Rios off the mark

15 February 2014

Former top-class performer Rios has opened his stallion account with the aptly-named Happy Place. The lightly-tried three-year-old was successful at New Plymouth this afternoon to post an overdue win for Matamata trainer and part-owner Danica Guy.

The gelding suffered an interrupted run when beaten on debut and then finished a sound second on his home track last month. In one subsequent appearance, he clipped heels and nearly fell when looking for clear room at Te Rapa.

Happy Place is from a small first crop of the WS-based Rios, a regally-bred son of Hussonet who won six races, including the Gr 2 Wellington Guineas and was placed in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas. He is out of the former NZ Broodmare of the Year Gussy Godiva and is a half-brother to the Gr 1 Australian Derby winner Roman Emperor. It is a family that also includes Black Mamba, a Kiwi-bred Group One winner in the United States.

Super Seth 3YO remains unbeaten

Puntin, trained by Bjorn Baker, maintained his unbeaten record with an effortless win at Moruya. The son of Super Seth stepped up to 1400 metres, dominating older rivals to win by four lengths. Bred by GSA Bloodstock, Puntin hails from a stellar pedigree featuring Group winners Shania Dane and Scintillation.

6 January 2025

Max makes it count at Otaki

Waikato Stud graduate Mad Max (Maxmara), a son of Savabeel, broke through for a deserved maiden win at Otaki under apprentice Lily Sutherland. Trained by Andrew Forsman, the well-bred four-year-old impressed with a strong finish over 1200 metres, boosting confidence after earlier placings and showcasing his elite pedigree and potential.