Ruakaka Hosts Penultimate Mercedes Super Bonus

Whangarei Racing Club's ever popular Northland Breeders Stakes day has a reputation for being a great day out. The principal race of the meeting, the Westbury Stud sponsored Danroad Northland Breeders Stakes 1200m has drawn a strong field of 2YOs. In addition to the $35,000 stake there is also a $10,000 Mercedes Super Bonus up for grabs. The fourteen strong field comprises five runners who are eligible for the bonus.

The Leanne Poulson-trained Jaca Rema (NZ) (Green Perfume x Kansas City) is back from a spell after having two races late last year. Poulson purchased the colt for $20,000 from Chequers Stud at the 2003 Select Colts Sale. Although, in his first two starts he finished out of the money he did go on to win a qualifying trial at Paeroa.

Johnny Knoxville (NZ) (Dream Well x Kirkberg), one of two Moroney / Scott representatives is having his third start. After running third in his debut at Ellerslie he stepped up to 1300 metres at Tauranga several weeks ago but could only manage fifth place. Paul Moroney purchased the gelding as a yearling at the Select Sale for $42,000 from Wellfield Thoroughbreds.

His stable mate Liar Liar (NZ) (Volksraad x Secrets 'n' Lies) has shown her ability in two recent outings. She won her last start at Ellerslie and prior to that finished second to La Scala (NZ) (Bahhare x Logical Lady) at Ruakaka. Although not eligible for the bonus La Scala also starts in this Saturday's race. Liar Liar was sold by the Mapperley Partnership at the 2003 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Fillies Sale for $54,000 to Paul Moroney.

The Rogerson / Autridge-trained Pin Up Boy (NZ) (Pins x Dare To Win) won easily at his last start which was held at Ruakaka. At the line he was nearly seven lengths in front of the rest of the field. Prior to this he had run home gamely for second in the Mercedes Super Bonus Colts & Geldings Jackpot and finished third in his debut. The colt was purchased by Graeme Rogerson from Delahunty Farms for $65,000 at the Select Colts Sale.

The locally trained Run Like The Wind (NZ) (Pins x Gin Player) is back from three months off. The Donna & Dean Logan-trained colt was purchased by Mr Ram Reddy at the 2003 Select Colts Sale for $18,000 from Valentine Stables.

The final Mercedes Super Bonus race of the season will be run at Levin in the Listed Ryder Stakes on the 31st of July.

For more information on the Mercedes Super Bonus Series please contact Julian Phillips at New Zealand Bloodstock on (09) 298 0055 or julianp@nzb.co.nz, or view the New Zealand Bloodstock website at www.nzb.co.nz which is updated after each race.