Why Be a Star in the Making

Why Be (Success Express x Charybdis) continued his winning form on Saturday evening in Singapore with success in the feature race, the S$125,000 Kranji Stakes over 1200m. One of the most exciting horses currently racing in Singapore, Saturday's victory brings Why Be's impressive tally of wins to 12 from just 15 starts.

The four-year-old was purchased as a yearling by Bruce Wallace for NZ$26,000 at the Karaka Select Sale from Chequers Stud and is now trained by leading ex-pat New Zealand trainer, Laurie Laxon, for owners, Perfectum Stable.

Also at Kranji, three-year-old Royal Star (Danske-Ramila) broke through for his first win, at just his third start, for New Zealand trainer, Bruce Marsh. Royal Star - who raced as The Overtaker in New Zealand - was the winner of the S$75,000 Kranji Stakes C (1200m). He was a NZ$8,750 purchase by Gavin Sharrock from last year's Karaka Festival Sale from Woodridge Farm.

Other NZB graduates to perform included Brave Heart (O'Reilly-Aspects of Love), a winner of three in Singapore, including Saturday's S$75,000 Kranji Stakes C (1200m). He was purchased by Peter & Kim McKay for NZ$40,000 at the Karaka Premier Sale. Brave Heart's half-brother by Danasinga will be offered by Little Avondale Stud at the National Yearling Sales at Karaka in January.

Karaka Downs prot�g�, Huddy (Pins-Beaming Bright) - also trained by Laxon - got to the line first for Anzac Stable in the S$75,000 Progressive H. (1600m). The five-year-old was a NZ$24,000 purchase by Kelvin McGrail at the 2002 Karaka National Broodmare and Weanling Sale.

Another New Zealander, Ace Elite (Istidaad-Elizondo), broke through Maiden ranks with a smart win at just his third race day attempt, and was the third winner for Laurie Laxon on the day.

On Sunday Cherry Power (Align-Crystal Symphony) was an impressive winner on debut, taking out the S$65,000 Initiation (1200m) providing a timely boost to the forthcoming Karaka Ready to Run Sale. A graduate from two years ago, he was purchased by Ian McKean from the Highview Stud draft for NZ$14,000 and is now trained by New Zealander, Stephen Gray.

Another Karaka Ready to Run graduate, Command n Control (Ascot Knight-Sparkling Castle), recorded his sixth win in Singapore on Sunday. He was a purchase by former top Australian jockey, Mick Dittman, from Halo Bloodstock for NZ$54,000 at the 2001 Sale.

Sharp Spur (Classic Fame x The Country's Best) rounded off a successful weekend for the Kiwis with victory in the Class 4 (1400m).

For New Zealand Bloodstock news or sale information contact Marketing Assistant, Ruth Hargreaves, ruth@nzb.co.nz or phone +64 9 298 0055.