Fittingly run on Caulfield Cup day, the race is named in honour of Pencarrow
Stud's wonder-mare Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm) who scored
extraordinary back-to-back wins in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups in 2001.Now 19 years old, the magnificent $4.7 million earner was recently mated with last year's Caulfield Cup winner Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor). A two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year, Mongolian Khan is a new addition to the stallion roster at Windsor Park Stud.
One runner in Saturday's race has a direct connection to the champion mare the race is named for. New Zealand filly Eleonora (NZ) (Makfi), who is trained by Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, is out of Ethereal's unraced daughter Sopra Tutto (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy). Eleonora will attempt to turn her fortunes around after an unlucky 11th in the Gr. 3 Edward Manifold Stakes two weeks ago.
The field also features the last-start Listed Dulcify Quality winner Moqueen (Uncle Mo), Edward Manifold Stakes runner-up Bella Sorellastra (Lope De Vega) and the recent winners Savvan (NZ) (Savabeel), Madam Stryker (Stryker) and So Distinct (So You Think).
The NZB Ethereal Stakes has proven to be a strong lead-up to the A$1 million Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington in early November. Set Square (Reset) won the Ethereal Stakes in 2014 on her way to Oaks success, while last year's Ethereal Stakes second and third placegetters Honesta (Monaco Consul) and Ambience (Street Cry) filled the same placings in the Oaks.
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