Four chances for glory: Te Akau targets Group 1 Sires’ supremacy again

Written by Dane McLeod of The Thoroughbred Report – excerpt from 28.03.2025

Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will lineup four runners in Saturday’s G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, aiming for an extraordinary seventh victory in the past eight race editions. With a diverse and talented group of well-bred juveniles, each has a strong claim to join the prestigious honour roll.

Te Akau Racing is set to unleash a formidable team of four highly promising juveniles. Each brings a different profile and experience level, but all aim to cement their Group 1 credentials on Saturday.

Te Akau’s classy quartet of contenders

La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth x Gold Fever {NZ} {Savabeel})

The daughter of emerging young sire Super Seth, La Dorada (NZ) carries both pedigree and performance. Purchased by Mr DC Ellis CNZM (BAFNZ) for $190,000 from Waikato Stud at Karaka, she’s already earned a spot among the best fillies of her generation.

Her record is exemplary, with three wins from four starts, including a brilliant victory in the R. Listed Karaka Millions 2YO, followed by another black-type triumph in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, a race her dam Gold Fever (NZ) (Savabeel) also won for Te Akau.

“She is a filly that we are very proud of. She has won three of her four starts and was fantastic winning the Karaka Millions,” Ellis said.

“She then went on to win the Matamata Breeders, which is such a big race, and we also won that race with her mother, Gold Fever.

“It is very exciting to have a very smart Super Seth filly. I really rate the stallion and they are firing.”

La Dorada was among the favourites for the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes but was a late scratching after developing a slight temperature.

“She just had a little temperature, and we were never going to take any risk with her, so we pulled her out,” Ellis explained.

“She has had a couple of exhibition gallops at Tauranga and Matamata to keep her up to the mark, and hopefully she can get a deserved Group 1 on the weekend.”

Does Trentham change the dynamics of this year’s edition?

When asked whether the relocation of the Sires’ Produce Stakes to Trentham this year alters the complexion of the race, Ellis acknowledged that the shift could significantly affect how the contest unfolds.

“That is a very good question. I think with it being at Trentham, it is going to make it a harder 1400 metres.

“Trentham is much more of a staying course than Awapuni, which could change things. We will see whether it suits our particular horses on Saturday.”

While aware of the challenges, Ellis remained optimistic, citing his team’s positive track record at the venue.

“One thing is, we have a very good record at Trentham. We have had plenty of success there, and hopefully, it continues.”

An early audition for next year’s ‘The Kiwi’?

With the 2025 running of the Sires’ Produce Stakes taking place at Trentham this year potentially proving to be a good, strong test at 1400 metres, the race not only offers immediate Group 1 glory but could also prove an ideal launching pad towards New Zealand’s richest race, the $4 million ‘The Kiwi’ in 2026.

This year’s edition is particularly interesting because all the runners are eligible for ‘The Kiwi’ – a 1500-metre contest restricted to 3-year-olds that meet specific New Zealand criteria. To qualify, horses must either be bred in New Zealand, sold through New Zealand Bloodstock or Gavelhouse or conceived in New Zealand, making this juvenile Group 1 an ideal early dress rehearsal.

Te Akau tasted success in this year’s race with Damask Rose (NZ) (Savabeel), and Ellis believes the 1400-metre trip at Trentham could offer the perfect indicator of future success at a distance.

“Absolutely, it should be an excellent guide, with it being 1400 metres at Trentham,” Ellis said.

“All of our runners on Saturday will be targeted towards next year’s ‘Kiwi’, especially with it worth $4 million next year.”

“It was a huge thrill to win The Kiwi this year with Damask Rose, as well as the big 2-year-old Group 1 with Return To Conquer, on the day”, Ellis reflected.

“We would love to make it two in a row next year; we will work towards that race with all these horses.”

In typical Te Akau style, planning is already well underway for that event and the future. Ellis has also been busy at the sales ring, continuing to invest in young horses with an eye toward the top echelon of Australasian racing.

“We purchase horses to try and win these big Group 1s or races like The Kiwi,” he explained.

“We have purchased 62 horses this year and plan to be busy at the Easter Sale.”

Interestingly, Ellis noted ownership opportunities are still available for those interested in joining the stable’s growing list of success stories.

“Interestingly enough, we still have a few shares available. And it’s funny how it works, but our strike rate with the ones that are last to sell or late to sell is pretty good — Damask Rose, Avantage, Imperatriz, so it’s never too late to get in touch.”

As the Sires’ Produce unfolds over the more testing Trentham circuit this Saturday, punters and form analysts may already be watching through the lens of ‘The Kiwi 2026’. The road to another $4 million payday could begin this weekend for Ellis and Te Akau Racing.