Russian Pearls Bayer Classic
28 November 2003
The race had been promoted as a two-horse war for the title of top three year old between the previously unbeaten Grp. 1 filly Taatletail (Faltaat x Defensive Lady) and Grp. 1 2000 Guineas winner King's Chapel (King of King's x Lower Chapel).
After the running of the race the fight for top three year old has been blown wide open with the Bruce & Stephen Marsh trained Russian Pearl downing the favourites in the last stride.
Danbird, closely stalked by King's Chapel led the field at a good pace all the way into the home straight. Taatletail, who had travelled mid field for much of the race then took charge and looked a good thing 50m from home, that was until Russian Pearl, who raced uncharacteristically towards the back of the field made a storming run down the outside of the track to clinch an impressive victory.
Ridden by in form jockey Hayden Tinsley, Russian Pearl's win gave Tinsley his second win in the prestigious event. He had previously won in 2000 on last years New Zealand Horse of the Year Tit for Taat.
Russian Pearl is raced by Pearl Racing Stables, the same combination who had success in the NZB Bonus Series with two-year-old Nasa Pearl who won the $150,000 Mercedes Super Bonus Prelude (for colts and geldings).
Russian Pearl is out of the mare Velinda (by Veloso) and is by Soviet Star, the sire of Grp. 3 Hawkes Bay Guineas winner Stardane. Russian Pearl is from the immediate family of Grp. 1 winners Eastern Joy, Piachay and Pernod, and stakes winners Volksini and Shattered Circle. Soviet Star (by Nureyev) is a successful stallion in the northern hemisphere and stood one season at Haunui Farm.
Russian Pearl was purchased at the 2002 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale. The colt was offered from the Java Lodge draft and was purchased by Stuart Hale for $37,500. Hale manages the Pearl Racing Syndicate, which also includes owner Gary Kam from Hong Kong.
At Karaka 2004 Java Lodge have a draft of yearlings representing sires including: Pentire, Faltaat, Shinko King, Last Tycoon, Danasinga and Centaine.
Recent Grp. 1 winners that have come from NZB's Premier Sale include: King's Chapel, Maroofity, Penny Gem, Piachay, St Reims, Shower of Roses, Unearthly and Zirna.
The New Zealand Bloodstock 78th National Yearling Sales Series conducted at Karaka, Auckland commences with the Premier Session on Monday 26th January 2004.
For further information regarding the New Zealand Bloodstock 78th National Yearling Sales Series or anyone wishing to order a catalogue please contact Julia Naismith, email [email protected] or fax + 64 9 298 0506.