Black-type Breakthrough for Burn To Shine (NZ)

Previously a three-time placegetter at stakes level, Burn To Shine (NZ) (So You Think) took the next step at Riccarton on Saturday with a tenacious win in the $100,000 Group Three War Decree Stakes (1600m).

Retained by breeder The Oaks Stud after failing to meet his $150,000 reserve at Karaka 2022, Burn To Shine has had six starts for three wins, three placings and $128,390 in stakes.

A well-related son of superstar sire So You Think (NZ) and the Group Two-winning mare Smoulder (NZ) (Traditionally), Burn To Shine finished third in the Group Three Matamata Slipper (1200m) as a two-year-old last season and had kicked off his spring with a second in the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and a third in the Group Two Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m).

On Saturday he stepped up to 1600 metres and finally had his turn in the black-type winners’ circle. Ridden by Johnathan Parkes, Burn To Shine settled in fourth and one off the rail before sliding forward around the outside to challenge for the lead at the top of the straight.

Group Two winners Trobriand (Kermadec) and Lantern Way (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) moved up on either side of him and lodged strong bids, but Burn To Shine rose meet to their challenge and stretched out impressively to score by half a length.

“It was a very good win and one he deserved – he has been going cracking races,” Marsh said. “Parkesy said there was no speed on and he probably got to the front a little soon, but he was very resolute and ran the mile out strongly.

“We train this one for The Oaks Stud, who are very big supporters of the stable, so it is great to get a win like that for them and repay the faith they have in us.”

Burn To Shine will now carry on towards the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) over the same course and distance on November 11, where he is emerging as one of the best-credentialled rivals to the undefeated favourite Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto).

“We know now he gets a good mile and has experience on the track, which will stand him in good stead for what comes next,” Marsh said.

“We also know the Guineas favourite (Crocetti) is a very fine horse, but we are here with no travel ahead of us and we can just do our own thing and have him cherry-ripe on the day.”

Saturday’s placegetters Trobriand and Lantern Way are also Karaka graduates. Trobriand was bought by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis for $260,000 from Book 1 of Karaka 2022. His nine-start career has produced four wins, four placings and $275,815 in stakes

Third-placed Lantern Way was a $40,000 purchase by trainer Lisa Latta from Book 2 of Karaka 2022. He has lined up in seven races, recording a win and four placings for earnings of $145,660.

Vendor	The Oaks Stud
Purchaser
Breeding	So You Think – Smoulder
Sale	Lot 589, Karaka 2022 Book 1, Psd (Res $150,000)
Bred by	The Oaks Stud