Shamus Award Filly Ready to Fire in Australian Guineas

Media Release - Friday March 1

Legarto catapulted herself into the spotlight in last year’s A$1 million Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m), and Te Akau Racing is hopeful another Kiwi filly can follow suit in the Flemington feature on Saturday.

That filly is Quintessa, a daughter of Shamus Award that has only once finished out of the top two in seven raceday starts, with her quartet of victories including the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham in January.

Quintessa will contest the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.   Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

Mark Walker, and his New Zealand co-trainer Sam Bergerson, gave Quintessa her biggest challenge to date in last month’s Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, and she lost no admirers in a barnstorming run into fourth behind Bonny Lass, recording the fastest closing sectionals in a quality field.

“We were stoked with her run, she got back and rattled off some really good sectionals late on a track that was probably hard to make ground on,” Bergerson said.

“She was a three-year-old filly against some hardened older weight-for-age horses, so it gave us the confidence to put her on the plane and take on the Aussies.”

Quintessa soon headed across the Tasman to join Te Akau’s Cranbourne base headed by assistant trainer Ben Gleeson, with reports she has settled in well ahead of her assignment on Saturday, where she will be partnered by last year’s winning jockey Mick Dee.

“She galloped really well on Tuesday, Mick rode her, and the team said she’s handled everything really well since she arrived there,” Bergerson said.

Advertisement

“We’re very pleased with how she is heading into Saturday, it’s hard to know how she will go against some of the best three-year-olds in Australia, but we’re confident she can run a good race.”

One of just two fillies in the 16-horse affair, Quintessa is currently rated a $18 chance with the TAB Fixed Odds jumping from barrier eight, directly alongside $2.70 favourite Riff Rocket, Chris Waller’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner.

Fellow Kiwi The Pendragon, now based with trainer Michael Moroney at Flemington, is just adrift in the market at $21.

“We think the New Zealand form will stack up well with her and Pendragon, she’s a little bit friendless in the market, but on her day, she’s more than capable,” Bergerson said.

“She’s a Group One winner over a mile at Trentham, and the Flemington track is quite similar being a big, roomy course.

“She’s pretty adaptable, she can go forward or back, so I’m guessing they’ll leave it up to Mick really, the draw gives her a few options.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 Tatts Tiara
With Royal Ascot done and dusted for another year, let's turn our attention to the final G1 of the Australian racing season as some very expensive mares seek to land that elusive G1 and three runners will carry the Yulong colours!
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Trial action was at Randwick on Friday and there were six heats for juveniles that included some interesting unraced youngsters highlighted by the full brother to a promising young sire, a well bred son of Farnan and an Extreme Choice filly.
Quintessa Primed to Bounce Back for Te Akau
The departure of 10-time Group One winner Imperatriz has done little to slow Te Akau Racing’s progress in Australia, and trainer Mark Walker hopes the stable’s strong spring momentum will continue at Caulfield on Saturday.
Quintessa Another Star Performer from Wentwood Grange
Cambridge thoroughbred nursery Wentwood Grange were thrilled to watch farm graduate Quintessa add to her burgeoning record when victorious first-up in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
National Online Breeding Stock Sale online now
The National Online Breeding Stock Sale has launched on Gavelhouse Plus with bidding open on the 87 Lots sale which is set to end from 7pm on Wednesday 9th July.
Best On Breeding
Having last raced in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Randwick in April, has been set a difficult task when she resumes under topweight in a very open Tobin Brothers Cockram Stakes (1200m) on Memsie Stakes Day at Caulfield.
Red Right Out Wins MM Queensland Qualifier
The 2026 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping will feature the third annual Queensland Off-The-Track Cup (QOTT) final on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at Doug Jennings Park on the Gold Coast. 
Vinery Stud Announce Adam White as Interim Manager
From the 1st of July, Vinery Stud is pleased to announce the appointment of Adam White as Interim General Manager, following the resignation of Peter Orton. A dedicated and long-standing member of the Vinery team, Adam brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of both the business and the industry to this pivotal role.
Quintessa All Courage in G3 Cockram Stakes
Class told in Saturday's Group III Tobin Brothers Cockram Stakes (1200m) when New Zealand's Group 1 winner Quintessa made light of her 60kgs at her seasonal debut.
Promising 2YOs for Pike
Tony Pike found it difficult to split his juvenile charges the last time they took each other on and it’s the same story at Ruakaka.