The result of Friday's $70,000 Group 3 Lucia Valentina Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki had Karaka significance on multiple levels – the winner Lincoln Blue (NZ) (Savabeel) is a graduate of the Premier Sale, and he also has a full-brother catalogued for Karaka 2017.
The Lisa Latta-trained runner was prominent throughout the race and put the pressure on a long way from home, powering clear under rider Masa Tanaka to beat the fast-finishing Rayas (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) by a length and three-quarters. No Fuss Gus (NZ) (Savabeel) was third.
Lincoln Blue has now had seven starts for two wins, four placings and $56,600 in stakes.
"He's a real up and comer," Latta said. "He holds nominations for the Levin Classic and the Derby."
Bred by Mrs CL Crawshaw, Lincoln Blue is a full-brother to the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner Brambles (NZ). Another full-brother, Lopov (NZ), is a Listed winner in Australia.
Lincoln Blue was offered by Waikato Stud at the 2015 Premier Sale and sold to Lisa Latta Racing Stables for $220,000. The colt is now owned by Latta's long-time clients Lincoln Farms.
Waikato Stud will also offer Lincoln Blue's full-brother as Lot 349 at the 2017 Premier Sale.
The Wellington Stakes placegetters also had Karaka connections. Rayas, a full-sister to last Saturday's Group 2 NRM Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1400m) winner Lasarla (NZ), sold for $50,000 at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale. Third-placed No Fuss Gus also went through the ring at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale but didn't meet his $150,000 reserve.
| Vendor | Waikato Stud |
| Purchaser | Lisa Latta Racing Stables (Palmerston North) |
| Breeding | Savabeel – Prickle |
| Sale | Lot 124, 2015 Premier Sale, $220,000 |
