Annabelle Johnson had a day to remember at Pukekohe Park on Sunday, saddling two impressive winners from as many starters.
An $8,000 purchase in 2003 has continued to pay dividends for Gareth Downey over two decades later, when the filly’s son won the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham last Saturday.
It was a timely win by Sudbina in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last Saturday, with co-breeder and part-owner Haunui Farm gearing up for a busy week ahead of New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales at Karaka, which kick-off on Sunday.
Chasing $2.5 million in stakes doesn’t happen every Saturday on the New Zealand calendar, and Graham Richardson is embracing having two runners chasing the major spoils on TAB Karaka Millions Night at Ellerslie.
Taranaki couple Carole and John Lynskey are enjoying some time down in Queenstown this week toasting the success of their Group One winner Puntura following his victory in the Thorndon Mile at Trentham last Saturday.
A warm early welcome for Little Avondale Stud’s draft at Karaka has further fuelled its New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale expectations.
Leading Sydney hoop James McDonald has been ticking up the air miles of late and will add some more to his tally when he heads home to New Zealand this weekend to ride at the TAB Karaka Millions race meeting at Ellerslie.
Topweight Capo Dell Impero made light work of his 60kg impost when he gave his rivals weight and a beating in the feature race at Wingatui, the WAE Waikouaiti Cup (2200m).
Continuing his spending spree at Magic Millions’ Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis dug deep into his pockets on the third day of the sale to secure a filly close to his heart.
Zabmanzor made a bold statement in his last journey down to the Central Districts, and Roger James is hoping for a repeat performance when the colt contests Saturday’s Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m).
