$825,000 Snitzel Colt Wins Debut for Te Akau

Media Release - Monday January 20

He Who Dares was one of the most sought-after lots in last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales, and nearly 12 months later, he delivered on that promise on debut at Wanganui on Monday bringing a timely pedigree update for his half-sister by Savabeel headed to K1.

The regally-bred colt is a son of champion sire Snitzel, out of classy race-mare Rondinella, a Group One performer in both New Zealand and Australia. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis went to $825,000 to secure He Who Dares out of Haunui Farm’s draft, with three trials utilised to prepare the colt for his first race-day appearance. 

He Who Dares winning the Whanganui Vintage Weekend MDN 2YO (1200m) on Monday.   Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

In the hands of Craig Grylls, He Who Dares started the odds-on favourite at $1.60, with plenty of support also for Ensign Aria ($4.20), who had race experience on her side. The pair both jumped away positively and Ensign Aria took a sit, while He Who Dares motored to the lead inside of Ribella Rose.

Grylls maintained a grip on the favourite down to the home turn, and when asked for an effort, He Who Dares kicked away and never looked under threat, powering away by two lengths to Savachi Boy and Our Sniper.

Te Akau co-trainer Mark Walker was more than satisfied with the performance, indicating the stable had expectations that He Who Dares would be more of a three-year-old type.

“It was a really good win and we love travelling colts away overnight, which is what he did going to Wanganui,” he said. “The trip away helps them mature mentally and he raced like a colt that took it all in his stride.

Advertisement

“It was a good positive ride of Craig’s, electing to press forward when one rushed up early in the race and the colt was up to the challenge.

“Obviously he has a lovely pedigree, with plenty of depth, and he’s got all the attributes he needs for a nice young colt. Given his pedigree, whatever he does as a two-year-old is a bonus because we think he’ll be better at three.”

Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson, now has designs on the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m) for the colt, with a long-term goal of getting to the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day (March 8).

Lot 255 - Savabeel filly from Rondinella.

He Who Dares was bred by Frantic Bloodstock and Haunui Farm, with the latter offering his half-sister in their Book 1 draft at Karaka next week in the form of Lot 255, a filly by Savabeel. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Whanganui Vintage Weekend Mdn 1200m

Wanganui Track: Good(4) Time: 1:11.28
1
He Who Dares
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x Rondinella (NZ) (Ocean Park (NZ))
Tnr: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson Rdr: C J Grylls 57.5
2
2
Savachi Boy
- 2g Tivaci (AUS) x Savarose (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: J G Bary Rdr: J K Riddell 57.5
3
2.1
Our Sniper
- 2g Satono Aladdin (JPN) x Uralla (AUS) (Charge Forward (AUS))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: L Sutherland 57.5
NZB Ready To Run Sale $0
Seller: Lilywhites Lodge
Buyer:
4
2.5
Ensign Aria
- 2f U S Navy Flag (USA) x Maneo Invictus (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: C A Bambry Rdr: K R Hercock 55.5
5
4.5
Brave Rebel
- 2g Tivaci (AUS) x Rebel Belle (AUS) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: G H Sharrock Rdr: Marc R Lerner 57.5
6
7
Platinum Pantheon
- 2c Hanseatic (AUS) x Our Secret Sister (AUS) (Toorak Toff (AUS))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: A Lawson-Carroll 56.5
7
7.6
Ribella Rose
- 2f Ribchester (IRE) x Quick Choice (NZ) (Darci Brahma (NZ))
Tnr: Ms L Latta Rdr: Joe Doyle 55.5
More Reading...
Waller Stable Hold the Key to Melbourne Cup
Champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller has 27 of the 120 entries for this year’s $10million Melbourne Cup, which equates to more than 20 per cent of the total, so it’s probably worth having a closer look at them.
Engine of War Wins for MyRacehorse at Sandown
VRC Derby aspirant Engine Of War made a winning Australian debut from the quarters of Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr when saluting at Sandown on Wednesday over 1500m.
Vivid Sun Shines Bright At Sandown
Recording her second win in as many starts, 3yo The Autumn Sun filly Vivid Sun looked something special as she resumed from a spell at Sandown to trounce her rivals by more than two lengths on Wednesday, signalling a step up to black type races during the Spring.
Almanzor Mare Salutes for Cambridge Stud
Daring Dame broke through for an elusive win when taking out the Kensington Tavern 1200 at Ruakaka on Wednesday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday September 2
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
G3 Tibbie Next for Tuileries
Lightly raced So You Think mare Tuileries has long promised to measure up to stakes class and will be given that opportunity next start after returning to top form to win at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
Winning Debut for Blueblood Cox Plate Dreamer
At the start of August we ran a story about the 3YO’s that were entered for this year Cox Plate and aside from the usual suspects there were some ‘Cox Plate’ dreamers and one of them was unraced Lonhro colt Attica, who made a winning debut at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.
So You Think filly Scores for TAB Racing
The TAB Racing Club’s silks were to the fore at Ruakaka on Wednesday, with three-year-old filly Transcend carrying them to victory in The Homestead Sports Bar & Bistro 1200.
Consecutive Wins As Cantiamo Defeats The Boys
With 60kgs on her back against the boys, it’s clearly evident there are bigger and better things ahead for the Kris Lees trained Cantiamo as the 3yo daughter of Too Darn Hot went back-to-back, winning the Precise Air Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 3
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.