Lightning Chasing Black Type and Pedigree Update for Sibing

Media Release - Tuesday February 22

Desert Lightning made a belated start to his racing career earlier this month and the wait proved worthwhile at Ruakaka where the colt was an impressive winner and he has a half-brother entered for Karaka Book 1.

Desert Lightning (inside) will contest the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

That performance has earned the Peter and Dawn Williams-trained son of Pride Of Dubai a crack at black type level in Saturday’s Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) and an opportunity to prove his tractability.

“He’ll have a go there and his first time left-handed so we thought it would be a nice race for him,” said Peter Williams, who trains the youngster with wife Dawn.

While Desert Lightning was at long odds at his first appearance, the result was far from surprising to the Byerley Park stable.

“He was good and he was a bit green and still is, but the result was definitely not a surprise – he’s always showed us ability,” Williams said.

“COVID buggered us up a bit with him and when we did have him ready to race we had to turn him out, it’s just been a few little things that held us up. Having said that, a bit more time hasn’t hurt him either.”

Desert Lightning was a $150,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale purchase out of the draft of Little Avondale Stud, who will offer his half-brother by Per Incanto as Lot 330 at Karaka next month.

Lot 330

They are out of the High Chaparral mare Isstoora, who is from the family of the multiple Group One winner and champion sire Redoute’s Choice.

Desert Lightning is raced by long-time stable clients Sarah Green and Ger Beemsterboer, who race under their Barneswood Farm banner, and their association with the stable has most notably been highlighted by the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Planet Rock.

Advertisement

Their familiar racing jacket of orange with white stars will also be sported at Matamata on Saturday by Savabeel’s daughters Slave To Love and Helsinki.

Slave To Love has won twice from 11 starts, but her quality is emphasised by multiple Group placings including a third in the Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) two starts back before she wasn’t far away when ninth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m).

She will return to middle distance racing in the Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m).

“She missed out on a couple of races through postponements, but it hasn’t been a major for us. There has been nothing wrong with all of her runs this season and she has been placed over 2000m before,” Williams said.

Slave To Love finished runner-up in last season’s Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) behind subsequent Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Amarelinha.

Helsinki has been nominated for both the Gavelhouse.com (1600m) and the New World Matamata (1400m) on Saturday with a decision to be made on Wednesday which race she steps out in.

The four-year-old shed her maiden tag last time out at Ruakaka following seven minor placings, including a runner-up finish in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m).

“That will give her confidence and she has been unlucky a couple of times, but then again she has let us down a couple of times as well,” Williams said. “She’s won one now so hopefully it continues.” – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Saturday October 4
Here is the full list of 119 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Apocalyptic Crowned Darley Princess with G1 Flight Victory
Extreme Choice filly Apocalyptic has been the dominant force in the Darley Princess Series this year and she claimed the jewel in the crown at Randwick on Saturday with a commanding win in the $750,000 Group I ATC Flight Stakes (1600m).
G1 Metrop Win for Australian Bloodstock
Second in the Italian Derby at three, progressive stayer Royal Supremacy (IRE) had racked up multiple Group placings in Europe before his sale to Australian Bloodstock and broke through for his first ever stakes win when taking out the $750,000 Group I ATC The Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Inglis Ready2Race breeze up footage NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE
Progeny of the likes of Toronado, Exceed and Excel, Harry Angel, Zoustar and Ole Kirk were amongst the standout performers from breeze up sessions conducted this week in the lead up to the Inglis Ready2Race Sale on October 16, footage of which is now available online.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
Derby Options Alive For Impending Colt
Tony and Calvin McEvoy look to have a smart 3yo on their hands as Impending colt Options wins the Listed VRC Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington and could now be aimed towards the $2m Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) on November 1.
Sir Delius Delivers G1 Turnbull Stakes Win
Adding Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 VRC Turnbull Stakes (2000m) to his Group 1 MRC Underwood Stakes (1800m) victory last start, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott trained Sir Delius further enhanced his outstanding reputation ahead of an assault on the WS Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup.
Sires With Winners - Friday October 3
Here is the full list of 61 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Miraval Rose Impresses With G2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes Win
Already a Listed winner at 3 and 4, Grahame Begg’s Grunt mare Miraval Rose added her third black type victory to her record, winning the $300,000 Group 2 VRC Rose Of Kingston Stakes (1400m) in style at Flemington on Saturday.
Inglis and Yulong Confirm Magic Time for Everest Slot
Inglis will partner with worldwide racing and breeding powerhouse Yulong for the running of the 2025 The Everest, with the combination to be represented by Magic Time in the $20m contest.