Lanikai Win Brings Karaka Pedigree Update

Media Release - Monday December 30

It may have taken a little longer than desired, but enigmatic galloper Lanikai finally broke through for his maiden victory at Taupo in the Mort Weber – Good Sorts in Racing (1800m) on Monday bringing a timely pedigree update for his half-sister by Super Seth headed to Karaka Book 1.

Lanikai winning at Taupo on Monday.   Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

The four-year-old son of Ocean Park had shown plenty of promise for trainer Tony Pike, placing in five of his previous 14 starts, but was testing the patience of his group of owners, which includes leading thoroughbred nurseries Haunui Farm and Waikato Stud.

However, Pike reassured the group of his ability, and they were rewarded for their faith on Monday with his maiden win.

“(He has) a very patient group of stable owners,” Pike said. “It is a great group of owners who have had a lot of success.

“They wanted to move this one on a while ago, but I said to hold onto him and that we will get there eventually. Hopefully they will be well rewarded going forward.”

Lanikai was given an economical trip midfield and was presented at the perfect time by jockey Ryan Elliot to produce his winning run with 500m to go, and went on to score a length victory over Mohi Place, much to the delight of Pike.

“He (Elliot) gave him a lovely trip,” Pike said. “He (Lanikai) is still arms and legs, he doesn’t help himself, he doesn’t know what he is doing, but hopefully the penny drops after today.

Advertisement

“He is a big-actioned horse and probably struggled around the tight Taupo circuit, but he got the job done.

“He will get a bit of confidence out of that win, he is a talented horse, he just needs to improve his racing manners a touch and hopefully he continues through the grades.”

Elliot was pleased with the win and said further wins are instore for the four-year-old if his racing manners continue to improve.

“The race mapped out perfectly for him,” Elliot said. “He just had to get out and rolling, he is quite a big striding horse. When the rub of the green goes his way, he is a very nice horse.

“He has got a few tricks up his sleeve, but as long as he progresses, he will get another couple of wins.”

A $165,000 Karaka Book 1 purchase from Waikato Stud, Lanikai is the third winner from unraced O'Reilly mare Oahu, who has a yearling filly by Super Seth that will be offered at K1 2025 by Waikato Stud as Lot  155. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Mort Webber - Good Sorts In Racing Mdn 1800m

Taupo Track: Good(4) Time: 1:52.34
1
Lanikai
- 4h Ocean Park (NZ) x Oahu (NZ) (O'reilly (NZ))
Tnr: A W Pike Rdr: R T Elliot 58.5
Inglis April (Late) Online Sale $1,750
Seller: Nick Ryan Racing
Buyer: Ms & Am Trinder
Inglis Classic Yearling Sale $75,000
Seller: Sledmere Stud, Scone
Buyer: Express Racing / Nick Ryan Racing
2
1
Mohi Place
- 5g Proisir (AUS) x Joan's Girl (NZ) (Pyrus (USA))
Tnr: C K Ormsby Rdr: M J Mc Nab 58.5
3
2.3
Arkadus
- 5g Churchill (IRE) x Fanatic (NZ) (Shocking (AUS))
Tnr: Debbie Sweeney Rdr: Ngakau Hailey 57.5
4
2.5
Diamonds For Jen
- 5m Sweynesse (AUS) x Diamond Hill (NZ) (Danehill (USA))
Tnr: Peter & Shaun Mckay Rdr: K A Myers 56.5
5
3
Giveusawink
- 4h Rip Van Winkle (IRE) x Platinum Elle (NZ) (Elnadim (USA))
Tnr: S Ritchie & C Murray Rdr: J K Riddell 58.5
6
3.4
Mr Fantasy
- 3g Ghibellines (AUS) x Danni's Girl (NZ) (Tavistock (NZ))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: C R Barnes 57
7
3.7
Gippsy God
- 3c Tarzino (NZ) x Stunner (NZ) (Pentire (GB))
Tnr: L O'sullivan & A Scott Rdr: M Hashizume 57
8
3.9
Trust Alone
- 4m Preferment (NZ) x Veux Winkle (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle (IRE))
Tnr: Andrew Forsman Rdr: C J Grylls 56.5
9
5.2
La Evita
- 4m Puccini (NZ) x La Chiflota (CHI) (Hussonet (USA))
Tnr: Ms C Cameron Rdr: U A Holmquist 56.5
10
6.9
Rocky Marciano
- 3c Eminent (IRE) x Shikoba (NZ) (Chief Bearhart (CAN))
Tnr: Peter & Shaun Mckay Rdr: Joe Doyle 57
11
7
Astucia
- 4m Reliable Man (GB) x Phoenix (NZ) (Swiss Ace (AUS))
Tnr: J C Collett Rdr: K Stott 56.5
12
11.2
Pretty 'N' Black
- 5m Derryn (AUS) x Our Pink Diamond (NZ) (Electronic Zone (USA))
Tnr: T W Mitchell Rdr: S C Spratt 56.5
13
12.2
Moon
- 5g What's The Story (NZ) x Pearl Grey (NZ) (Generous (IRE))
Tnr: M H Brosnan Rdr: A Lawson-Carroll 56.5
More Reading...
$1.2million for Mare in Foal to Frankel
There are four mares to be offered at Magic Millions National in foal to Juddmonte Farm’s champion sire Frankel and the first of them Grande Dame (GB) sold for $1.2million to James Bester Bloodstock/Morning Rise Stud.
Blue Gum Farm Welcome First Foal of the Season
Victorian nursery Blue Gum Farm announced on Monday the arrival of their first foal of the season and there is no mistaking the sire of this gorgeous filly.
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
Zed 9YO Wins G3 Winter Cup
Saturday’s $110,000 Group Three Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton continued an incredible ride for the connections of Chase (NZ) (Zed), who bought him for only $9,000 from Book 3 of Karaka 2018. Originally a $6,000 purchase by JD Corcoran when offered as a weanling from Valachi Downs in the 2017 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale.
Nominees Announced for Australian Racehorse of the Year Awards
The nominees for the prestigious 2024/2025 Australian Racehorse of the Year awards have been announced today by Racing Queensland in association with Racing Australia.
G1 Plans for Wexford Stable Mares
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have their sights set on the opening Group One of the season with a pair of talented mares, both of which appeared at the Taupo trials on Monday.
Trans Tasman Options for La Crique
Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are contemplating options on both sides of the Tasman with their multiple Group One winner La Crique following her pleasing trial at Taupo on Monday.
G1 Guineas Goal for Unbeaten Snitzel Filly
A quartet of well-performed fillies from Stephen Marsh’s stable took their first steps toward upcoming age group features when they stepped out at the Taupo trials on Monday.
One to Watch – Ballarat
Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.
Sires With Winners - Monday August 4
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.