Fifth Group One for Avantage

Superstar mare Avantage (Fastnet Rock) collected her fifth Group One victory in Friday’s $200,000 Sistema Railway (1200m) at Ellerslie, heading a quinella for Karaka graduates in the sprint showpiece. 

Avantage, who was bought by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for $210,000 from the 2017 Premier Sale, has now won 12 of her 22 starts and more than $1.66 million in stakes. Her previous Group One titles came over a wide range of distances in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Telegraph (1200m), Haunui Farm WFA Classic (1600m) and New Zealand Stakes (2000m).

Friday’s Railway was among her greatest triumphs. Making her first start since a second placing in the Group One Livamol Classic (2040m) in October, the five-year-old capitalised on a perfect ride by champion jockey Opie Bosson.

After stalking the leaders through the early part of the race, Avantage took control in the straight and was able to maintain her advantage in the face of a strong challenge from defending Railway champion Julius (NZ) (Swiss Ace), holding him out by a neck.

“We got a soft run and I knew she was class and a real trier as well,” Bosson said. “She gives 100% every time she goes out there.”

Trainer Jamie Richards paid tribute to both horse and rider.

“For Opie to pull out a peach of a ride like that and get the job done shows that they are both a couple of champions,” he said.

“The logical next step for Avantage is the Telegraph. That was what we did last year after running in the Hallmark (1200m) here, and then back to Te Rapa for the BCD Group Sprint (1400m).

“She has a great constitution and we put a lot of thought and effort into this one after she had her run at 2000 metres. You have to have the horse to do it though, and luckily we have.”

Railway runner-up Julius, who cost $44,000 at the 2013 Select Sale and has now earned $441,425.