Tralee Rose (NZ) a Class Above in Lord Reims Stakes

Stunningly dominant victories in back-to-back stakes races have earned Karaka graduate Tralee Rose (NZ) (Tavistock) a reputation as a rising star of Australia’s staying ranks.

The $50,000 Karaka 2018 purchase burst to prominence with a seven-length romp in last month’s A$160,000 Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington, and she was no less impressive in the A$120,000 Group Three Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville on Saturday. She has now had 10 starts for five wins, three placings and A$322,100 in stakes – seven times her purchase price.

The four-year-old’s breath-taking Bagot Handicap performance earned her $1.70 favouritism for the Lord Reims Stakes, and there was barely a moment’s doubt on Saturday.

Jockey Jason Holder had her cruising around in a midfield position, then he eased off the brake coming up to the home turn. Tralee Rose effortlessly swooped to the lead and then bounded away down the straight, coasting home by three and a half lengths with plenty in reserve.

“It’s a dream to ride horses that can stay and are fast as well, and she was just a joy to ride today,” Holder said.

“She gave me a lovely feel. Watching her replays, what I loved was the way she finished off in the Bagot last start. Craig Williams rode her nice and smoothly that day and she finished beautifully, so I was just trying to do the same today.

“She pulled herself into the race. She’s a jockey’s dream. She felt like she could stay all day, and she was nice and strong all the way to the line. Moving forward, I think she’s got a lot there.

“She looks like a natural type for the Adelaide Cup (3200m, March 8). With a bit of luck, she’d be very hard to beat in that race.”

Tralee Rose is trained by Symon Wilde, who purchased her from Cambridge Stud’s draft in Book 1 of Karaka 2018. Wilde is also part of a large ownership group.

“We thought she might be something a bit special, especially after the Bagot,” Wilde said. “She’s a lovely staying horse.”