Karaka and Kiwi Dominance in Doomben Roses

The dominant form of New Zealand-sourced three-year-olds in Australian staying races this season rolled on up to Queensland on Saturday, with an outstanding clean sweep of the A$250,000 Group Two ANZ Bloodstock News The Roses (2000m) once again showcasing the kiwis’ stamina and class. 

Fillies bred and sold in New Zealand filled all of the first six placings in the Doomben feature, headed by the impressive Only Words (NZ) (Sweynesse).

Passed in with a $2000 reserve at the 2018 May Sale at Karaka, Only Words won the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in the spring before a majority share was sold to Australian interests. She has now won four of her 13 starts and earned A$226,997 in stakes.

Runner-up Bargain (NZ) was passed in at Karaka 2019 with a $200,000 reserve, and she has pocketed A$229,640 to date in a career that features high-class placings at both Group One and Group Two level.

Third-placed Charms Star (NZ) (Per Incanto) was a $65,000 purchase at Karaka 2019 and has earned A$115,182, including a placing in the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m) earlier this season.

The fourth, fifth and sixth placegetters Easifar (NZ) (Pride of Dubai), Signora Nera (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Grace and Harmony (NZ) (Sebring) were all also bred in New Zealand.

The remarkable Roses result follows on from the Group One Derby and Guineas heroics in Australia this season by Karaka graduates Johnny Get Angry (NZ) (Tavistock), Lion’s Roar (NZ) (Contributer), Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) and three-time Derby winner Explosive Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry).

Like Explosive Jack, Only Words was bred by Luigi Muollo’s Explosive Breeding and was offered under his Novara Park banner at Karaka.

Muollo has remained in the ownership of Only Words, who raced in fifth position on Saturday before swooping around the outside to take a big lead at the top of the Doomben straight.

Bargain and Charms Star came at her with strong challenges through the last 200 metres, but Only Words had plenty up her sleeve and held them at bay by a length and a quarter.

The Roses is a traditional lead-up race for the Group One Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 5, and Saturday’s powerful performance from Only Words has put her firmly on track for next month’s classic.

“She can absolutely go on from here into the Oaks,” jockey Craig Williams said. “She’s got the right profile.

“She’s done a few things wrong in her lead-up races, but today she did everything right and was quite dominant. She’ll gain good experience from this win today, and more importantly, confidence as well.

“I’d be very keen to ride her again in the Oaks.”

Only Words comes from the stable of Chris Waller, a Hall of Fame horseman on both sides of the Tasman. He also trains Saturday’s third, fourth, fifth and sixth placegetters Charms Star, Easifar, Signora Nera and Grace and Harmony.

“Craig gave Only Words a lovely ride today, she was there at the turn and produced a good, solid kick which proved to be a winning one,” Waller said.

“It’s great to have a big group of owners joining up to race such a nice filly. We’ve got Denise (Martin) and Star Thoroughreds, plus the team who owned her in New Zealand have stayed involved – Luigi Muollo, plus her trainer from over there, Clint Isdale.

“I’m also quite excited about the sire, Sweynesse. He raced well here in Australia before going to stud in New Zealand, and he’s looking like he can throw a good horse.”

Vendor	Novara Park
Purchaser
Breeding	Sweynesse – Jungle Pago
Sale	Lot 195, 2018 May Sale, Psd (Res $2,000)
Bred by	Explosive Breeding