Zacinto Gelding Wins $350,000 Remutaka Classic

Media Release - Sunday January 21

Ben Foote never doubted the ability of The Odyssey, and his faith in the gelding was rewarded when he claimed the inaugural running of the $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m).

The Odyssey and Courtney Barnes winning the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

The innovation race was introduced by TAB and Entain last year, aimed at gallopers with one win or less prior to the 2023/2024 racing season. A fourteen-horse field was assembled at Trentham on Saturday, including five runners that had recorded victories in the six qualifying races across the country.

Foote’s gelding was one of the remaining runners rated highly enough to gain a start, the four-year-old carrying 59.5kg under the set-weight conditions having recorded three wins in his last four starts this campaign.

Despite The Odyssey’s recent form line, the son of Zacinto started a $21 chance on the TAB tote, a late market surge for South Island mare Betty Spaghetti saw her jump the $3.90 favourite ahead of Nereus at $4.70.

In the hands of Courtney Barnes, The Odyssey was fairly away from the ace draw, but secured prime positioning early three-back the fence. While My Maebelline Girl maintained a solid tempo in front, The Odyssey travelled comfortably midfield as the field spread out during the mid-stages, before compressing ranks near the home turn.

As the 14-strong field spread wide across the Trentham straight, The Odyssey emerged through the middle and soon started a two-horse battle with Nereus, Barnes driving her charge to the line to triumph in the Classic by a head.  

Final Return and Roulade were eye-catching in third and fourth, indicating the qualifying system was an effective aspect with the pair securing their place at separate Wanganui entry races.

Foote has been largely occupied of late with yearling sales and preparations, and credited The Odyssey’s performance to son Ryan, who joined him in partnership this season.

“Ryan’s done a great job, I’ve been away at the sales a bit recently and he’s been keeping his finger on the pulse. I’m really happy for him,” he said.

“This horse only had the one start over ground and he won, so when the odds came out I was a bit surprised. I don’t usually have a bet, but I did have a few dollars on him.”

Northern-based Barnes travelled to Trentham solely to partner the gelding, and Foote was delighted to see her consistency with the stable rewarded.

Advertisement

“She’s come down here for one ride, so I’m over the moon for her. She’s doesn’t get the best of rides, but she’s been doing a really good job for me so it’s a great result,” he said.

The victory was Barnes’ 20th for the season thus far, one that has seen her guide home two black-type winners in Matscot (Listed Spring Classic, 2000m), and the Foote’s Group Two-winning sprinter Babylon Berlin (Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint, 1200m).

Having piloted The Odyssey to all three of his career successes, making the journey down to take the ride was an easy decision for Barnes. 

“It was hard not to come down with the form he’s been in, but even better to get the job done,” she said.

“He did it very tough last start and still managed to pull it off, so I was confident he could go a really good race.

“From barrier one, we got a nice trip three-back the fence. He travelled really well, I knew Chris (Dell)’s horse (Final Return) was going to take me far enough into the race, and luckily it did. When we came out in the straight he was just too good.

“I’m very grateful to Ben and Ryan, I’ve had a lot of luck as of late, so hopefully it continues. It’s good to win a nice race on a big day.”

The $175,000 winner’s purse will be largely distributed to The Odyssey’s part-owners and co-breeders Gareth Downey and Mel Gamble, with Downey a former General Manager at Kevin Hickman’s Valachi Downs Stud.

“Gareth worked everything out and we decided to go into this race a little bit fresh, so credit and thank you to him as well. He’s got the rewards,” Foote said.

The now Victorian-based couple bred the gelding out of their Group One-winning mare Macavelli Miss, a $8000 purchase out of Sydney in 2003. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
$8,000 Investment Continues to Reap Rewards
An $8,000 purchase in 2003 has continued to pay dividends for Gareth Downey over two decades later, when the filly’s son won the inaugural $350,000 The Oaks Stud Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham last Saturday.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Will Macdonald Joins Astute Bloodstock
Astute Bloodstock is delighted to announce the expansion of our team as we continue to meet increasing client demand and pursue our Group 1 ambitions.
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Birdsville Kicks Off with Record Fields on Friday
The 143rd Birdsville Races roared to life today with a burst of trackside colour and red desert dust, as a record crowd of punters converged on the edge of Queensland’s Simpson Desert for the iconic two-day meet.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.
Better Than Ready's The Odyssey Leads Home a 1-2-3 for the Locals in the Last On Magic Millions Race
The locals went 1-2-3 in the $1m Racing Qld Magic Millions (1300m) to bring the curtain down on Magic Millions raceday at the Gold Coast.