On the Bubbles Back in Winner's Circle

Media Release - Tuesday October 17

On The Bubbles claimed his $1M Karaka Million 2YO purse over 1200m, and the now five-year-old may have found his sweet spot back at the sprinting trip when making a winning southern debut at Ashburton.

On The Bubbles winning at Ashburton on Monday. Photo: Race Images South

A champion two-year-old, On The Bubbles claimed the million-dollar Ellerslie feature alongside the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), with further stakes victories coming at three in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) and Listed Mufhasa Stakes (1400m).

The son of Brazen Beau returned to the winner’s stall for the first time in more than 18 months following a tough and tenacious sprint in the G.D. Jones Salute Stewards Trial (1200m) to hold out the fast-finishing trio of Live Drama, Lightning Jack and Petty’s Legacy.

Co-trainer Mark Walker was pleased to see Te Akau’s long-time campaigner back to winning form, also surpassing $950,000 in stakes for his connections.

“It’s one of the most satisfying wins we’ve had in recent times,” Walker said.

“He’s had a lot of issues with his wind, and to see him really put in like that and hit the line strongly was great for all of his connections and supporters.

“It was a lovely ride of Warren’s to put him in the race, and the horse showed that he still loves the game and wants to win.”

Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, mentioned the horse had been nominated for the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week, however, Monday’s victory would likely see On The Bubbles targeting the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m).

Advertisement

“Hopefully that gives him a lot of confidence going forward in his southern campaign, and although holding a nomination for the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile, he will probably be aimed at the Stewards Stakes instead,” he said.

Te Akau’s Riccarton stable and Kennedy produced a race-day double in the following event, with Mehzebeen claiming her second career victory in the Agraforum Comcat (2200m).

The Almanzor four-year-old was runner-up to Pennyweka in last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and thrived over the staying trip at Ashburton, travelling patiently midfield and answered the big task in the home stretch, weaving through runners to emerge clear by three-quarters-of-a-length to Sprocket Rocket.

“It was good to see her back to her best, winning over 2200 metres and the firm track suited, but just a great ride by Warren who’s riding in fantastic form and seeing things a long way from the finish,” Walker said.

Walker hopes the mare can assist their chances for back-to-back Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) victories during the Riccarton carnival, following subsequent Group One-performer Campionessa’s win in the staying feature last year.

“It was really pleasing to see her pick up and finish off the way she did, spearing between runners with a really good turn of foot, and we’re hoping to get into the Metropolitan Trophy during Cup week,” he said. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
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.
Who Was Flight?
A G1 race since 1984, the Flight Stakes is a race won by special fillies - often the ones who go on to do extraordinary things on the track against all comers as older mares and that's as it should be as Hall Of Fame legend Flight exemplified that style of thoroughbred.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 2
Here is the full list of 29 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Caulfield
Three barrier trials at Caulfield on Thursday morning produced heat winners for first season sires Wild Ruler and Profiteer with the quickest winner being Free Flying, the half-sister by Snitzel to brilliant Group winning mare Learning to Fly.
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.
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.
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.
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 Sires a Recipe for NZB Ready to Run Sale Success
Much of the NZB Ready to Run Sale’s extraordinary success has been underpinned by the stallions that have stood in New Zealand in recent decades.
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.