Saint Emilion Wins Group Three

Media Release - Tuesday November 6

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.

Under a vigorous ride from Jonathan Riddell, Saint Emilion kicked back after being clearly headed in the home straight to defeat his fast-finishing stablemate Lizzie L'Amour, who snatched third from Hello It's Me.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained seven-year-old made it win number fifteen from 41 career starts, with six of those victories coming at the venue. Amongst that Ellerslie winning tally is last season's Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) while it was also his second win in today's event after taking in out in 2016.

Saint Emilion - Trish DunnellThe win also represented a major form reversal for the Mastercraftsman gelding who had finished last of thirteen runners in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at his most recent start.

"It was a bit of a head-scratcher at Hastings last time as we just couldn't put a finger on why he went so badly," Forsman said.

"He certainly perked up today and it could be that he was back on a track that he just loves.

"It was a very brave effort as he looked beaten at the 100m but he kicked back strongly and was going away again at the post.

"With his place in the handicap there really isn't a lot around for him, so he might have a quick freshen-up and then we will bring him back for the Zabeel Classic here on Boxing Day."

Advertisement

Forsman was also pleased with the performance of runner-up Lizzie L'Amour who ran on resolutely from the rear of the field.

"The track was probably a touch firm for her so I thought it was a good run," he said.

"She does find it hard at this level on the really firm tracks as she gets back and it can be difficult to make up much ground.

"For a moment I did wonder if she was going to just battle in the run home but she really stuck to her guns which was very pleasing."

The win was the second on the day for the powerful Baker-Forsman stable after Rhinestone Cowboy downed a handy field of rating 65 gallopers over 1600m in the previous event. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Te Akau Stars Warm Up at Taupo Trials
Perennial bridesmaid Qali Al Farrasha headlined a strong contingent of trialists out of Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson’s stable at Taupo on Monday.
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.
Kiwi Grey to Tackle Aussie Greys
Showy grey Stratocaster has conquered his own colour in New Zealand and now he’s attempting to do the same in Australia when he tackles the greys in the Off The Track Subzero Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Trans Tasman Options for La Crique
Trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are contemplating options on both sides of the Tasman with their multiple Group One winner La Crique following her pleasing trial at Taupo on Monday.
G1 Plans for Wexford Stable Mares
Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott have their sights set on the opening Group One of the season with a pair of talented mares, both of which appeared at the Taupo trials on Monday.
Zed 9YO Wins G3 Winter Cup
Saturday’s $110,000 Group Three Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton continued an incredible ride for the connections of Chase (NZ) (Zed), who bought him for only $9,000 from Book 3 of Karaka 2018. Originally a $6,000 purchase by JD Corcoran when offered as a weanling from Valachi Downs in the 2017 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale.
Too Darn Hot Mare Claims Third G1
Too Darn Hot (GB) will be a returning superstar to Darley NSW this spring and there is no doubt he can get an exceptional horse with Fallen Angel capturing her third Group I in France on Sunday when taking out the G1 Prix Rothschild (1m) at Deauville.
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.
Superstar for Mastercraftsman
Former Windsor Park shuttler Mastercraftsman (IRE) is no stranger to Group I success as a sire but may have soared to new heights with star filly Alpha Centauri, who posted her third consecutive win at the highest level overnight when winning the Group I Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
One to Watch – Ballarat
Last seen contesting the Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes, newly gelded three year-old Olatunde bolted in at Ballarat on Monday continuing the fast start to the new season for his sire Farnan.