One to Watch – Benalla

Tara Madgwick - Thursday January 5

A winning debut for the three year-old half-sister to Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare was a highlight at Benalla on Thursday.

Aperol Blitz wins on debut at Benalla - image Brett Holburt / Racing Photos

Trained by Nick Ryan, Aperol Blitz was well supported and went to the post as favourite for the 1100m maiden and justified the faith of punters when surging clear to win by nearly two lengths.

 

 

"She overcame a wide gate and got into a nice position,” said winning rider Harry Coffey.

 

“I just wanted her to settle, relax and finish it off and that is what she did. She’s a real professional and a pleasure to deal with and that helps a horse especially having their first start.”

The daughter of Shalaa (IRE) was bought back by her breeder for $170,000 when consigned to Inglis Easter by Widden Stud, who will offer her yearling half-sister by Dundeel at Inglis Premier as Lot 440.

Aperol Blitz is the fourth winner from five foals to race from terrific producer Geblitzt, who is the dam of $6.6million earning Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare as well as stakes-winning stayer Lycurgus.

Geblitzt produced a filly last spring by Too Darn Hot (GB) and was then covered again by the champion son of Dubawi.

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Mulwala Water Ski Club Mdn 1106m

Benalla Track: Good(4) Time: 1:05.49
1
Aperol Blitz
- 4f Shalaa (IRE) x Geblitzt (AUS) (Testa Rossa (AUS))
Tnr: Nick Ryan Rdr: H Coffey 57
2
1.8
Rubikai
- 4f Rubick (AUS) x Lanikai (AUS) (I Am Invincible (AUS))
Tnr: Patrick Payne Rdr: Tahlia Hope 57
3
2.6
Stateswoman
- 4f Churchill (IRE) x National Anthem (AUS) (Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE))
Tnr: Mark & Levi Kavanagh Rdr: Zac Spain 57
4
4.7
St Malo
- 4f Frosted (USA) x Brittany (AUS) (Street Cry (IRE))
Tnr: D T O'Brien Rdr: Liam Riordan 57
5
4.8
Flip The Switch
- 4f Thronum (AUS) x Role Reversal (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: Michael Huglin Rdr: Beau Mertens 57
6
5.8
Motitsi
- 4f Street Boss (USA) x Graskop (AUS) (Manton (AUS))
Tnr: Joshua Julius Rdr: D Moor 57
7
6.1
Liqueur Gold
- 4f Bon Aurum (AUS) x Elite Vision (AUS) (Our Maizcay (AUS))
Tnr: K L Corstens Rdr: Teodore Nugent 57
8
7.1
Lovin' Bev
- 4f Needs Further (AUS) x Roundhouse Miss (AUS) (Casino Prince (AUS))
Tnr: P W Burgun Rdr: Ms S Hunter 57
9
7.2
Quick Fingers
- 4f Caravaggio (USA) x Typing (AUS) (Sebring (AUS))
Tnr: Henry Dwyer Rdr: M Aitken 57
10
22.2
Silver Dancer
- 4f Redente (AUS) x Silver Pathfinder (AUS) (Dash For Cash (AUS))
Tnr: Erin Maher Rdr: Madison Lloyd 57
More Reading...
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
Castelvecchio Out for Remainder of Season
Aeliana’s late charge into second place in the $1.5million Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last Saturday stamped her as the filly to follow out of the race, but it wasn’t quite enough to put her sire Castelvecchio to the top of the second season sires list and he is now out of service at Arrowfield following surgery last week.
Million-dollar Hour for Leung at NZB Ready To Run
Hong Kong bloodstock agent Willie Leung had a big hour at Karaka early on Thursday afternoon, spending more than $1 million to secure two well-credentialled colts at the NZB Ready to Run Sale.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Churchill Colt Pulls Off Stunning Pinhooking Result at NZB Ready To Run
Chad Ormsby has enjoyed plenty of racetrack success this year with pinhooks that he has been unable to sell at the Ready to Run Sale, but the multi-talented horseman had a very different outcome with the standout member of his 2024 Riverrock Farm draft at Karaka on Thursday.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
Ka Ying Rising connection draws Hayes team to Shamexpress at Karaka
With one of the world’s most exciting sprinters flying the flag for David Hayes in Hong Kong, it has been no surprise to see the trainer’s sons zeroing in on progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Shamexpress during the Ready to Run Sale at Karaka this week.
Arkansaw Kid Brother Sells for $520,000
A well-related son of Harry Angel provided a late highlight in the final hour of the 2024 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on Thursday when he was knocked down to a $520,000 bid from bloodstock agent Morgan Carter.
Sires With Winners - Thursday November 21
Here is the full list of 32 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.