Orchestral to G1 Empire Rose

Media Release - Tuesday October 29

Orchestral had her name up in lights during the autumn in Sydney, and on Saturday she will step out on the big stage at Flemington as a key hope in the A$1 million Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m).

The daughter of Savabeel had an incredible three-year-old campaign with highlighted victories in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) before asserting herself among the top fillies in Australasia when capturing the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.

Orchestral is headed to Flemington - image Steve Hart

Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood emphasised their focus on the autumn in her four-year-old year with a light spring campaign on the cards, and in her first start in Victoria on October 12 she pleased with a sixth placed finish in the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).

 “We were very happy, she just lacked any room or luck when we needed,” Wellwood said.

“When she did get clear air, she really rushed at the line and closed well late. Caufield was probably always going to be a hard track for her, so we’re really looking forward to seeing her at Flemington.”

Having settled well into life across the Tasman, Orchestral had an opportunity to take a look around the iconic racecourse prior to her elite-level assignment.

“She’s a pretty fit mare now, she galloped on the course proper at Flemington and had easy work, running 1.11,” Wellwood said.

“Declan Bates rode her and was very pleased with her and how she pulled up.

“She’s really thriving now, licking the bin and ticking every box you want to see ticked.”

Advertisement

The Empire Rose has a glowing recent history for Kiwi-bred mares and Orchestral will aim to join the likes of Icebath, Melody Belle, Shillelagh and I Am A Star as victors in Saturday’s contest, where she will be ridden by Mark Zahra.

In the early TAB New Zealand market, Orchestral is a $5 second-favourite for the Empire Rose, with fellow Savabeel mare Atishu on top at $4.50. 

Closer to home on Wednesday, Wellwood will head to Te Aroha with Osteria, aiming to better a quartet of placings so far in his career in the Donaghy’s Uddermax 1200. 

The Ribchester three-year-old started his career in the care of Peter and Dawn Williams and was a part of the talented Barneswood Farm-raced contingent that transferred to James and Wellwood upon their retirement.

“We were very fortunate to get the Barneswood horses from Peter and Dawn, they really liked him and he showed nice ability in the few starts they had him as a two-year-old,” Wellwood said.

“They probably had the same opinion that he was a bit green and needed a bit of ringcraft, but he’s come in lovely order.

“He’s a horse that has done a couple of things wrong, but he’s getting there and has matured a lot physically.

“Apart from a niggly wide draw (9), I really like his chances tomorrow.” – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Farnan Draws Level with Ole Kirk on 13 Winners
There’s a good battle going to decide the leading first season sire by Australian winners and with just seven days of the season to run Farnan is laying down the gauntlet to the long time division leader Ole Kirk.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Season Finale Flourish for So You Think
Coolmore stalwart So You Think is powering to the end of the Australian racing season with a six winner flurry on Saturday highlighted by a winning treble at Randwick led by his progressive mare Oh Diamond Lil.
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First SW For So You Think Stallion Tamasa As Cicala Takes Out Lightning
One of just three named foals by the So You Think stallion Tamasa, the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea trained 3yo filly Cicala remained unbeaten, going three from three by winning the $120,000 Listed SAJC Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
Sires With Winners - Saturday July 26
Here is the full list of 86 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
New Zealand Makes Presence Felt in Hong Kong’s 2024-25 Season
From a freakish sprinter with a (NZ) suffix to an exciting group of up-and-comers sourced from the Karaka sale ring, New Zealand’s influence was strongly felt on Hong Kong racetracks during the 2024-25 season.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 24
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.