NZB Weanling Wins Gr. 1 Sydney Cup
27 April 2009
Karaka weanling graduate Ista Kareem headed a New Zealand Bloodstock trifecta in the Group 1 AJC Sydney Cup at Randwick on Saturday, while also providing a timely advertisement for New Zealand Bloodstock's National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale beginning next week.
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| �Ista Kareem in winning form |
With the Kiwis providing the first three home in the two mile feature, it was Ista Kareem (Germano x Princesses Touch, by Touching Wood) in the hands of Craig Williams who found an extra gear over the final 200m to beat the very progressive Divine Rebel (Don Eduardo - It's My Sin, by Success Express) and Mr. Tipsy (Montjeu - Fairy Tipsy, by Casual Lies) by three quarters of a length and one length respectively.
The Colin Little trained galloper has now earned over A$1,000,000 with 12 wins over six racing seasons including a win in the Group 3 TTC Launceston Cup and a placing in the Group 1 Adelaide Cup to go with his Sydney Cup triumph.
Bred by Janet Hepi and sold as a weanling for $750 in 2001, Ista Kareem was later offered at the Karaka Ready to Run Sale where he was bought by Rodmor Stud for $18,000 from Springlea Lodge. The eight-year-old is now raced by Phillip Nehmy, Dr BJR Kardachi, and AW Nehmy, CS Nehmy and TJ Nehmy.
Ista Kareem is one of twenty Group 1 winners sold by New Zealand Bloodstock this season.