Karaka Bargain Stays Unbeaten

Media Release - Saturday January 5

Promising three-year-old Miss Labasa retained her unbeaten record with another impressive performance at Awapuni on Saturday.

Miss Labasa - Race ImagesThe Swiss Ace filly had won her first two races in a manner that indicated she could challenge in some of the plum early summer three-year-old features, however some niggling feet issues put paid to those ideas.

Off the scene since mid-November, Miss Labasa resumed in the three-year-old 1400m contest against a line-up that included New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) place-getter Sir Nate.

Rider Johnathan Parkes controlled events from the front on Miss Labasa, who strode clear in the home straight to defeat Sir Nate with southern visitor Emily Margaret finishing off well for third.

Trainer John Bary cut a relieved figure after the race as he revealed the efforts the stable had put in to get the filly back to the track.

"With all the stuff with her foot, all the handling we have been doing with her, it has helped her a lot," he said.

"A big thank-you to my staff as they've done a lot of soaking of her feet and things, so it has worked out all for the good."

Bary was pleased with the performance although he had envisaged rider Johnathan Parkes would look to take a sit on the filly rather than press on and lead like he did.

"I think he could have taken a sit when he tried to go forward, but he's the man on top and he's done the job," he said

"I'm thrilled for him and the owner Narendra (Balia) who has had to be patient as we were in then we were scratched and things like that."

Bary indicated the immediate target for Miss Labasa would be the $1m Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m) to be run at Ellerslie on January 26.

Miss Labasa was a $30,000 purchase for owner Narendra Balia from the Wentwood Grange draft during the Select session at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale.

The filly is a daughter of Charge Forward mare, Savoia who is also the dam of top South Island performer Starvoia who numbers the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) amongst her six career victories. – NZ Racing Desk

Advertisment
More Reading...
G3 Victory for Swiss Ace 2YO
Riccarton trainer Andrew Carston made the bold decision to bypass the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) last week with Miss Federer in favour of the Group III Woburn Farm 2YO Classic (1200m) at New Plymouth on Saturday and his charge duly delivered for her connections.
Star Filly for Swiss Ace
Less than twenty-four hours after being crowned champion South Island Two-Year-old for her deeds last season, Miss Federer gave notice she will be a force to be reckoned with in her three-year-old campaign when she captured the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) against her age group rivals at Riccarton.
Comeback Complete for Cambridge Champ
The fairy-tale comeback of Cambridge galloper Julius (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was completed at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day when the gentle giant took out the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m).
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.
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.
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.
Kiwi Bred Grey Wins Subzero for OTI at Flemington
New Zealand-bred gelding Cloudland proved a handful for James McDonald at Flemington on Tuesday, but the champion jockey was in a forgiving mood after they had claimed top honours in the Subzero Handicap.
Another Stakes-Winner Bred by Gerry Harvey
A horse who could have been bought for $55,000 as a yearling at Karaka produced a high-class sprinting display to win Sunday’s HK$3,25 million Group 3 Sha Tin Vase (1200m) in Hong Kong.
$6million Frankel Mare Tops Fasig -Tipton November Sale
The Fasig-Tipton November Sale, billed as the World’s Premier Breeding Stock Event, was held Monday at the company’s Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, Kentucky. Twenty-five offerings sold for $1,000,000 or more, led by a trio of Grade/Group 1 winners with international appeal.
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.