Pennyweka (NZ) Spoiled for Choice This Spring

Media Release - Tuesday August 8

Oaks heroine Pennyweka has returned a bigger and stronger animal in the eyes of trainer Jim Wallace and he is looking forward to tackling some big spring assignments with the now four-year-old.

The daughter of Satono Aladdin was a standout filly last season, winning three of her nine starts, including the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m).

Pennyweka won the New Zealand and Australian Oaks, what next? - image Steve Hart

She also placed in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), and Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m).

Wallace, who also co-bred and co-owns Pennyweka, has been pleased with the way she has returned, which was reinforced by her pleasing jumpout at Foxton on Tuesday.

“She had a quiet 1000m jumpout at Foxton, she went well and did everything we wanted her to do,” Wallace said.

“She finished second under a nice hold and pulled up well. I am very happy.

“It might be silly to say but I think she has improved. Time will tell.”

Pennyweka will likely have two trials before heading to Hastings next month where she will tackle the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) first-up.

Advertisement

Wallace is a bit overwhelmed by the number of options for his mare this spring, but is daring to dream of a Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) tilt.

“There are about 14 different races that would suit very well, but we will just take one at a time and see where we get to,” he said.

“We are certainly not averse to going back there (Australia), the prizemoney is pretty good.

“I have nominated her for the Caulfield Cup but that is pie in the sky at the moment.

“We haven’t really got any set targets, there are so many races. We are spoilt for choice, so we will just see how she goes.

“But at this stage, I couldn’t be any happier.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Stars on Show at Caulfield Spring Opener
The 2025 Victorian Spring Racing Carnival officially bursts out of the gates this Saturday with the Stow Storage Caulfield Spring Opener, headlined by the first Group 1 of the season, the $750,000 Stow Storage Memsie Stakes.
Damask Rose Looking to Kickstart Te Akau Melbourne Spring
Te Akau Racing are building a strong record in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), and they will look to continue that at Caulfield on Saturday when Damask Rose takes her place in this year’s edition.
Pennyweka provides Wallace with renewed vigor
Dual Oaks winner Pennyweka will return to New Zealand for a break following her resounding victory in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Dual Oaks Winner Pennyweka Retired
A year is a long time in racing and in 2023 the connections of Pennyweka experienced it all.
Sires With Winners - Thursday August 28
Here is the full list of 33 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Satono Aladdin's Pennyweka Clouts Them in ATC Oaks
Any thoughts that the Kiwis were taking pity with the defection of Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes winner Prowess was dispelled when New Zealand Oaks heroine Pennyweka (NZ) was in a class of her own in the $1,000,000 Group 1 The Star Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday.
Sir Stanley Goosman’s Impact on the National Yearling Sale
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th National Yearling Sale in New Zealand, and a prominent buyer during the history of the Sale was Stanley Goosman (later Sir Stanley).  He was a key player at the Sale during the World War II era, and headed the list of winning owners in New Zealand on 10 occasions.
Sires With Winners - Friday August 29
Here is the full list of 38 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G1 Plan for Kiwi Sprinter Niance
Six-year-old mare Niance will kick off a new campaign when she lines up in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley on Saturday week.
NZ Oaks Winner Ready for Australian Oaks
The autumn emergence of gifted staying filly Pennyweka has presented Jim Wallace with an opportunity to return to the main stage in Australia.