Superb Slipper Win for Tokyo Tycoon (NZ)

Undefeated Karaka Million hero Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) added a fourth win to his flawless record with another powerhouse performance in Saturday’s $85,000 Group Three Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m). 

The exciting gelding was a $125,000 purchase by Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis at Karaka 2022, where he was offered in the Book 1 draft of breeder Rich Hill Stud. Tokyo Tycoon has now won all of his four starts, earning $648,025 for his owners – the Meadowbank Masters Racing Partnership and the Te Akau Satono Samurai Racing Partnership.

Tokyo Tycoon made a big first impression with his debut win at Te Rapa in late November, and he has kept raising the bar ever since. Another smart victory followed at Pukekohe on Boxing Day, and then he overcame a wide gate to flash home from last and take out the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) in an amazing performance on January 21.

He had only four opponents at Matamata on Saturday but was no less impressive in another come-from-behind win, angling to the outside in the hands of jockey Craig Zackey and moving smoothly through his gears in the straight. He quickly charged to the lead and went clear without ever being asked to fully extend, outclassing his opposition by two and three-quarter lengths.

“He did what was expected, but it was still a very nice win,” trainer Mark Walker said. “I told Craig to just ride him where he felt comfortable, and he did that without taking him out of his comfort zone.

“I felt he would handle the track conditions (Heavy9), because he had trialled very well on similar ground back in November last year.

“I guess the home-track advantage played in our favour a little, but he did show his class nevertheless and I think there is more to come from him.”

Tokyo Tycoon is now expected to carry on into New Zealand’s first two-year-old Group One race of the season – the $320,000 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Pukekohe on March 11.

Saturday’s runner-up Trobriand (Kermadec) is also trained by Walker for a Te Akau Racing syndicate. He was bought by Ellis for $260,000 from Karaka 2022 and has earned $207,815 from a five-start career that has produced three wins and two placings.

The third-placed Burn To Shine (NZ) (So You Think) was offered at Karaka 2022 with a reserve of $150,000. Retained by breeder The Oaks Stud, he has had two starts for a win and Saturday’s Group Three placing.