Embellish 4YO Back in Top Form

Media Release - Sunday February 2

Progressive galloper Talisker made a welcome return to the winner’s circle at New Plymouth on Saturday, taking the Platinum Homes (1400m) with a stamp of authority.

Talisker winning the Platinum Homes (1400m) at New Plymouth on Saturday.   Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North)

Group Two-placed as a juvenile, Talisker spent the first-half of his three-year-old season in the South Island, picking up three wins on the bounce for Te Akau Racing’s Riccarton stable. The son of Embellish was denied by just a half-length to Crocetti in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), but struggled to replicate that form through the summer and headed for the spelling paddock.

Returning in late November, Talisker recorded placings to Matane, Tanganyika and stablemate My Lips Are Sealed so far this campaign, the latter in the Gr.3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m) at Trentham. Starting favourite at Taranaki, jockey Craig Grylls allowed a rush of horses to contest the early speed, settling the gelding third-last in a comfortable rhythm.

Front-runners Amend and Ifindoubtgetout held their position to the home turn, but Talisker was travelling sweetly and launched down the outside on straightening, running down the leaders to score ahead of a game Our Jumala.   

Mark Walker, who trains Talisker in partnership with Sam Bergerson, was rapt with the result, particularly so for his syndicate, the Te Akau Classic Edition Racing Partnership.

Advertisement

“it was really good to see him return in winning form today and the owners have been super patient with him,” he said.

“He was well ridden by Craig. We thought he’d be closer in the run, but they were going hard up front and he elected to take a sit off them. So, it was a good, intelligent, ride and he’s riding in career best form.

“The progeny of Embellish seem to get better as they get into each season and he looks like he has a big race win in him, this horse. It might not be this year, but as a five-year-old, when he’s one-hundred percent mature, I think he could win a good race.”

A $60,000 purchase by David Ellis at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale in 2022, Talisker has earned over $262,000, with four wins and seven minor placings in 15 starts. He is out of a Redoute’s Choice mare Glenkinchie, who has produced another recent winning son of Embellish in El Arish. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk

Visit the profile page for Embellish

Embellish in upcoming sales:
Advertisment
More Reading...
Corumbene Stud Mourn Loss of Treasured Mare
Corumbene Stud took to Instagram earlier today to announce the passing of their much loved broodmare Bahia, the dam of Golden Slipper winner Overreach.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
$1.65million Invincible Colt Hostility Resuming on Saturday
Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Ole Kirk share headlines strong September (Early) Online Sale
A share in - and mares in foal to - reigning Champion First Season Sire Ole Kirk are joined by a bevy of quality racing and breeding stock in the Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, which is now open for bidding.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
River (Banking) on Dalasan
There are any number of reasons a stallion can go radio silent in their third and fourth seasons at stud.
Aussie Connection with Impressive St Mark’s Basilica Debut Winner
2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) is at Coolmore Australia this spring and had an impressive debut winner at Ascot overnight with El Vamos powering clear of her rivals to win as she pleased.