for $45,000, and another exciting Logan-trained runner in Hasselhoof (NZ), who cost just $14,000.