Karaka Graduates Capture Seven In Singapore

Karaka Graduates Capture Seven In Singapore

Karaka graduates captured seven races on the card in Singapore on Sunday, including a courageous win by Royal Star (Danske x Ramila) in the Listed S$350,000 Three-Year-Old Challenge (Second Leg) (1400m), the feature of yesterday's fixture.

Royal Star settled in third spot for most of the race before making his run at the turn. Half way down the straight Lim's Objective (O'Reilly x Hasty Bird) looked to have the upper hand but the Danske gelding fought back to secure the race by a short head on the line. They were three-and-a-half lengths ahead of the third horse Top Spin. Royal Star's win also secured a hat trick of wins for his rider, Noel Callow, on the day.

Royal Star was bred by the Kauri Trust and purchased by Gavin Sharrock for NZ$8,750 from Woodridge Farm at the Karaka Festival Sale in 2005. In New Zealand, trained by Sharrock, he raced under the name The Overtaker and was a winner at his only New Zealand start as a late two-year-old.

Royal Star has since fashioned a consistent record in Singapore for Dragon Stable and expatriate Kiwi trainer Bruce Marsh, finishing further back than fifth only once in his eleven starts there and has recorded recent seconds in the Singapore Guineas (L) and Singapore 3YO Sprint (L). Sunday's win was Royal Star's second since commencing racing in Singapore and brings his prize money earnings to over S$360,000. Royal Star will now look to contest the third leg of the Series to be held over a mile which, given his breeding, should pose no difficulties.

Sharrock also trained Royal Star's dam Ramila (by Beechcraft) who won six races from 1400m to 2000m and was stakes placed. She has produced three other winners at stud.

The finish of the S$75,000 Class 3 (1800m) resulted in a New Zealand Bloodstock quinella with Mexborough Lad (Marju x Tinikadua) finishing ahead of Casmodado (Forensic Evidence x Casmode). Other winners on Sunday's card included Big Maverick (O'Reilly x Ajfan) in the S$65,000 Open 2YO, First Present (Stravinsky x Validify) in the S$65,000 Novice (1400m), Blue Angel (My Halo x Showtimecanterbury) in the S$55,000 Class 4 (2) (1400m), Silent Force (Bahhare x Sharazad) in the S$55,000 Class 4 (1) (1400m) and D'Mighty General (Howbaddouwantit x Saturn's Girl) lead home a New Zealand bred trifecta from Sea of Tranquility (Istidaad x Stylish Creation) and Individualist (Otehi Opal) in the S$35,000 Class 5 (1) (1800m). Show the Flag (Mellifont x Golden Value), in winning the S$35,000 Class 5 (2) (1800m) event, completed a memorable day for New Zealand breds.

Stravinsky Success Continues

The success continued for Stravinsky on Saturday, when Karaka Premier Sale graduate Pure Satisfaction (Stravinsky x Ahorita) recorded a one-length victory in the Macau Group 3 Galaxy (1050m).

Hitting his best form of late, he was third in the Listed Macau Sprint Trophy (1200m) in April and has since recorded second and third placings to his credit.  The four-year-old was purchased by Paul Moroney for NZ$100,000 from his breeders, the Bax family's Blandford Lodge in 2004.

Saturday's win is yet another success for the Cambridge Stud shuttle sire Stravinsky (Nureyev x Fire the Groom). Last week he was provided with his fifth Group 1 winner when Soldier's Tale downed Australian sprinter Takeover Target in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

New Zealand Bloodstock's upcoming National Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale at Karaka on 22 July features a selection of entries by or in foal to Stravinsky.

In the Broodmare section are two Stravinsky mares at Lots 122 and 243 respectively. Lot 122, Excerpts is to be sold on account of Chandon Stud and is from the Snippets mare Rare Bits. She is a half sister to the promising juvenile winner Keepabit (Keeper) and has been served by Handsome Ransom.

Lot 243, Russian Jewel, is to be sold on account of Haunui Farm. She is from the Gold and Ivory mare Bellota's Jewel and is from the family of Group 1 winners Bellota, Rocket Racer, Starzaan, Lotteria and Tattletail.

Also on offer, believed to be in foal to Stravinsky, is Lot 131 on account of Loch-Haven Thoroughbreds. Named Full Noise (Kaapstad x War Cry), she is a seven time winner including the Listed STC Stayer's Cup and was third in the Group 1 ARC New Zealand Stakes.

Earlier in the day, in the unraced stock section, is a filly by Stravinsky at Lot 45. Named Stravina, she is being sold as a racing or breeding proposition on account of Curraghmore Stud.

ENDS

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