Gift Of Power (NZ) Heads Karaka Quinella in Wellesley Stakes

Saturday’s $50,000 Listed Swiss Ace Westbury Stud Wellesley Stakes (1000m) at Trentham became a battle of the unbeaten Karaka graduates as Gift Of Power (NZ) (Power) and Waldorf (NZ) (Highly Recommended) fought out the finish.

Gift Of Power was a $180,000 purchase by Rogerson Racing at this year’s Premier Sale, while Waldorf was a good investment by trainer Andrew Campbell who secured the colt for $30,000 at the Select Sale. Both horses had made impressive winning debuts leading into Saturday’s first stakes race of the New Zealand season, where they went to war in a thrilling clash.

Waldorf appeared to get the upper hand in the home straight, but Gift Of Power fought back strongly in the concluding stages to win by a long neck. The first pair outclassed the rest of the field, with the third placegetter Dreams Of Platinum (NZ) (Dream Ahead) three and a half lengths away.

Gift Of Power had impressively won her first start over 800 metres at Wanganui, becoming the first New Zealand winner for Cambridge Stud stallion Power (Oasis Dream). Waldorf’s debut win had come over 1000 metres at Tauherenikau, the first winner for Berkley Stud stallion Highly Recommended (Fastnet Rock).

Gift Of Power has now had two starts for two wins and $34,375 in stakes. She is out of Capital Diamond (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn), who was placed in four stakes events including the Group 1 1000 Guineas (1600m).

“She’s very tough,” said trainers Graeme and Debbie Rogerson’s stable representative Michelle Northcott, who is also a part-owner. “That was a very good win.

“She’s eligible for the Karaka Million, so I think that’s our long-term goal, but she may also go down to Christchurch for the Welcome Stakes (November 12).”