Royal Group Two Win for Darci Brahma Filly

Media Release - Monday January 1
A change of gear made all the difference for promising three-year-old Hello It's Me who stormed to victory in the Group II Stella Artois Royal Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

Regular rider Cameron Lammas had recommended the addition of blinkers for the Darci Brahma filly after she finished a lacklustre sixth in the Listed Trevor Eagle Memorial (1500m) at her previous start.

Hello It's Me outpoints Contessa Vanessa - Trish DunnellThis time there was no doubting her willingness to compete hard at the business end of the contest as she ran down race favourite Contessa Vanessa in the concluding stages of a truly run event.

"Last start she had 2000 metres, blinkered up, stamped all over her," said Lammas.

"She had a lovely run today and just kept finding. She has had a bit of a setback with a bruised heel, so they've done an awesome job with her."

Co-trainer Chris Gibbs admitted a heavy shower that struck Ellerslie twenty minutes prior to the race had also been a contributing factor in the filly's success.

"Cameron has always had a huge opinion of her as he has ridden her a few times now," he said.

"She loved the ground, so I think the rain certainly helped.

"There's always been the class there, but we did have a tiny concern whether she was ready for the race, but the way she ran it out she was impressive."

Gibbs also indicated further staying tests were on the programme for the filly who was a $28,000 purchase for Logan from the Seaton Park draft at the Select session of the 2016 National Yearling Sale.

"She's in the Derby and the Oaks so we will take one of those paths," he said.

"As you know Donna and Dean have always been huge believers of the fillies in the Derby. I don't think anything has really stamped itself for the Derby yet and she has certainly shown today she wants more ground.

"She likes Ellerslie so we might be back."

The prolonged shower that struck Ellerslie prior to the race saw a track downgrade from a Good 3 to a Dead 6 following the race with most jockeys indicating that the footing had definitely been affected by the downpour. – NZ Racing Desk


Advertisment
More Reading...
From Last to First - Catalyst Simply Brilliant!
Boom three-year-old Catalyst overcame a scare to brilliantly win Saturday’s Group III Henley Park Mr Tiz Trophy (1200m) at Ellerslie, extending his winning sequence to six.
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.
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.
All Too Hard's Arran Bay Brave in the Furphy Plate
Phillip Stokes admitted his preference was to run Arran Bay in the Listed John Letts Cup at Morphettville but was overruled by the owners, who made the correct decision in favouring the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington.
Catalyst to Head Sales Boost for The Oaks Stud
The excitement over the Karaka Million twilight meeting is already high for The Oaks Stud, but it could provide an even greater boost for the Cambridge establishment leading into this year’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka.
Kiwi Superstar Catalyst Readying for Return
Top three-year-old Catalyst will make his first public appearance since Group One success at Riccarton when he competes at the Matamata trials next week.
Aussie Bound Kiwis Impress at Trials
Exciting kiwi gallopers Te Akau Shark and Catalyst had their first hit-out of the year at the Matamata trials on Tuesday and they pleased their connections with their efforts in their 1000m heat.
Storm Boy Headed to Ireland
Coolmore have today announced via Twitter that top class Justify (USA) colt Storm Boy will be continuing his racing career in Ireland in 2025 under the care of Aidan O’Brien.
Cup Day Stakes-Winner for So You Think
The Listed VRC TAB Trophy (1800m) for three year-olds on Cup Day at Flemington drew a competitive field of up and comers with So You Think gelding Opening Address stamping himself as a bright prospect for the future with a stylish victory.
First Stakes Win for Darci Brahma Blueblood
Wingatui trainer Claire Anderton got the Christmas present she wanted this year, it was just a day late.