Te Akau tick up Taupo treble
Te Akau Racing ticked up a treble at Taupo on Thursday, with Egyptian Queen, Caravella and Balance Of Power all first past the post in their respective races.
Balance Of Power kicked off the day when breaking through for his maiden victory in the Darrell @ Youngnails Taupo (1400m).
It was the seventh start for the son of Almanzor, who scored comfortably for in-form hoop Opie Bosson by 2-1/4 lengths over Tempest.
“He’s just starting to mature now and he’s only going to keep getting better with age, as all the stock of Almanzor do,” said Mark Walker, who trains in partnership with Sam Bergerson.
“It was good to see him win over 1400m because he’s bred to get a lot further in distance.
“He had to do it tough from the wide barrier draw and I think he’s a got a good future when we get him to a mile and beyond.
“We’ve always loved the stock of Almanzor and you just know they’re going to keep maturing, getting stronger, and improving as older horses.
“We’re really looking forward to the progress of this horse as he steps in distance, perhaps even the Derby.”
Later on the card, the Matamata stable welcomed back Egyptian Queen a winner following the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m).
“She’s always shown plenty of promise, been unlucky, and it was good to get that elusive win today,” Walker said.
“We think she’s up to black-type and she’ll head to Wanganui on 2 December for the O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (Listed, 1340m).
“She was a beautiful yearling and we think she’ll take a lot of confidence out of that win and has plenty of improvement to come.
“If we can earn some black-type, she’s got a lovely pedigree to go with it.”
Two races later, Caravella sealed the treble for Te Akau when victorious in the Poverty Bay Turf Club (1200m), beating Night Night Dora by 1-3/4 lengths, with a further nose back to Te Akau stablemate Luxuriant in third.