Local Weekend Winners Keep Spotlight on Karaka

Four-year old mare, Julinsky Princess (Stravinsky x Juliette Heights) showed she is back to her best with a comfortable victory in the Tui Brewery Woodville-Pahiatua Cup 1600m on Saturday.

The Brent Hrstich trained mare downed evergreen galloper, Hail (Stark South x Valley Court), who closed well for second in what was just his second start back from injury after nearly two years off the scene.

Julinsky Princess was purchased by prominent owner, John Bromley, at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale for $80,000. A winner of 7 races from 14 starts, Julinsky Princess is Group One placed, having finished third behind Justa Tad (Istidaad x Infinity) in the 2004 New Zealand One Thousand Guineas.

The Moore family's Soliloquy Lodge will offer a Faltaat half-sister to Julinsky Princess at Lot 390 of New Zealand Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale.

Hail, now in the care of Stephen Marsh, is a dual Group One winner, successful in the 2000 New Zealand Derby and the Zabeel Classic in 2003. Hail was purchased for $17,000 from New Zealand Bloodstock's Select Sale in 1999. Miss is Brash (Deputy Governor x My Year), a $3,000 purchase from the Festival Sale in 2000 finished third in the Woodville-Pahiatua Cup.

Talented four-year old, Manten (Encosta De Lago x Dazzling Belle) is likely to head towards the Gr.1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham, following an impressive victory at Woodville on Saturday. Manten took out the Rating 94 Morris & Bailey Ltd over 1200m, defeating last season's top two year old filly, Mi Jubilee (Howbaddouwantit x Mi Steel), in the process.

Manten, owned by Japanese interests, was a $90,000 purchase by Peter Hingston at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

Trained by the Rogerson/Autridge Stable, Manten has shown ability since day one. The son of Encosta De Lago finished runner up to stablemate Keeninsky in the Gr. 1 Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes as a two-year-old.

Fairdale Stud is offering a a full sister to runner-up, Mi Jubilee, at Lot 466 of the Premier Sale.

While the weekend racing took on a summery feel in New Zealand, with once a year tracks, Thames and Kumara, conducting meetings on Saturday, there were still some quality performers despite the picnic surroundings.

The Richard Yuill trained, Sarvon (Zabeel x Palia), broke maiden ranks in impressive style in the Coastwood Homes-Lockwood 1200 at Thames on Saturday. Owned by Belvedere Farm proprietor, Bob Emery, Sarvon is a lightly race four-year-old mare, and half sister to speedster, Dr Green (Fusaichi Pegasus x Palia). Belvedere Farm will offer a Fusaichi Pegasus colt from Group 3 winning Last Tycoon mare, Palia, at Lot 496 of the Karaka Premier Sale.

Pukekohe trained three-year-old, Kingsinga (Danasinga x Star Reason), also broke through for his first victory, appreciating the 1700m after finishing a good second over 1400m on Boxing Day. Trainer Richard Collett will now aim the son of Danasinga towards the Group 1 Mercedes New Zealand Derby (2400m) on March 4.

Formerly based at New Zealand's Waikato Stud, Danasinga is represented by 18 yearlings at the Premier Yearling Sale.

Seven-year old, Desert Flight (Desert Sun x Fantasy Flight) prevailed in a tight finish over Avegas (Desert Sun x Petite Cheval) and Gristle (Rainbow Myth x Cherry Row) in the Thames Cup (2000m). Trained by Richard Coxen, Desert Flight was a winner in Queensland in July.

In the other feature event at Thames, the Woodstock Bourbon Sprint (1400m), consistent sprinter, Aria (Centaine x Oratorio) was well rated by Lee Tiley, winning by � length from Speed Of Light (Faltaat x Princess Elite). Trained by Trevor and Stephen McKee Aria is the winner of four races and has been placed on a further 8 occasions. Soliloquy Lodge will offer a Volksraad half brother to Aria at New Zealand Bloodstock's Select Sale. Out of the Oregon mare, Oratorio, Aria comes from the family of 1985 New Zealand Oaks winner, Solveig.