Mastercraftsman Filly Prepares for Oaks

Media Release - Thursday March 29

Ruakaka trainer Chris Gibbs will line-up Danzdanzdance in the Group I Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on Saturday ahead of her tilt at the Group I Australian Oaks (2400m) a fortnight later.

Danzandance - Race ImagesHowever, her trip across the Tasman didn't go entirely to plan, when her scheduled Monday flight was delayed by a day.

"There was a delay to the flight and it is what it is, there's nothing much we can do about that I'm afraid," Gibbs said.

"She seems to have settled in, but she's only been there a day. From all reports she's worked well and is eating pretty good really."

The Mastercraftsman filly goes into The Vinery in fine form having placed in her two previous starts in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m).

She comes from the same family as former star Kiwi filly Lucia Valentina, who won the Vinery in 2014.

Advertisement

Gibbs said he is happy with his runner leading into the race, but would like to see how well she is faring after another few days.

"I am very happy with the barrier draw, so Saturday will tell us a lot. Over the next few days we just want to see her settle in properly, she's only been there a day so it's pretty hard to make a call on how well she is doing.

"We'll be a little bit wiser when she has had a few days of eating and we'll be able to weigh her."

Gibbs, who now trains on his own account after former training partner Donna Logan took out a training licence in Singapore, will travel to Sydney on Friday ahead of Saturday's feature.

Danzdanzdance is currently an equal $8.50 fifth favourite in The Vinery market with the New Zealand TAB, behind $4.80 race favourite and last-start Gr.2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) winner Unforgotten. – NZ Racing Desk.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Thursday February 5
Here is the full list of 40 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
People at Classic - Thursday Inspections Flat Chat
It was even busier on Thursday than it was on Wednesday at the Riverside complex for the Inglis Classic Sale and Maree McEwan was out speaking to more of the players in the lead up to Sunday.
Highview Announce Unreserved Deplenishing Sale On-Farm
Longstanding vendors Highview who have been selling yearlings since 1986, have announced the staging of an Unreserved Deplenishing Sale at its Hamilton property on Sunday 15 March 2026. 
Second Group One Win for Mastercraftsman Mare
The Chris Gibbs and Michelle Bradley-trained Danzdanzdance made it consecutive Group One successes when winning the Group I Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2000m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day in sensational fashion.
Caulfield set for Charity Family Day fun and fundraising
Blue Diamond Preludes and the return of Group I VRC Victoria Derby winner Observer will make for a great Saturday at Caulfield and MRC CEO Tanya Fullarton said the day would be a celebration of racing, community and charity. 
Saint Emilion Wins Group Three
Rugged front-runner Saint Emilion once again showed his penchant for the Ellerslie track when he led all the way to win the Group III OMF Stakes (2000m) on Tuesday.
Affordable G1 Success – Rheinwood Pastoral Delivers
Not many vendors at Inglis Classic can lay claim to having bred and sold two Group I winners in 2025 and you could have bought both of them at this sale for a combined total of $155,000.
From Rogue to Racehorse
A one time rogue headed for the broodmare paddock is now a Randwick winner thanks to an inspired purchase and the patience and skill of Adam Mackrell and his team at Bell View Park Stud.
Danzdanzdance Glides to Group One Success
Four-year-old mare Danzdanzdance made light-work of her rivals in Saturday’s Group1 Rydges Wellington Captain Cook Stakes (1600m) at Trentham and could be New Zealand Racing’s next weight-for-age star.
$240,000 Night of Thunder Mare Mount Bona Tops Inglis Digital
Mount Bona (Night of Thunder) – a winner of her past three starts for Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich – topped today’s Inglis Digital February (Early) Online Sale, realising $240,000.