Racing: Splurge caps stable's stellar year

Te Akau colours are carried to the line by Splurge for the 20th black type victory of the year. Photo / Racing Images

David Ellis has enjoyed a golden year with his Karaka-sourced army of black type success stories.

The Te Akau principal further added to his record at Awapuni yesterday when the Stephen Autridge and Jamie Richards-trained Splurge triumphed in the group two Kamada Park Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m).

"That's the 20th Group or Listed winner we've had in this calendar year, all of which I've bought at Karaka, and that includes wins in Sydney and in Brisbane," Ellis said.

"Steve and Jamie have trained them all, including six group One wins."

Te Akau also made their mark in Europe with Torcedor, a son of Fastnet Rock, successful in the group three Vintage Crop Stakes (2800m) in Ireland.

Yesterday, Splurge won for the eighth time in his career courtesy of another polished display from rider Michael McNab.

"He's one of the most improved jockeys in New Zealand, he's in super form," Ellis said.

Splurge settled close to a good speed and when McNab asked him for an effort he quickly put the issue beyond doubt. Splurge will now be prepared for the group one Harcourts Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20.

Meanwhile, speed merchant Gift Of Power will be set a group one challenge against the older horses in the near future.

The slick three-year-old showed she was primed for a tougher test when she continued her winning ways at Awapuni yesterday in the Mills Reef Premier (1200m).

Gift Of Power was opposed by only two rivals and she had no trouble dealing with them, leading all of the way to score without being fully exerted.

She is part-owned by Bailey Rogerson, who will join her grandfather Graeme and his wife Debbie in partnership on January 1, and her mother Michelle Northcott was in charge at Awapuni.

"It will either be the Railway or the Telegraph, we'll see what happens," she said.

Gift Of Power raced keenly in front under Chris Johnson, who had also ridden her to a runaway victory at Trentham at her previous appearance, but it didn't blunt her acceleration in the straight.

- NZ Racing Desk