Deserved Pierro Winner at Trentham

Media Release - Sunday January 12

Underrated sprinter The Stoney One picked up a deserved victory when he burst through late in the piece to claim victory in the JR & N Berkett Handicap (1100m) at Trentham.

The Stoney One winning the JR & N Berkett Handicap (1100m) at Trentham on Saturday.   Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

Although racing out of his class on a 73 rating against the open sprinters, the Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos-prepared six-year-old hasn’t always enjoyed the best of fortune in his career and carrying just 54kgs on his back along with in-form rider Craig Grylls, he looked to be a definite threat in the contest.

Grylls had the son of Pierro relaxed nicely at the rear of the compact nine-horse field, but well within striking range as Amend and Bold Belle set up a strong pace out in front.

Rounding the home bend Grylls was faced with a wall of horses in his face as the field fanned across the track and was in danger of not getting a crack at the leaders. Finding some clear air at the 200m The Stoney One burst through to collar race favourite Fancy Like Lass in the shadows of the post, registering victory by a long neck with Belle’s Echo dashing home late to claim third.

Zydenbos had a pre-race inkling that her charge could play a major role in the finish as his pull in the weights over some of the more fancied runners was a real advantage.

“Craig rode him perfectly, right in behind the pace where he is happy,” Zydenbos said.

“He was out of his grade but with the light weight I knew that might be the edge.

“We will keep finding nice races for him, but as he is just a little horse we wouldn’t like to break his heart, so we will just take it step by step.”

Advertisement

Grylls was pleased with how his mount travelled in the race and was mindful of the advice Zydenbos had given him before start time.

“He didn’t step away that great out of the gates but I still got a nice track into things,” he said.

“Leah did say to me he was best held up and having the last crack at them so it worked out perfect.

“I could see the runs were going to come at the 250m, so well done to the team.”

Raced by Peter Jeffares and Tony Rider, The Stoney One is out of the Charge Forward mare Western Gem who is a half-sister to Australian black type performers Western Empire, Western Jewel and Western Temple.

He was purchased under the Game Lodge banner for $45,000 out of the Book 1 Sale at Karaka in 2020 and has now won four of his 20 starts and over $155,000 in prizemoney. - LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - JR & N Berkett Hcp 1100m

Trentham Track: Good(4) Time: 1:01.37
1
The Stoney One
- 6g Pierro (AUS) x Western Gem (AUS) (Charge Forward (AUS))
Tnr: Guy Lowry & Leah Zydenbos Rdr: C J Grylls 54
NZB Karaka Book 1 $45,000
Seller: Milan Park
Buyer: Game Lodge
Inglis Great Southern Sale - Weanlings $75,000
Seller: Tyreel Stud, Agnes Banks, NSW
Buyer: Paul Willetts Bloodstock Consultancy
2
0.2
Fancy Like Lass
- 5m Hellbent (AUS) x Mandalong Belle (AUS) (Choisir (AUS))
Tnr: S Thompson Brown & M Brown Rdr: K R Hercock 54
3
0.6
Belle's Echo
- 6m Echoes Of Heaven (AUS) x Woodbury Belle (NZ) (Woodbury Lad (USA))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: K A Myers 56
4
1.1
Silent Is Gold
- 6g Star Turn (AUS) x Confident (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: Kevin & Stephen Gray Rdr: Toni Davies 57
5
1.3
Lincoln's Kruz
- 8g Kuroshio (AUS) x Myskina (AUS) (Xaar (GB))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: Harry Grace 55
6
2.1
Dragon Biscuit
- 6g Choisir (AUS) x Dawning Light (FR) (Siyouni (FR))
Tnr: Ms P Gerard Rdr: L J Allpress 54
7
2.8
Is That So
- 8g Sufficient (NZ) x Sheez Torkin (NZ) (Electronic Zone (USA))
Tnr: C R Isdale Rdr: L Currie 57
8
3.3
Amend
- 5g Wrote (IRE) x Tansava (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: Ms I Kelly Rdr: S C Spratt 57
9
3.6
Bold Belle
- 6m The Bold One (NZ) x Gossiping (NZ) (Al Akbar (AUS))
Tnr: B E Newman Rdr: M Hashizume 56.5
More Reading...
Cool Aza Beel Strikes Again
Proven Te Akau Racing filly Cool Aza Rene put her quality on display when prevailing in a competitive Nellies Restaurant and Bar 2YO (820m) at Wingatui on Sunday.
Familiar Faces Win $100,000 Jumps Features at Sandown
Jumps racing took centre stage at Sandown on Sunday with some familiar colours and faces winning both the $100,000 Australian Steeplechase (3900m) and the $100,000 Australian Hurdle (3900m).
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 1
Here is the full list of 51 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
French Derby Winner for Wootton Bassett
The versatility of Wootton Bassett (GB) was on show overnight in France where the Coolmore shuttler had first and third in the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) at Chantilly with Camille Pissarro claiming victory for Coolmore.
Lightly Raced Stayer Wins Sandown Cup
The $175,000 Listed MRC Sandown Cup (3200m) on Sunday featured some battle hardened  old stayers, but it was the young kind on the block that got the prize with four year-old Tavistock gelding Diwali scoring his first stakes win.
Pony Racing Series Finals This Saturday
The excitement is building as the 2025 National Pony Racing Series Finals prepare to take centre stage at the Gold Coast Turf Club on Saturday, 7 June, showcasing the nation's most promising young riders and their ponies.
Williams honoured with Damehood
Two thoroughbred industry stalwarts have been bestowed one of New Zealand’s highest honours in the King’s Birthday honour list, including Catriona Williams, who has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport.
The Secret is Out!
He has big shoes to fill as a half-brother to a $12million earner, but there is no secret about his ability! 
Brendan Lindsay honoured - Knights of the Cambridge Stud roundtable
The Cambridge Stud legacy continues to grow, with current co-principal Brendan Lindsay appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King's Birthday Honours for his services to business and philanthropy.
Inglis Internship applications open
An opportunity to work with Australia’s most progressive thoroughbred auction house has become available through the renowned Inglis Internship program.