NZB Grad Talaria (NZ) Wins Listed Race on Debut

Exciting filly Talaria (NZ) (O’Reilly), a graduate of the 2016 Premier Sale, made the perfect start to her career when she won Saturday’s $50,000 Listed Murdoch Newell Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe in her first race start.

The winner of both of her trials appearances, Talaria was the favourite to make a winning debut against an accomplished field of juveniles.

She showed explosive speed out of the gates to go straight to the front, and that was where she stayed as she repelled the late challenge of Oscar Eight (NZ) (Showcasing) to win by a head. She was ridden by Mark Du Plessis for trainers Peter and Dawn Williams and Paul Richards.

“She's got very good natural speed and we got to the fence easily enough,” Du Plessis said. “She's a really nice filly who's done everything that's been asked of her. I'm very excited about her, she's still improving and there's more to come.”

Talaria is owned by Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer, who have enjoyed great success with Karaka graduates in recent years. Planet Rock (Fastnet Rock) won five races including the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), earning the title of New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year in 2011-12. Vavasour (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) won three stakes races.

Bred by Mrs R Kerr-Taylor & Mrs A K Storey, Talaria was offered by Mapperley Stud at the 2016 Premier Sale. Beemsterboer bought her for $100,000.

A daughter of the stakes-placed Golan mare Alberton Princess (NZ), Talaria has had one start for one win, earning $31,250 in stakes.

She also has a full sibling nominated for the upcoming National Yearling Sales Series, with Mapperley Stud offering an O’Reilly colt.

The Murdoch Newell Stakes was an all-Karaka result, with runner-up Oscar Eight being purchased for $21,000 at the Festival Sale and third-placed Nothin’ On Me (NZ) (Not A Single Doubt) selling for $100,000 at the Premier Sale.