Ready to Run Graduate wins G3 New Zealand Cup

Media Release - Monday November 14

Kevin Myers’ stable successfully defended its crown in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with rising staying star Aljay prevailing in a driving finish at Riccarton dominated by Central Districts raiders.

The Wanganui trainer had triumphed in last year’s edition of the Martin Collins-sponsored feature with Mondorani, who was unplaced in his title defence behind his younger barnmate.

Aljay winning the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). Photo: Race Images South

He was able to celebrate a narrow victory as also a co-owner with great friend Charlie Gestro after Aljay repelled a stern challenge over the concluding stages by former stablemate Inmyshadow.

Myers originally prepared the son of Ferlax before he generously gifted him to his nephew Ashley Meadows, who trains at Awapuni, as a replacement for a group of owners after their first horse unfortunately broke down.

Aljay has now won four of his 17 starts and with a further eight minor placings has pushed his career earnings over the $260,000 mark.

Advertisement

The five-year-old settled back in the field before jockey Tina Comignaghi picked up ground before the turn and, after hitting the front 300m from home, held out the challenge of Inmyshadow to score by 0.2 lengths.

“It was a 10 out of 10 ride by Tina, she kicked clear and then my cousin’s horse came late so Dad would have been sweating at home that he might have given away the winner,” said Myers’ son Jason, who was in charge of the team at Riccarton.

“It was good to get one over on Ashley as there had been a bit of talk back and forward over the last couple of months.”

Aljay had been a winner on the course in Rating 75 company during the winter and the son of Rock ‘N’ Pop subsequently posted three placings before he finished a close second in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2500m) on the first day at Riccarton.

“We were confident heading into the Metropolitan and we were beaten by a horse (Campionsessa) that got the better run in the race,” Myers said.

“Tina just bided her time today and presented him at the top of the straight and the horse was really good.

“It’s been a long week and we’ve been a bit unlucky with a few, but we got the one we wanted.”

Comignaghi has enjoyed a successful association with the stable for some time and said everything fell perfectly into place for Aljay.

“We got a perfect run, we never lost any momentum and the horse gave plenty. It’s a big race and one I’ve always wanted to win and it’s great, Kevin has always supported me.”

Aljay and Inmyshadow had the finish to themselves with the Paul Moseley-prepared Mauna Loa more than 6.5 lengths back in third ahead of Starrybeel, who boxed on for fourth after enjoying a good run.

A memorable family double at Riccarton was also completed by Aljay as his half-brother is the former top jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe.

He was prepared by Myers to win last year’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) off the back of his lead-up victory in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m).

The son of St Reims was also successful in multiple prestige steeplechases in Australia when in the care of Victorian trainer Patrick Payne.

Out of the six-time winner Albacora, the half-siblings were bred by Ardsley Stud’s Jim Wallace with Aljay originally purchased as a weanling for $10,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s May Sale by Waterford Bloodstock.

He was then reoffered under the Ardsley banner at the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka where Myers secured him for $39,000. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment

Race Result - Martin Collins 159th N.Z. Cup Gr3 3200m

Riccarton Park Track: Dead(5) Time: 3:22.27
1
Aljay
- 5g Rock 'n' Pop (AUS) x Albacora (NZ) (Lord Ballina (AUS))
Tnr: K T Myers Rdr: A Comignaghi 55
2
0.2
Inmyshadow
- 6g Ferlax (NZ) x Regarded (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: A J Meadows Rdr: M K Hudson 57
3
6.7
Mauna Loa
- 7g Nom Du Jeu (NZ) x City Class Rose (NZ) (City On A Hill (USA))
Tnr: P R Moseley Rdr: S L Wynne 54
4
7.5
Starrybeel
- 8g Savabeel (AUS) x Starry (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: M J Mc Nab 58
5
9.8
Leaderboard
- 8g Street Cry (IRE) x Flower Fairy (USA) (Dynaformer (USA))
Tnr: M W Walker Rdr: C Zackey 56.5
6
10.0
Quota
- 5m Makfi (GB) x Catch The Day (NZ) (Keeper (AUS))
Tnr: J L Rathbone Rdr: S C Spratt 54
7
10.4
Asathought
- 6m So You Think (NZ) x Asavant (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: Ms L Vaughan Rdr: J D Laking 58
8
11.6
Finest Wine
- 5m Tavistock (NZ) x Songbird (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe (USA))
Tnr: D G Greene Rdr: L J Allpress 54
9
11.8
Mondorani
- 8g Burgundy (NZ) x Del Mondo (USA) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: K T Myers Rdr: S J O'Malley 55.5
10
13.7
Daytona Red
- 9g Sebring (AUS) x Move On Up (AUS) (Iglesia (AUS))
Tnr: N P Bishara Rdr: D G Bradley 55
11
14.0
Brookbourne
- 5g Ekraar (USA) x Shinead (NZ) (Danasinga (AUS))
Tnr: Team Rogerson Rdr: R Beemud 54
12
17.8
Jack Knows Best
- 6g Ghibellines (AUS) x Structure (NZ) (Yamanin Vital (NZ))
Tnr: L M Robinson Rdr: D W Stackhouse 54.5
13
18.7
Ekstrememiss
- 7m Cape Blanco (IRE) x Ekstreme (NZ) (Ekraar (USA))
Tnr: L J Stewart Rdr: G A Jogoo 54
14
19.2
Beaudz Well
- 6g Zed (NZ) x Celtic Rose (NZ) (Pins (AUS))
Tnr: J R Wheeler Rdr: Rohan Mudhoo 54.5
15
20.9
Heidi Hi
- 6m Roc De Cambes (NZ) x Hormones (AUS) (Commands (AUS))
Tnr: R C Dennis Rdr: Ms K Williams 54
16
22.1
Hit The Road Jack
- 6g Jakkalberry (IRE) x Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad (USA))
Tnr: S C Phelan Rdr: R T Elliot 59
17
45.2
Leitrim Lad
- 6g Tavistock (NZ) x Lia (NZ) (Oratorio (IRE))
Tnr: E P Green Rdr: T R Moseley 54
18
56.9
Wannabe 'n' Paris
- 6m Reliable Man (GB) x Wannabe Queen (USA) (Bernstein (USA))
Tnr: P D Harris Rdr: K Chowdhoory 54
More Reading...
Knights Choice a True Underdog Story
Punters were left stunned when the Queenslander Knight's Choice and Japanese visitor Warp Speed (JPN) emerged from the pack to fight out a dramatic finish to the $8,560,000 Group 1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington.
2024 Melbourne Cup Result - It's Knights Choice
The 2024 Melbourne Cup has been run and won with Knight’s Choice, a five-year-old gelding by Extreme Choice victorious.
Depth aplenty in November (Early) Online Sale
The dam of and a sister to G1 sprinter Oscar’s Fortune, mares in foal on desirable covers and an unreserved dispersal from a respected bloodstock operator are among the highlights of the Inglis Digital November (Early) Online Sale.
Rosemont and Partners Stakes Quinella on Cup Day
Written Tycoon posted his second new stakes-winner on Melbourne Cup Day when promising three year-old gelding Catoggio took out the Listed VRC Amanda Elliot Stakes (1400m)  for Rosemont Stud and partners, who also race the second horse Bosustow.
Flightline and Cogburn Shares Highlight Inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale
Stallion shares in Horse of the Year and exciting young sire Flightline and also Widden Stud's new shuttle prospect Cogburn changed hands at the inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale.
Kiwi Bred Gringotts Wins $3million Big Dance
Talented New Zealand-bred gelding Gringotts(NZ) (Per Incanto) delivered a big payday for his connections with victory in Tuesday’s A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick.
Before They Were Stars
Spring racing in Australia is in full swing and while many people are studying video with a view to backing winners, others are spending just as much time assessing breeze up footage with a view to finding the next champions to emerge from the NZB Ready to Run Sale, so what does a champion look like?
Tycoon Star Makes Winning Debut in G3 Maribyrnong Plate
Tycoon Star looked like the consummate professional when making a winning career debut in the Group III Darley Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) to kickstart Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington.
El Vencedor wins G3 Balmerino Stakes
El Vencedor is making a habit of picking up major victories at Ellerslie, adding the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m) to his burgeoning record at Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting.
More Aussie Purchases at Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale Day 3
Strong trade continued on the third day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale headed by the two-year-old LA BELLOTA at 425,000 guineas with eight lots realising 200,000 guineas or more and a clearance rate above 90%.