Mondorani Scores Upset win in G3 New Zealand Cup

Media Release - Saturday November 13

It was some Kevin Myers magic at play at Riccarton on Saturday when outsider Mondorani ($22.60) stormed home down the outskirts of the Riccarton track to take out the 158th running of the Gr.3 Martin Collins New Zealand Cup (3200m).

Sarah Macnab contemplates what she has just achieved aboard the Kevin Myers-trained Mondorani  Photo Credit: Race Images South

Myers has long made Riccarton a happy hunting ground despite operating from his North Island base at Whanganui.

Having already produced four winners during the Cup Week carnival, including a double earlier in the day with Kopua and Ucalledit, Myers provided the piece de resistance with the seven-year-old Mondorani who went into the race with some useful lead-up form including a fourth in last week’s Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m).

After settling in a nice position in midfield, rider Sarah Macnab never panicked as she found herself shuffled back to near last against the rail with 800m to run after several lead changes up front.

Macnab got to work on her mount who began to make up good ground in the run home before finding an extra gear at the 200m as he stretched hard to down favourite Beaudz Well and Leaderboard in a driving finish to the race.

Macnab, who shook her head in disbelief shortly after passing the winning post, was still trying to take it all in after returning to the birdcage.

“I spoke with Kevin and he said to just let it all unfold in front of me,” she said.

“I was flat on the home turn, but he had said to get to the outside and he knows best and it has paid off.”

Macnab has started the season with a bang, sitting sixth on the national jockeys’ premiership with 21 wins, including five at stakes level.

“I can’t really explain it all at the moment,” she said.

“I can’t thank Kevin enough for giving me the opportunities that has got me to where I am today.”

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Myers, who watched the race from his home, was delighted with the performance and especially for his staff member Lisa Kennedy who has done most of the work with the son of Burgundy

“He’s always been a good stayer and I thought he was up to winning a race like this,” he said.

“Sarah got off last week and said he wouldn’t have blown out a candle, so, if things worked out, he would be a good chance.

“All credit to Lisa Kennedy as she has looked after him and pretty much told me how to train him.

“She has got him into the position he is in now and she deserves to be recognized for her efforts.

“His owner John Murdoch is also a beauty and a great owner to have in your stable.

“He lets me do what I like with his horses and is first on the phone with congratulations when they do well.

“I’m thrilled for him to get a win like this.”

Mondorani is raced by his breeders, John and Karlene Murdoch and is the first foal out of their More Than Ready mare, Del Mondo, the granddaughter of dual Australian Group One winner Arborea. – NZ Racing Desk

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Race Result - Martin Collins 158th Nz Cup Gr3 3200m

Riccarton Park Track: Slow(7) Time: 3:27.18
1
Mondorani
- 7g Burgundy (NZ) x Del Mondo (USA) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: K T Myers Rdr: S J Macnab 54
2
0.8
Beaudz Well
- 5g Zed (NZ) x Celtic Rose (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: J R Wheeler Rdr: S R Weatherley 54.5
3
1.2
Leaderboard
- 7g Street Cry (IRE) x Flower Fairy (USA) (Dynaformer (USA))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: K Asano 54
4
2.2
Lincoln King
- 7g Shocking (AUS) x Shi Kin Fly (NZ) (Shinko King (IRE))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: D S Johnson 54.5
5
3.5
Hit The Road Jack
- 5g Jakkalberry (IRE) x Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad (USA))
Tnr: Craig & Shaun Phelan Rdr: C J Grylls 54
6
4.0
Sulu Sea
- 6m Sweet Orange (USA) x Amanpulo (NZ) (Duelled (AUS))
Tnr: D Champion & K Murphy Rdr: K Chowdhoory 54
7
4.1
Khafeef
- 6g Champs Elysees (GB) x Tawaareekh (USA) (Monsun (GER))
Tnr: K T Myers Rdr: G A Jogoo 54
8
10.7
Leitrim Lad
- 5g Tavistock (NZ) x Lia (NZ) (Oratorio (IRE))
Tnr: E P Green Rdr: S L Wynne 54
9
11.7
Madam De Soir
- 10m Raise The Flag (GB) x Grace De Soir (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: Danny Crozier Rdr: A Comignaghi 54
10
15.6
Mr Intelligence
- 6g Niagara (AUS) x All Knowledge (AUS) (Knowledge (AUS))
Tnr: N & B Blatch Rdr: J R Lowry 59
11
22.0
Our Boy Ritchie
- 6g He's Remarkable (NZ) x Miss Andrea (NZ) (King's Chapel (AUS))
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: Brandon May 54
12
32.1
Volvik
- 6m Tavistock (NZ) x Volkara (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: Ms L Prendergast Rdr: Ms K Williams 54
13
34.3
Nomen Ludi
- 8g Nom Du Jeu (NZ) x Gladiator's Choice (NZ) (The Gladiator (NZ))
Tnr: E E Winsloe Rdr: C W Johnson 56
14
37.6
Wild Jack
- 9g Castledale (IRE) x Batterysnotncluded (NZ) (Yamanin Vital (NZ))
Tnr: S D Blair-Edie Rdr: A Bohorun 54
15
50.5
Dee And Gee
- 8m Darci Brahma (NZ) x Gabana (NZ) (Jungle Pocket (JPN))
Tnr: P R Corbett Rdr: T L Newman 57
16
56.8
Moiras Town
- 6m Savabeel (AUS) x Lia (NZ) (Oratorio (IRE))
Tnr: E P Green Rdr: T R Moseley 54
17
96.5
Bluey's Chance
- 8g Remind (USA) x Opera Dancer (AUS) (Rigoletto (AUS))
Tnr: Kennedy Moore Rdr: T Jonker 54
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