Ronda runs them ragged at Otaki

27 November 2015

Speedy filly Ronda has made an impressive opening to her Listed Karaka Million campaign.

The precocious youngster claimed fourth spot in the order of entry for the January 24 feature when she led all the way for a dominant first-up win in the Courtesy Ford 2YO at Otaki on Friday.

“She’s still got a bit to learn and halfway down the straight she pricked her ears and was waiting for them,” trainer Mark Forbes said.

“She’ll run on Boxing Day or New Year’s Day to give her a look around Ellerslie and then it will be on to the Million.”

Forbes trains the Waikato Stud-bred Ronda for Singapore owner Justin Wong, who he became friendly with during a five month period they spent together on a cadet training course at the Irish National Stud.

By O’Reilly and out of Victoria’s Reign, Ronda was bought by Red Hare Bloodstock for $55,000 at the 2015 Premier Yearling Sale.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

I don’t know if the two of you have ever had the thrill of travelling at high speed across the water on a single ski, totally dependent on the driver of the boat. Fall off and you are left treading water, reminds you of racing. Here we are, with multiple hints of navigation hanging on to the rope hoping for salvation.

20 May 2026

Icebath’s half-sister goes back-to-back

Well-bred mare Superfabulistic (Super Seth ex Fabulist) continued her rise through the grades at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, making it back-to-back victories with a strong performance in the Precise Air Handicap (1600m).