Karaka Graduates Dominate in Singapore

Karaka graduates were to the fore in Singapore on Sunday with eight winners on the 11-race card.

Sebrose one of eight Karaka graduates to win in Singapore on Sunday night. Photo courtesy of STC.

Leading the way was Te Akau Racing’s Sebrose (Sebring) who was a convincing winner of the S$150,000 Sgp-3 El Dorado Classic (2200m).

Joining Sebrose’s triumph was Horse Warrior (NZ) (Keeper), Elise (NZ) (Faaltat), Razzostella (Written Tycoon), Ninetysevenemperor (NZ) (Thorn Park),  Nova Warrior (NZ) (Bachelor Duke), Laser Storm (NZ) (Lucky Owners) and Gilt Complex (NZ) (Gold Centre) – all graduates sold at either New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs or at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales Series.

Trained by kiwi Mark Walker, Sebrose was stepping up to 2200m for the first time and is now being set at the Sgp-1 Singapore Gold Cup over the same distance on 15 November.

“Tim (Bell) had a plan and he’d done his homework,” commented Walker. “The horse punched a few breaks in the race and we were lucky we had a clear run to the post.

“I guess we can be assured of a place in the Gold Cup now. I told the owner if it rains he will be a chance.”

Carrying the colours of Te Akau Racing, Sebrose, ridden by Timothy Bell, went to the rear of the field in the early stages to race second-to-last. Pushing off the fence as they straightened for home, Sebrose hunted front-runner Order Of The Son (Encosta de Lago) to challenge late and coasted to win by a length over Order Of The Sun with race-favourite Mr Spielberg (NZ) (Pentire) in third.

“Well done to David Ellis who I think has 12 individual owners on this horse. It will be exciting for them if they all come down here for the Gold Cup,” added Walker.

Bred by Dean Fleming, the son of Sebring is out of Champion 3YO Stayer in New Zealand Bramble Rose (Shinko King), winner of the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks, who is a half-sister to Group 3 winner Lady Chaparral (High Chaprral). Sebrose is a half-brother to stakes-winner Maules Creek (Redoute’s Choice), winner of the Listed Randwick City Handicap.

David Ellis had further success on Sunday with NZB Ready to Run Sale graduate Laser Storm. Ellis purchased him for $25,000 from Kilgravin Lodge at the 2012 edition of the Sale. Winning just two weeks earlier, the son of Lucky Owners has now been the winner of seven of his 18 starts.

Winning earlier on the race card was another graduate of the NZB Ready to Run Sale Razzostella. Breaking his maiden status, the son of Written Tycoon was purchased by Phill Cataldo Bloodstock for $60,000 from Beatson Stables' 2013 draft.

The next chance to purchase a Karaka graduate is fast approaching with NZB’s Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs commencing on 18 & 19 November at Karaka. Breeze Up clips are available now on the NZB website or a DVD copy is available by request. To request a Breeze up DVD or a catalogue email reception@nzb.co.nz.