New Stakes-Winner for Shocking

Media Release - Sunday December 17
A moment of Leith Innes magic has seen race favourite Formidable snatch a last gasp victory in the Listed Auckland Age Concerns 3YO Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.

The Shaune Ritchie trained Shocking gelding was having his first start since clearing maiden company over 1600 metres at Avondale in late November and was warmly supported off the back of that impressive victory.

Formidable - Trish DunnellFacing just the six rivals, Formidable settled last in a compact field as Unnameable and Eiltilt set a steady pace out in front.

Proceedings began to get serious as the field approached the home bend with Innes finding himself in an awkward position as several rivals swept around the outer to have Formidable last and blocked behind a wall of runners.

Innes didn't panic as he searched for a gap that finally came at the 150-metre mark as Formidable dived between runners before dashing to the front in the shadows of the post. Second favourite, The Boy Wonder, fought hard to finish a neck away in second with Secret Ambition losing no admirers as he closed hard out wide for third.

"No one rides Ellerslie quite as well as Leith," said Ritchie after the race.

"He never seems to go wide and always seems to find a run. I guess we were lucky when he was only a couple of lengths from the leader but last at the 200m, but he knew he had a horse under him and he did the job right."

Ritchie has made no secret of his Gr. 1 Vodafone New Zealand Derby (2400m) ambitions with his charge and once again confirmed those aspirations after the win.

"That's what you like to see when you are pressing forward to the big dance in March," he said.

"He's now got his ticket I guess on that win.

"He just keeps improving as he hasn't got it right each time and has made mistakes, but he's just got better and better.

"That's what you want to see when you have them heading over ground.

"He will go to the paddock for ten days now then we will find a mile for him before tackling the Avondale Guineas.

"He does hold a nomination for the Karaka Mile, so we could pop the blinkers on him and sharpen him up for that. It might be a little short for him but it's a million-dollar race, so you have to have a go don't you."

The Listed $1m Karaka 3YO Classic (1600m) will be run at Ellerslie on 27 January followed by the Gr. 2 Electrolux Avondale Guineas (2100m) three weeks later, on 17 February.

A $39,000 NZB Select Yearling Sale purchase from the Rich Hill stud draft, Formidable is from Princess Biscotte, a half-sister by Casino Prince to Aussie Group I winner Barkada.

Formidable is the sixth stakes-winner for Rich Hill Stud's Melbourne Cup winner Shocking – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
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.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
One to Watch – Moonee Valley
This promising three year-old Cosmic Force filly made it wo wins in as many starts at Moonee Valley on Friday night with a tenacious display.
$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.
$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.
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Halo Racing Reduction features in November (Late) catalogue
Shares in reigning G1 Caulfield Cup champion Duke de Sessa, G1 Toorak Hcp winner Attrition and tomorrow’s G1 Railway Stakes favourite Light Infantry Man headline an exciting Inglis Digital November (Late) Online Sale.
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.