Ardalio opens Karaka Millions with Group 3
Three-year-old filly Ardalio showcased her class on Karaka Millions night, taking out the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Almanzor Trophy over 1200m at Ellerslie on Saturday, 25 January.
Bred and raced by Lib Petagna’s JML Bloodstock, Ardalio’s victory marked an important milestone for Waikato stallion Ardrossan, recording his sixth stakes winner and fourth Group winner in just eight weeks joining Yaldi and Beau Dazzler who took the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas and Gr.3 Grand Prix Stakes respectively.
Under the expert ride of Michael McNab, Ardalio overcame a wide draw from barrier ten, settling towards the rear of the field before producing a decisive finish from the 100m mark to win by 1.25 lengths.
With 138 foals of racing age, Ardrossan boasts an impressive 10.2% stakes winners to runners, delivering 59 winners and nine stakes performers. His growing influence further reinforces his credentials as a sire of note.
The Corner with Garry Chittick
Well, it was finally our turn. Mary and I shared in the joy of winning a race; we were there, of course. We could have settled in, in front of the TV – not driven the 50 minutes each way, but the emotions are entirely different.
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Smart Love too smart this start
Smart Love (Savabeel ex Relentless Desire) made a winning return at Te Rapa on 14 September, storming home by 3.3 lengths. Racing in Garry Chittick’s colours, the four-year-old mare impressed for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott after two solid trials.
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