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
NZB Karaka Book 1 $165,000
Seller: Waikato Stud Ltd
Buyer: Pike 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...
Five Start 5YO So You Think Mare On The Rise
A five-year-old mare that’s had only five starts looks like repaying her ownership group’s patience and commitment after So You Think’s So You Pence thumped them again at Albury on Friday and set up what looks a strong winter campaign.
George Gillfeather appointed to Riverstone Stallions Nominations
As Riverstone Lodge embarks on an exciting new chapter in launching Riverstone Stallions and their inaugural stallion, we are thrilled to announce George Gillfeather in the position of Nominations.  
The Resurgence of Kiwi Sprinters
As featured in May's edition of Hong Kong Racing World, New Zealand has long been a source of champion milers, middle-distance and staying horses with many Hong Kong legends of the turf purchased from the land of the long white cloud. But in recent years, Hong Kong has seen the emergence of the New Zealand-bred as a dominant sprinting force, with three of the world’s top-rated sprinters
G1 Winner for Sale on Gavelhouse
Classy, tenacious and mega-durable mare Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) is set to be offered in a special sale launching next week on Gavelhouse Plus.
Eureka Stud Confirm 2025 Stud Fees
Eureka is proud to announce its lineup of stallions for the 2025 Breeding Season.
Kiwi Bred Smokin’ Romans Heads Karaka Quinella in Cup
Karaka graduates ran first and second in a thrilling finish in Thursday’s A$300,000 Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m), with victory going to the warhorse Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines).
First Season Favourite for Fairhill Farm
First season sires are always a big part of any weanling sale as the market looks to get a glimpse and hopefully a good insight into something new and Mike O’Donell of Fairhill Farm has some confidence around one of these guys.
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 South Australian Derby
The Kentucky Derby is not the only Derby being run this weekend with intrigue aplenty in Adelaide as a field of up and comers chase G1 glory and the Victoria Derby winner seeks redemption.
First Winner for Victor Ludorum
Confirmed to shuttle to Darley NSW for a fourth season this spring, Victor Ludorum (GB) is on the board with his first winner after Viva La Skids charged home to win at Saint Cloud in France overnight.
Trapeze Artist's Flying Bandit Wins Listed Wagga Gold Cup
Trapeze Artist had his fourth stakes winner on Friday with progressive stayer, and bargain buy, Flying Bandit winning the Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup (2000m).