Top O’Reilly filly firms for classic

20 September 2014

O’Reilly’s outstanding daughter O’Marilyn is already a short order for the Gr 1 NZB 1000 Guineas. A spectacular return to racing this afternoon to claim the Gr 3 Hawke’s Bay Breeders’ Gold Trail Stakes has seen TAB bookmakers bring her into $4 favouritism for the Riccarton classic.

Last season’s leading filly after her Gr 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes success, O’Marilyn sat in behind the pace at Hastings before she ran into trouble 300 metres from home.

“It was a bit tricky at times and it got a bit tight up the straight and I knew all I needed was a needle eye gap as she’s got such a great turn of foot,” rider Sam Spratt said.

Her prayers were answered along the fence and O’Marilyn showed her acceleration to power home for a decisive victory.

“That’s the best draw (three) she’s had and she missed away,” trainer Stephen McKee said. “It was a little bit eerie at the 300 until a gap opened up.”

“Obviously, the Guineas at Christchurch is her main aim, but how we get there I’m not that sure yet – probably the Sarten Memorial next. Being by O’Reilly out of a Zabeel mare you would expect her to go further.”

A $130,000 Karaka yearling, O’Marilyn is a half-sister to the Group One winners Anacheeva (Caulfield Guineas) and Headturner (Australian Derby). It is also the family of Viennetta (Gr 2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes).

Oaks Day glory for Waikato Stud-bred Sulek

Waikato Stud enjoyed a special moment on Oaks Day at Flemington on Thursday, when the New Zealand-bred gelding Sulek – by Super Seth out the O’Reilly mare Tiff And Co, saluted on one of the biggest days of the racing calendar and in front of an international crowd. Bred by the farm in partnership with the Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Sulek took out the A$500,000 Cirka Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Final (1600m) for the third and most lucrative win of his career.

5 November 2026

The Corner with Garry Chittick

And so, another Melbourne Cup has been run. Regretfully, Mary and I were not there. I have no idea how many we attended up until COVID, and I miss the Cup week. Victoria prides itself as the sporting capital of Australia; it may be, they certainly know how to create an event.