Oaks Goal for War Decree Filly

Media Release - Tuesday December 31

Ben and Ryan Foote will head to Ellerslie on New Year’s Day with a pair of in-form black-type chances whose longer-term feature race prospects are equally as strong.

The father and son combination will be represented by Myakkabelle in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and Vega For Luck in the Gr.2 Skycity Eclipse Stakes (1200m).

Myakkabelle will contest the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year's Day.   Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)

War Decree Filly Myakkabelle is a two-time winner who finished a sound third against older opposition two runs back and was luckless when fifth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day.

She missed the jump and settled three back on the fence before diving between runners in the straight to be strong to the finish.

“She was very, very good the other day and the step up to 2000m will really suit her down to the ground,” Ryan Foote said.

“The wide draw (11) isn’t ideal, but she seems to have bounced out of that run on Boxing Day very well.”

Foote said it wasn’t always the plan to back up Myakkabelle so soon, but her recovery rate had been excellent.

“She came through the race so well and didn’t get a lot of luck in running so we thought we’d put the nomination in and have a look,” he said.

Thursday’s outing will be another step for Myakkabelle toward her autumn goal of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham.

“The Oaks is the main one and we’ll pick the right path to it and do the right thing by the filly,” Foote said.

Advertisement

Myakkabelle is a daughter of the imported Lawman mare Myakka Park who is a half-sister to two European stakes winners.

The pedigree has also made its mark here with the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) and the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) winner Bella Waters whose half-brother Immediacy was successful in last season’s Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m).

Myakkabelle was purchased for $55,000 out of the New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale draft of Inglewood Stud, who also bred and sold Vega For Luck for $60,000 at Karaka.

The Lucky Vega colt is guaranteed a start in next month’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) following the encouraging start he’s made to his career.

His debut victory at Tauranga has been followed up with third placings at Ellerslie and Pukekohe, most recently in the Listed Challenge Stakes (1100m).

“He hasn’t put a foot wrong since his last run, he’s got a good gate (one) so he should be able to stick to the rail and give them something to chase,” Foote said.

“It’s a chance to give him more experience at Ellerslie and to decide if we do put a set of blinkers on to spark him up for the Karaka Millions.

“He won’t have them on Boxing Day, but we’ve still got them up our sleeve.”

Vega For Luck is the first foal of the winning Darci Brahma mare Badea, a half-sister to the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) winner Lilikoi. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Visit the profile page for WAr Decree

WAr Decree in upcoming sales:
Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 1
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Magic Trials at Caulfield Heath
Early season two-year-olds will step out this Thursday, 2 October, at the Caulfield Spring Trials presented by Magic Millions, with 800m 2YO heats following the opening trial for Group performers at 7:30am on the Caulfield Heath.
Talented So You Think Mare Goes Two for Two
So You Think is setting the pace for winners this season as we head into October and one of those promising winners is talented four year-old mare Enamorada, who made it two wins in as many starts when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday as favourite.
King’s Legacy Filly Salutes for Yulong
The first stakes-winner for her sire King’s Legacy when winning the Group III SAJC David Coles AM Stakes (1200m) last season, Steel Trap was subsequently purchased by Yulong privately and she posted her first win in their colours at Sandown on Wednesday.
Bryce Bevan Appointed Head of Digital at Magic Millions
Magic Millions' commitment to conduct online thoroughbred auctions has received a huge boost with today's announcement that Bryce Bevan has been appointed as Head of Digital.
First Win for Storm Boy Half-Brother by Pierro
Progressive Pierro colt Shangri La Boy is a very different horse to his older half-brother Storm Boy and while that Group winning colt is covering his first book of mares at Coolmore this spring, this fellow is on his way with an impressive maiden win at Rosehill on Wednesday.
Almanzor Mare Chasing More Black Type
Group Two performer Mary Shan will be in search of an elusive stakes victory when she heads south to Hawera on Saturday where she will contest the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m).
420k NZ Ready to Run Purchase Looks the Goods
Progressive three-year-old Sulek notched his first victory when landing the MRC Foundation Pin & Win Plate (1400m) at Sandown on Wednesday for trainer Dominic Sutton.
Godolphin’s Lonhro Filly Proficient On Debut
From the penultimate crop of Darley’s Champion Sire Lonhro, the Ben, Will and JD Hayes trained 3yo filly Proficient started the race favourite, winning the Sportsbet Race Previews Plate (1000m) at Sandown Hillside in a fighting finish. 
Promising Victory For Too Darn Hot’s Ripley
Racing in the same Qatar Bloodstock coloured silks worn to victory on Friday night by West of Swindon (Wootton Bassett) in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes, 3yo Too Darn Hot colt Ripley highlighted his future potential with a two-length maiden victory at Rosehill on Wednesday.