Self Obssession Favourite for NZ Oaks

Media Release - Wednesday March 2

The Jamie Richards-trained Self Obsession cemented her place at the top of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) market with yet another game victory when landing the Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on Wednesday.

Self Obsession winning the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) at Hastings on Wednesday. Photo: Race Images

The daughter of Shocking has now won her past four starts, three of them at stakes level, with her only defeat when finishing third on debut.

It is the third Group Two victory for the strong staying filly, who previously landed the Gr.2 Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa last month.

Under leading jockey Michael McNab, Self Obsession settled just behind the speed set by local hope One Dream One Soul, a $37 outsider.

McNab produced $1.50 favourite Self Obsession three-wide turning for home but needed the length of the Hastings straight to reel in a brave One Dream One Soul to win by half a length, with a further 2-1/4 lengths back to Flash Mary in third.

Richards was pleased with Self Obsession’s winning effort and is delighted to have a top chance in what will be his last New Zealand Oaks tilt before he heads to Hong Kong next month, where he has been licensed next season.

“What a great win, gee, she’s tough,” Richards said.

“She was able to relax off the speed, on a good tempo, and given a lovely ride by Michael.

“She was coming all the way down the straight and always looked as though she had the race within her grasp.

Advertisement

“She’s a great staying filly, although she is no oil painting and maybe not one you’d put your hand up to buy at the yearling sales, but I’m very thankful to David Price and Jenny Chapman in Hong Kong, who bred and race her, and Mark and Vicki Baker at Hallmark Stud, for sending her down to us to train in Matamata.

“We’re all really looking forward to the Oaks.”

Self Obsession is now rated a $2.40 Oaks favourite ahead of The Perfect Pink ($5) and Glory Bound ($6).

The win was Richards’ 100th of the season, and 28th at stakes level this term. Te Akau Racing’s Matamata conditioner also surpassed $5 million in prizemoney domestically for the season.

Self Obsession now leads the prestigious New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series on 24 points ahead of stablemates Belle En Rouge (16 points), The Perfect Pink (12 points) and Imperatriz (7.5 points).

Saturday’s Gr.3 Mckee Family Sunline Vase (2100m), which features Belle En Rouge, and the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on March 19 are the final two legs of the 11-race series.

There are 10 yearlings by Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking catalogued at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, which commence at Karaka on Monday. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Little Avondale Lowland Stakes Gr2 2100m

Hastings Track: Dead(4) Time: 2:11.40
1
Self Obsession
- 3f Shocking (AUS) x Mawaakib (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: M J Mc Nab 56.5
2
0.5
One Dream One Soul
- 3f Ekraar (USA) x Sheeza Kinda Magic (NZ) (Towkay (AUS))
Tnr: L W Somervell Rdr: M Mudhoo 56.5
3
2.8
Flash Mary
- 3f El Roca (AUS) x Claudy Eire (AUS) (Promontory Gold (USA))
Tnr: Debbie Sweeney Rdr: M Cameron 56.5
4
3.6
Aspen Colorado
- 3f Proisir (AUS) x Ouzo (NZ) (Mastercraftsman (IRE))
Tnr: G Richardson & R Norvall Rdr: A C Goindasamy 56.5
5
5.9
Illicit Miss
- 3f Hinchinbrook (AUS) x Unlawful (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: J Parkes 56.5
6
6.7
Another Bella
- 3f Rip Van Winkle (IRE) x Ava (NZ) (Montjeu (IRE))
Tnr: Ms D Guy Rdr: J Kamaruddin 56.5
7
8.7
Love Letter
- 3f Wrote (IRE) x Divine Rio (NZ) (Captain Rio (GB))
Tnr: G Lowry & G Cullen Rdr: S R Weatherley 56.5
8
8.9
Set In Stone
- 3f El Roca (AUS) x Paxos (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: D L Turner 56.5
9
13.2
Superette
- 3f Vadamos (FR) x Cabasso (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit (USA))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: L G Innes 56.5
10
16.7
Prioress
- 3f Proisir (AUS) x Shahbab (NZ) (Bertolini (USA))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: S J Macnab 56.5
11
16.9
Great Plains
- 3f Tarzino (NZ) x Mongolia (AUS) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: W F Pinn 56.5
More Reading...
New Stakes-Winner for Zoustar
The $150,000 Listed Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) provided reigning champion sire Zoustar with a new stakes-winner when seven year-old gelding Multinational led for home and could not be caught.
Blueblood Fillies From $3million Mares
Tom Magnier has been notable for his purchase of elite race fillies and broodmares in recent years to enhance the stellar Coolmore broodmare band and two of his $3million plus mare purchases have produced stunning fillies this spring.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Milan Park Experience Highs and Lows
Tony Rider experienced the extreme highs and lows of breeding thoroughbreds within a matter of hours on Wednesday.
One to Watch – Geelong
Trilogy Racing will have high hopes for the their talented filly Queen of Clubs in the Group I ATC Flight Stakes on Saturday and their colours were in the frame at Geelong on Thursday carried by a Zoustar filly that saluted on debut.
NZ Derby Hero Willydoit Primed for Epsom
Last season’s New Zealand Derby hero Willydoit will step back into the spotlight on Saturday when he contests the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick for trainer Ciaron Maher, with jockey Tommy Berry bullish the horse is ready to make his mark over the famous mile.
Swettenham Stud Delighted with Lofty Strike Foals
Swettenham Stud are delighted with the growing buzz of excitement surrounding the first foals for young gun sire Lofty Strike.
Melody Belle Daughter Set for Long Awaited Debut
It will be a full-circle moment for Te Akau Racing at The Valley on Friday night when Lyrics ‘N’ Song, a daughter of their former multiple Group One winner Melody Belle, makes her debut.
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.
Kiwi Raider Pier Upbeat Ahead of Epsom
Co-trainer and part-owner Darryn Weatherley is taking a glass half full approach ahead of Saturday’s Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) after he came up with an awkward wide gate for Pier.