NZB Graduates Weekend Round-Up

A weekend of great racing in New Zealand, across the Tasman and in Hong Kong saw several notable victories for New Zealand Bloodstock graduates.

The feature race of the day at Tauranga was the Listed TRAC Tauranga Classic (1400m). The fillies and mares race is often a stepping stone to the Group 1 New Zealand Bloodstock Breeders' Stakes at Te Aroha on 12 March.

This year's winner, Barcelona (Desert King x Opulent Lady), will certainly be taking that route after putting paid to the likes of Group 1 performers Rapid Kay and Clean Sweep. Barcelona was purchased from the 2001 Select Fillies Sale for $11,000. The filly's co-owner and trainer, well known equestrian rider Harvey Wilson, purchased the filly from the Willowbank Stud draft.

Across the Tasman Winning Belle (Zabeel x Kirin Belle) produced another stellar effort to win the Group 3 De Bortoli Wines Canterbury Cup (1900m). The well-bred mare was purchased by Gai Waterhouse from Peter and Philip Vela's Pencarrow Stud draft at the 2002 Premier Yearling Sale. She finished third behind Grand Armee in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes at her last start, and despite having raced consistently at group level throughout her career, this weekend's triumph was only the second group win for the $280,000 purchase.

Promising three-year-old, Cheval De Troy (Zabeel x Better Succeed), also flew the New Zealand flag when finishing third in the Group 1 Kia Ora Stud Canterbury Guineas (1900m). The talented colt missed the start and settled last but ran home well after jockey Damien Oliver found a gap through the middle of the field. Cheval de Troy was purchased by New Zealand bloodstock agent, Stuart Hale, for $400,000 from Cambridge Stud's 2003 Premier Yearling Sale draft.

Racing in Hong Kong on Sunday evening provided New Zealand with an exciting trifecta in the Class 1 South China Morning Post Cup Handicap (1400m).

Gem Of India (Defensive Play x Whakanui Heights) started well and received a charmed run along the rail to step a length clear at the 400 metre mark. Fellow New Zealand-breds My Choice (Volksraad Chianina) and Lucky Paradise (Flying Spur x The Essence) put up gutsy wide runs for an exciting photo finish.

On the line My Choice won the race by a head to a courageous Gem of India. Both horses were offered for sale at New Zealand Bloodstock sales. My Choice was offered as part of the Bloomsbury Stud draft at the 2002 Ready to Run sale and Gem of India was offered at 2000 Select Colts sale as part of the Esker Lodge draft. Lucky Paradise finished third by a neck.