Racing: Avantage produces goods again

Danielle Johnson and Avantage are clear at Awapuni yesterday. Photo / Race Images

Te Akau's glorious season with their two-year-olds continued at Awapuni where Avantage completed a coveted Group One double for the operation.

She bowed to stablemate Sword Of Osman when runner-up in the Sistema Stakes (1200m), but on yesterday the Fastnet Rock filly produced a stunning performance to blitz her rivals in the Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).

The Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Avantage had also led home a stable quinella in January's Karaka Million (1200m) when she beat Al Hasa, an earlier runaway winner of the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m).

"She's got some value now, bring on the 1000 Guineas in the spring," Richards said. "She's a lovely filly and a pleasure to have around the stable."

Rider Danielle Johnson was able to position Avantage one off the fence in fifth spot before pouncing 250m from home and then dashed away to account for Melt, who chased gamely, and Sir Nate who came from the back of the field for third.

Sword Of Osman went forward from a wide gate to dispute the pace one off the fence and he wilted to fourth under Troy Harris, who replaced an overweight Opie Bosson.

"She's a super filly and she was given a super ride," Richards said.

Avantage has now won five of her six starts and this latest victory should assure her of champion juvenile honours.

Meanwhile, rising star Sherrif put up a compelling argument for a trip to Australia with an emphati win at Awapuni.

The High Chaparral three-year-old stepped out over ground for the first time in yesterday's Gr.3 Higgins Concrete Manawatu Classic (2000m) and showed staying is his game.

"Since we gelded him he's come of age. Hopefully, the sky's the limit for him," trainer Roger James' racing manager Robert Wellwood said.

Sherrif's effort will have connections giving serious consideration to the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) during the winter carnival in Brisbane.

Sherrif was among the last three in the running before a powerful closing 400m saw him too good for Gundown, also by High Chaparral, and Joe's Legacy.

- NZ Racing Desk