Stakes Test for Divine Prophet 3YO

Media Release - Wednesday November 29

A successful first campaign will draw to a close on Thursday for future Group One hope Up The Anti when the promising three-year-old is stepped up in grade on his home track at Otaki.

His form against lesser opposition suggests he’s more than capable of making his mark in stronger company and can prove that point in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m).

Up The Anti will seek black-type success in Thursday's Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

A well-related son of Divine Prophet, Up The Anti will spearhead a strong team for trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard at their local fixture.

“He hasn’t done a lot wrong and is a no-nonsense horse who puts himself on the pace and he has a little Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) feel about him,” Benner said.

With that in mind, Up The Anti is likely to head for the spelling paddock after Thursday’s assignment.

“It’s probably his grand final for this preparation and he can have a couple of weeks on the grass and then hopefully set him for the Derby,” Benner said.

Raced by breeders John and Di Bowbyes, Up The Anti is the first foal of the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) winner Bisou Bisou and has put together the tidy record of two wins from four appearances.

“He’s probably the pace in the race and he gives 100 per cent and should give the race a good shake,” Benner said.

Up The Anti is coming off a last-start success at Trentham and Matthew Cameron will again guide his fortunes.

Younger stablemate Full Force also looms a strong debut chance in the Vets On Riverbank 2YO (1200m) off the back of three trial wins.

Ryan Elliot rode him in his latest appearance in a 900m heat at Taupo and he will take the reins on the son of Cosmic Force.

Advertisement

“He has done nothing wrong in his trials and looks to have a fair bit of ability,” Benner said.

“You never really know with these two-year-olds what you are running against until after the fact, but we’re happy with him. He gets away quickly and will make his own luck.”

Pride Of Aspen and Colorado Silver will step out in the Riverbank Construction Handicap (1400m) and the UZA Bus Handicap (1300m) respectively and are considered genuine future black type contenders.

The former will benefit from Lily Sutherland’s two-kilogram claim and the Pride Of Dubai mare has had two trial outings to ready her for her return.

“She’ll be charging late and she’s got a good course record and first-up stats,” Benner said.

Three of Pride Of Aspen’s four wins have been posted on the track and she’s also been successful three times off a break.

Colorado Silver, another of Cameron’s mounts, had no luck when she was unplaced when she resumed during the Hawke’s Bay carnival.  

“She was knocked from to pillar to post and we had to regroup after that. She shows a lot at home and she’s ready, but has a sticky gate to overcome,” Benner said.

The stable will also be represented by Bent Out Of Shape and Head First in the Racing This Time On TV Facebook Maiden (1200m).

The former has the benefit of race day experience after his runner-up finish at the first time of asking at Tauherenikau earlier this month while Head First placed in her only trial ahead of her debut. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Derby Path Possible for Exciting Debut Winner
Simon and Katrina Alexander came close to winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) a few years ago with their stable star La Crique, and now it looks like they may have another Derby prospect on their hands.
Gavelhouse Bargain Back to Best
Cambridge trainer Shaun Phelan took special satisfaction from an all-the-way win by Pacheco in the $60,000 Poverty Bay Turf Club Cup (2600m) at Taupo on Friday.
Wrote Produces 'Horse of a Lifetime'
Bruce Wallbank has been on a wonderful ride since returning to the training ranks last term, with his only horse Midnight Edition rising through the ranks to become one of the favourites in Sunday’s Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1400m). 
Breeding to Win – 2025 G1 Caulfield Guineas
The Golden Rose is loud in the conversation these days - but the time honoured G1 Caulfield Guineas still speaks with authority to the notion of a “sire making” race for three year olds - because it is run at the true Classic distance.
More First Season Sire First Foals
The Breednet foal gallery has been kept particularly busy of late so time to take a look at some of the recent arrivals by first season sires.
Five More Seven-Figure Lots Close Out Tattersalls Book 1
A strong renewal of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale concluded with five further seven-figure lots led by a colt by Wootton Bassett at 1,900,000 guineas bought by the sale’s leading purchaser Godolphin.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 9
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Willydoit Chasing $1.5million Epsom Consolation
Saturday looms as a special day in the careers of Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, who are the part-owners and former trainers of two horses that will chase million-dollar prizes in Australia.
I Am Invincible Colt Tops Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale
A colt by champion Yarraman Park Stud stallion I Am Invincible topped today's Magic Millions Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale when selling for $550,000.
Melbourne Racing Club Chairman John Kanga Resigns
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) today confirmed that Chairman John Kanga has resigned from his position, effective immediately.