New G2 Winner for Redwood

Media Release - Saturday February 13

Consistent performer Tokorangi finally got the luck she needed when she stormed to victory in the Gr.2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Andrew Calder has Tokorangi at full stretch as she cruises clear to win the G2 Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas (2000m) Photo Credit: Trish Dunell

The Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard-trained three-year-old had had to settle for minor placings in several stakes races prior to Saturday’s effort, having placed third in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) before running on strongly for fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) during her spring campaign.

Another solid effort for fourth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) preceded Saturday’s performance where she was sent out fourth favourite at $7 behind Montre Moi ($2) for the Group Two feature.

The 2000m of the contest was expected to suit the daughter of Redwood and so it proved as she sat nicely in midfield for rider Andrew Calder before easing into contention approaching the home turn.

Calder asked Tokorangi for a serious effort at the 150m and she bounded to the front before clearing away from gallant pacemaker Zee Falls who held on gamely for second from the fast-finishing Perfect Scenario and favourite Montre Moi, who came from last to finish fourth.

Gerard was swamped by members of the large syndicate who race Tokorangi as they excitedly waited for their pride and joy to weigh in after the race.

“They are great owners who having been waiting quite a while for this,” Gerard said.

“She’s shown a lot of promise all the way through, although a little frustrating, but with the 2000m today she has shown them what she can do.

“Earlier on as a two-year-old she came out running and that’s how we thought she would be.

“She has come back as a three-year-old and has wanted to get off the bit and has been hard work to get going.”

Advertisement

Gerard has a number of options to look at for the filly, who hails from the family of noted Hong Kong performer Regency Dragon and was a $30,000 purchase by Paul Moroney from the Bradbury Park draft at the 2019 Book 2 sale at Karaka.

“We’ll have a chat with the owners and with Mike (Moroney) to see where we go next,” Gerard said.

“She may go straight across the Tasman next, but for me the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) is the one we want to look at.”

Tokorangi holds a nomination for both the Gr.1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie on March 6 and the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 20 where she is at a Fixed Odds quote of $6 (Derby) and $8 (Oaks) respectively.

Calder, who was having just his second ride on the filly, was delighted with performance by his mount.

“She has got plenty of ability, but she has been unlucky in the past,” he said.

“Today she was nice and quiet before the start and was able to use her good gate (4) to get into a nice position.

“When I gave her a click down the back, I knew I had a fair bit of ammo underneath me and when she got out, she was pretty explosive and very impressive.”- NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Legacy Lodge Waikato Guineas Gr2 2000m

Te Rapa Track: Dead(4) Time: 2:03.23
1
Tokorangi
- 3f Redwood (GB) x Agent Ziva (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: M D Moroney Rdr: A J Calder 54.5
2
1.8
Zee Falls
- 3f Sacred Falls (NZ) x Zelitist (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: S T Collett 54.5
3
2.0
Perfect Scenario
- 3g Iffraaj (GB) x Rosetti Bay (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: D S Johnson 56.5
4
2.2
Montre Moi
- 3g Showcasing (GB) x Next (GB) (In The Wings (GB))
Tnr: J Benner & H Wynyard Rdr: M J Mc Nab 56.5
5
2.3
Tannahill
- 3g Star Witness (AUS) x Cruise Control (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: Andrew Campbell Rdr: L G Innes 56.5
6
3.3
Cheaperthandivorce
- 3f Savabeel (AUS) x Boundless (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy (USA))
Tnr: R James & R Wellwood Rdr: V A Colgan 54.5
7
3.4
Brazier
- 3g Iffraaj (GB) x Katie Lee (AUS) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: T D Thornton 56.5
8
3.9
Macs
- 3g Power (GB) x Clio (NZ) (Captain Rio (GB))
Tnr: C W Gibbs Rdr: L H Satherley 56.5
9
4.5
Ember Attack
- 3g Jimmy Choux (NZ) x Dancing Embers (NZ) (Istidaad (USA))
Tnr: P P Mirabelli Rdr: S M Mc Kay 56.5
10
6.6
Pierro Rosso
- 3g Pierro (AUS) x Rollout The Carpet (AUS) (Holy Roman Emperor (IRE))
Tnr: S Ritchie & C Murray Rdr: J K Riddell 56.5
11
7.6
Iffie Shows
- 3g Showcasing (GB) x Spiffy Iffie (NZ) (Iffraaj (GB))
Tnr: S D Cole Rdr: R T Elliot 56.5
12
16.1
Launch Pad
- 3g Puissance De Lune (IRE) x Beautiful Fantasy (AUS) (Ladoni (GB))
Tnr: S & K Alexander Rdr: S R Weatherley 56.5
More Reading...
One to Watch – Echuca
Twin Hills Stud’s Peltzer had an impressive winner at Echuca on Tuesday for his breeder Olly Tait.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday June 3
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Williams honoured with Damehood
Two thoroughbred industry stalwarts have been bestowed one of New Zealand’s highest honours in the King’s Birthday honour list, including Catriona Williams, who has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport.
Pride of Jenni to Visit I Am Invincible - Match Made in Heaven
Three-time Champion Sire I Am Invincible has been confirmed as the first mating for reigning Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year Pride Of Jenni, who will head to the breeding barn this season following a phenomenal racing career.
G3 Fred Best Showdown for Quality Colts – Rosemont vs Yulong
The rescheduled $300,000 Group III BRC Fred Best Classic (1350m) brings stakes racing to a Wednesday this week with a field of 17 to go around at Doomben and at the head of the market is a pair of quality colts.
$1500 Weanling Becomes $525,000 Top Lot at MM National Yearling Finale
A colt by Harry Angel set a new benchmark in Australia for his sire and topped the final day of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale when selling for $525,000 to conclude a hugely successful two weeks of sales.
Pony Racing Series Finals This Saturday
The excitement is building as the 2025 National Pony Racing Series Finals prepare to take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 7 June, showcasing the nation's most promising young riders and their ponies.
Winx to Visit Too Darn Hot
World champion racehorse Winx is set for a new chapter in her stud career this spring with an announcement from her ownership group of Peter Tighe, Debbie Kepitis and Elizabeth Treweeke that Too Darn Hot (GB) is the chosen one.
In-Demand Stallions Feature in NZB Weanling Sale Catalogue
The catalogue for the 2025 NZB National Weanling Sale features the progeny of a broad range of sires, from proven topliners to exciting up-and-comers as well as the brand-new kid on the block, Profondo.
Sires With Winners - Monday June 2
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.