Eclair Samba (NZ) Prevails with Stakes Victory

Kiwi galloper Eclair Samba (NZ) (Ekraar) captured his first black-type victory when winning the A$80,000 Listed Holdfast Insurance Birthday Cup (2032m) at Morphetville on Saturday.

Trained by Phillip Stokes, the win was Eclair Samba’s ninth win from 21 starts, his first at stakes level. The son of Ekraar entered the race following a close third placing behind race rival Lucky Lucky Lucky (Lucky Owners) last start.

“We were very happy with him going into the run,” commented Stokes. “It was only third-up run and he has improved from his previous runs.

“We were confident and he did the job for us.”

Ridden by Matthew Neilson, the five-year-old gelding started the 2032m race from barrier 5 to race mid-field. Eclair Samba overcame his rivals in the straight to win by half-a-length ahead of Lucky Lucky Luckyand Dylanson (Dylan Thomas) who finished in second and third position respectively.

“Matthew Neilson said he was very happy with the horse. It took him awhile to get there but once he did he won with authority and he (Eclair Samba) relaxed beautifully in the run which is what you want.

“I am looking forward to getting him to the Adelaide Cup.”

Saturday’s victory increased Eclair Samba’s prizemoney to A$237,595 for owner Thomas Li. Stokes and Li made headlines at the this year’s Karaka Select Sale when purchasing the top-priced yearling at the Sale for a record price of $525,000.

Eclair Samba was purchased at the 2011 South Island Sale of 2YOs and Mixed Bloodstock for $44,000 by Macau Jockey Club from Mansfield Farm.

He was one of two winners from the South Island Sale over the weekend with Absolutely (NZ) (Coats Choice) winning Sgp-3 Three Rings Trophy in Singapore on Sunday. The South Island Sale is NZB’s next Sale on 17 April.

Bred by Miss H & Miss K E Sanders, the son of Ekraar is out of Australian winning mare Eurotec (Marauding), who is a half-sister to stakes winners Classic Allure (Bellotto), Shorblue (Bluebird) and Kaladan (Kala Dancer). Eclair Samba is a half-sister to Vittoria (Postponed), runner-up in the Listed Champagne Stakes.