Crosshaven Flies Karaka Flag in Flemington Opener

Flemington’s star-studded Melbourne Cup Carnival is the greatest stage in Australasian racing, and New Zealand Bloodstock and the Kiwi industry made an immediate impact in the 2020 edition.

Karaka graduate Crosshaven (Smart Missile) produced an impressive front-running performance to win the opening race of the carnival, the A$250,000 Group Three Network 10 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).

Bought for $80,000 from Karaka 2019, he has now won five of his seven starts and amassed more than A$500,000 in stakes. The other Karaka graduate in the field was the $70,000 purchase Horrifying (NZ) (Shocking), who finished in a dead heat for third.

Crosshaven was urged forward in the early stages of Saturday’s race by jockey Daniel Stackhouse, and he dictated terms from the front. 

He briefly looked vulnerable in the straight as the hot favourite Aysar (Deep Field) loomed ominously on his outside and thrust his head in front, but Crosshaven fought back ferociously to regain his advantage and win by a neck.

“He’s been a marvel in this preparation,” said Ben Hayes, who trains in partnership with Tom Dabernig. “He’s been in since the winter and hasn’t really had a break. Every time we’ve asked him, he’s just improved, which is the sign of a good-quality horse.

“He got passed by Aysar today, and he kicked back and got him on the line, and Aysar is no slouch.”

Racing in the colours of part-owner Daniel Nakhle, Crosshaven is now a three-time stakes winner, having previously captured the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) and Group Three Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m). He has earned A$546,638, which is more than seven times his purchase price.

“I knew I had the horse underneath me today,” Stackhouse said. “The stablemate (Aysar) got past me, but he fought back and got past the post first.

“He's fighter, he tries really hard. He pins his ears back and digs deep again. Just shows the quality of horse again.”

The next generation of outstanding New Zealand thoroughbred talent will be showcased in Karaka 2021, starting with Book 1, which runs across three days from Sunday 24 January. That will be followed by Book 2 from Wednesday 27 through to Thursday 28 January.

Vendor	Haunui Farm
Purchaser	Lindsay Park Racing (Victoria)
Breeding	Smart Missile - Irish Colleen
Sale	Lot 103, Karaka 2019 Book 1, $80,000
Bred by	Mr D Nakhle & E Nakhle