G2 Travis Stakes Win for Sacred Falls Mare

Media Release - Saturday April 29

Progressive mare Aromatic rounded out her current campaign with another impressive victory when she cruised home in the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa.

Opie Bosson eases Aromatic to the finish line as they complete a comprehensive victory at Te Rapa Photo: Trish Dunell

The grey six-year-old has gone to a new level in her performance lately with little luck when running sixth at Group One level in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) two starts back followed by a comprehensive win in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2000m) a fortnight ago.

With trainer Mark Walker suggesting this was most likely the last run of the season, the daughter of Sacred Falls showed she was heading to the spelling paddock at the peak of her powers as she dominated proceedings in the final stages of the contest in the hands of Opie Bosson.

Advertisement

Bosson had Aromatic perfectly positioned one off the fence in midfield throughout as three-year-old filly Sakura Girl, who started race favourite ($2.80), set up a steady pace.

Just as Sakura Girl tried to establish a winning break at the 300m, Bosson and Aromatic swooped on her and dashed clear to win by just on two lengths with Saint Alice boxing on nicely for third.

Walker was pleased to see the mare finish off so strongly on the Soft5 surface after preferring wetter conditions earlier in her career.

“She’s in great form and she has gone to another level in the second part of the season,” Walker said.

“I think she is more mature now and over all the niggles she has had throughout her career.

“I saw her come up underneath Opie around the 600m and I thought it was going to take something pretty good to beat her.”

Bosson admitted he couldn’t believe how well the mare had travelled throughout the race.

“She got into a good spot with the speed on and relaxed beautifully,” he said.

“I had a lapful of horse turning in and once she balanced up, she was very impressive.

“She is full of confidence now and when mares hit form, they hold it for a while and she is definitely in form.”

Aromatic was purchased out of breeder Milan Park’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale by Te Akau chief David Ellis for $160,000 and is a daughter of the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (2000m) winner Vickezzchardonnay.

She is a half-sister to the stakes placed Splendido and comes from an extended family that includes stakes performers The Mighty Finn and Fifty Fifty.

She has now won six of her 27 starts, with three of those victories at stakes level and over $341,000 in prizemoney. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
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.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
More Stakes Success for Sacred Falls Mare Aromatic
Ideal placement by Mark Walker and a perfect ride from Opie Bosson at Awapuni on Friday paved the way for Aromatic to comfortably add further stakes success to her record.
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.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
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.