NZB and Laxon Quinella Singapore Group 1 Kranji Mile

Singapore's champion trainer Laurie Laxon last night quinellaed the Group 1 Panasonic Kranji Mile (1600m), with New Zealand Bloodstock graduates Waikato and Big Maverick.

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�Waikato's Singapore Group 1 Kranji Mile

The first time over the distance at start 29, six-year-old Pins gelding Waikato (Pins x Skywalker Wilkes, by Skywalker)�made it 14�career victories by close to a length after jockey John Powell chose to lead with the strong bay before receiving cover from Cheyenne Dancer (Indian Danehill).

Into the straight the colours of Laxon appeared ominously from both Waikato, coming off the fence, and Big Maverick (O'Reilly x Ajfan, by Woodman), who made his run from behind mid-field.

With 300m to run it was clear that the stable mates would fight it out and the winning of the race was ultimately down to Powell's positioning and patience on Waikato, as well as his mount's electric turn of foot.

Waikato broke through at the top level after three fourths in Group 1 features which had been won by the likes of Takeover Target, Sacred Kingdom and Rocket Man over 1200m.

Now a winner at a mile, Waikato took his earnings to S$1,406,000 from fourteen wins and only once finishing further back than fifth.

Waikato and Big Maverick were both purchased by Laurie Laxon at NZB's Premier Yearling Sale for $50,000 and $87,500 respectively.

Waikato was offered by Brent Gillovic's Highview Stud from stakes placed mare Skywalker Wilkes, herself the daughter of Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Vivarchi (Wilkes).

Big Maverick (O'Reilly) was sold by Pencarrow Stud from their Group 1 English 1000 Guineas and Ascot Fillies Mile placed Ajfan.

Laurie Laxon will now take a closer look at the calendar for Waikato's upcoming targets while Big Maverick will head towards the Group 1 $500,000 Raffles Cup over 1800m on October 18 as a lead-up to the Group 1 $1.35million Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m on November 8.

Your next opportunity to purchase at Karaka occurs this Friday (25 September) at the Spring Mixed Bloodstock Sale. Contact [email protected] for more information.