Minaj (NZ) Sprints to First Stakes Win

New Zealand-bred three-year-old filly Minaj (NZ) (Commands) raced to a black-type victory in the Listed A$120,000 Chandler MacLeod Crockett Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley at Friday night’s Manikato Stakes meeting.

Minaj (NZ) wins the Listed Chandler MacLeod Crockett Stakes at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

The Anthony Freedman trained filly came into the race as a last start winner at Mornington, the same course she had won her debut on as a two-year-old last year.

Ridden by Vlad Duric, the Karaka Premier Sale filly settled on the pace over the 1200m sprint on the tight Moonee Valley course. The daughter of Commands withstood the challengers in the straight as she fought hard on the rail to win by a quarter of a length.

“I wasn’t that confident going into the race as she drew wide and we thought that might bring her undone,” commented Anthony Freedman.

“It was a good ride and she was very tough.

“She is running Melbourne Cup day in a Listed sprint up the straight, it would appear she is sprinting type of mare.”

It was the first time Minaj had attempted a race at stakes level and the win took her career tally to five starts for three wins and earnings of $109,675 for her an extensive list of owners including Lakeview Resources Pty Ltd, Mr L Hawkins, Mr G Melideo, Mr M P Camm, Mr P R Keleher, Mr N S Carnell, Mr A L Carnell, Mr H Chan & Mr L T Mcquilken.

Bred by Wentwood Grange family members of Miss C, D & L Hawkins & the Llanhennock Trust, Minaj is the first foal of American stakes winning mare Ms Seneca Rock (Seneca Jones). She was purchased by Lakeview Resources Pty Ltd at the 2012 Karaka Premier Sale for $130,000 from Wentwood Grange.