Stakes Goals Ahead for Sacred Falls 2YO

Media Release - Wednesday June 26

Vibrato shook off his rivals at Rotorua on Wednesday to score a comfortable victory in the At Cook Contraction 2YO (1230m).

Sacred FallsThe son of Sacred Falls led from the jump under a steady ride from Jonathan Riddell and strode away from his only challenger, Elliot Power, to win by two and a half lengths.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Vibrato was having his second career start, with Forsman saying the conditions at Ellerslie earlier this month did not suit the two-year-old gelding.

"He didn't have any favours that day," Forsman said.

"He drew wide and was caught off the track and probably going right-handed he just got a little bit lost.

"Once he found the front today, and the rail, it was a big help."

Forsman indicated they would now consider a start in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on July 27.

"It was what we were talking about pre-race (the Ryder Stakes)," Forsman said.

Advertisement

"I said if he handles the ground it is probably a race you have to consider. It is certainly a good option to have.

"I think the Sacred Falls are really coming along and they will be coming into their own over the next few months."

Vibrato is the second winner for four-time Group One winner Sacred Falls and is raced by David Seldon and his father Bob.

Seldon purchased the gelding as a yearling at Karaka for $45,000 from the draft of Waikato Stud.

Seldon is one of the principals of the Australian branch of American horse feed company, Performance Horse Nutrition, and he supplies feed to the Baker-Forsman stable.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Star Colt and Star Filly Highlight Snitzel Day at Magic Millions
It was Snitzel day at the Magic Millions on Thursday with Arrowfield Stud’s much missed champion sire, who died last year, producing the top selling filly and colt of the day.
Sires With Winners - Thursday January 15
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Home Affairs Filly Dazzling on Debut for Lindsay Park
The Lindsay Park team have had a week far beyond what we would call tough, but a good horse is often the best tonic and Home Affairs filly Jacaranda scored a dazzling six length debut win at Seymour on Thursday.
Waikato Stud Mourns The Loss Of Sacred Falls
The Chittick family and the team at Waikato Stud are in mourning after the shock loss of their best mate and emerging young stallion, Sacred Falls.
$1.1million Frankel Colt Sold by Newgate
Juddmonte Farms based champion sire Frankel has exerted a powerful presence on the Magic Millions this year and had a second million dollar yearling on Thursday when the Newgate Farm consigned colt from Miss Alacrity (USA) sold for $1.1million.
People at Magic Millions - Day Three
Day Three at Magic Millions and Maree wasn’t finding it difficult to find the love for Frankel, while there’s a great story about a $250,000 sale from a $6,000 service fee with Ben Lucas.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Three heats won by juveniles at Randwick on Thursday morning and two of those winners were unraced fillies by Home Affairs and Farnan with a half-sister to the latter being sold at Magic Millions on Tuesday and might just be a saleyard gift!
First Winner for Sacred Falls
Exciting prospect Shoshone delivered the first win for her sire, the Waikato Stud-based Sacred Falls, in fine fashion when she led all the way over 1200m at Ellerslie on Monday.
Stakes Goal for Sacred Falls 2YO
Murray Baker is pleased with last start winner Vibrato heading into Saturday’s Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) at the Levin Racing Club’s race meeting at Otaki.
$1.6million Snitzel Filly Stars at MM Day 3
The latest yearling from Arrowfield Stud's grand producer Madame Andree topped Day Three of selling at the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale on Thursday.