Group 1 Glory in Penang

New Zealand bred, Jeram New Village (Faltaat x Encarta), notched up the best win of his career with a Group 1 victory in the Astro Wah Lai Toi Sprint Trophy over 1400m at Penang yesterday. Trainer Frank Maynard quinellaed the race with Leon (AUS) (Lomond Bay x Aspen Rose) in second.

Third placegetter was the New Zealand bred Supreme Happiness (Masterclass x Proms). Supreme Happiness's third place comes hot off his win in the recent Class 1 Singapore TC Handicap. A graduate of the 2002 Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs, he sold for $26,000 to Kranji Thoroughbreds.

It was also a New Zealand Bloodstock quinella that took out the Singapore TC Kranji Stakes B (1200m). Cambridge Stud bred Zibelino (Danehill x Doe), a $480,000 purchase at the 2001 Karaka Premier Sale, won the race ahead of the Laurie Laxon trained Magnum Force (Turbulent Dancer x Otehi Opal) in second. Magnum Force was originally sold at the 2001 Karaka Select Sale for $40,000 by Newmarket Lodge Stud and was then bought by Laxon at the 2002 Singapore Two Year Old Sale for $60,000.

In New Zealand, in Marton Jockey Club's Group 3 Merial Metric Mile (1600m) it was the South Island raider, Hurrah (Bahhare x Shock Attack) who proved too strong on the day for his opponents. Multiple Group 1 winner and Karaka Premier Sale graduate, Maroofity (Maroof x Howkudai) came in second and Insan Itee (Danzalion x Excelsior) third.

New Zealand Bloodstock's Insurance Maiden 1800m at Taupo yesterday was highlighted by an impressive run and an exciting result for the John Steffert family owned and trained mare Grasana (The Commander x Paradise Bay). Cameron Lammas skilfully rode the mare to hold out Lisa Cropp on Prince Of Seville (Prince Ferdinand x La Carrot) and Lynsey Hoffman on Jah Affair (Jahafil x Hip White).

Next weekend's racing will see the 2005/06 New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series kick off with the Highview Stakes on Stoney Bridge Premier Race Day in Hastings on Saturday.