Karaka Clean Sweep in El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy

Graduates of the Karaka Sales Centre dominated the first black-type feature of the 2018 Hawke’s Bay spring carnival at Hastings on Saturday, filling the first three placings in the $50,000 Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m).

Leading the charge was the Shamexpress gelding Cyber Attack (NZ), who cost $47,500 at the 2016 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale.

Ridden by Vinnie Colgan for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike, Cyber Attack swept to the lead with a potent burst in the straight and then held out the late challenge of Cavallo Veloce (NZ) (O’Reilly) by half a neck. 

“He’s very honest, very fit, so it was probably no surprise,” Pike said. “He just loves his work, loves his racing and will continue to improve. He’ll head to the Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m, Group 2, October 6). He’s crying out for 1400 metres.”

Cyber Attack raced six times last season, winning twice and placing in another two including the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m).

Now the winner of three of his seven starts, Cyber Attack has won more than $65,000 in prize-money for owners R J de Lautour, G W Halse, J F & Mrs P Hirst, J & L A C McKittrick, Clayton Mitchell, Sharlene Mitchell, Mrs S R & Est late P J Mitchell and L K & M A Wahlstrom.

The runner-up was the Peter McKay-trained Cavallo Veloce, who was bought for $150,000 at the 2017 Premier Sale. Remarkably, both Cyber Attack and Cavallo Veloce were offered at Karaka by Lime Country Thoroughbreds.

Third-placed Sagunto (NZ) (O’Reilly), also trained by McKay, was a $120,000 purchase at the same Sale.