Karaka Graduates Quinella Two-year-old Feature

National Yearling Sales Series graduate Atenartin (NZ) (Showcasing) proved too good for his age group compatriots when he led all the way to take out the final black-type feature of the season, the Listed Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Awapuni.

Bred and consigned by Rich Hill Stud, Atenartin was a bargain $7,000 purchase for Matthew Eales during the Festival session of the 2017 National Yearling Sale Series at Karaka.

Successful three weeks earlier when defeating race rivals Tutta La Classe and Notabadharada at outside odds on the track, Atenartin lived up to trainer Eales’ expectations with his winning performance.

Handled superbly by apprentice Danielle Hirini, Atenartin bounced nicely from a mid-field barrier to take up the running and quickly put a space between himself and the chasing pack.

The talented gelding never looked like stopping as he charged away to defeat fellow Karaka graduate Mexican Tycoon (NZ) (O’Reilly) who was bidding to give the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman stable their 21st stakes winner for the New Zealand season.

“I could see he was travelling quite well and I knew he could handle the track, so I was quite confident,” he said.

“I knew he had improved off his last run as he didn’t have the perfect prep, yet he was still a dominant winner.

“To get a black-type win on his home track is great for the owners.” – NZ Racing Desk