Tavistock and The Embassy Strike in Australia

Karaka graduates Lord Tavistock and The Embassy both began their successful racing careers in New Zealand and on Saturday both landed Group races on a major Australian race-day.

Lord Tavistock

Lord Tavistock (Montjeu x Upstage, by Quest for Fame) began his racing career by winning on debut as a juvenile at Masterton where he defeated Juice (Bertolini), a filly who later went on to claim the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes before running second in the Group 1 NZB 1000 Guineas (1600m).

Lord Tavistock went on to claim his own success on the racetrack and this was highlighted by victory in the Group 1 Waikato Draught Sprint (1400m) on 13 February, after which the four-year-old travelled to Australia with his trainer Andrew Campbell.

After running fifth behind Typhoon Tracey (Red Ransom) in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1600m) last start from an uncustomary forward position, Lord Tavistock returned to Flemington on Saturday to contest the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m).

Regular rider Jason Waddell rode the entire cold in the A$300,000 event which was contested by 10 high class gallopers including Group 1 Caulfield Cup place-getter Vigor, Group 1 Futurity Stakes and Group 1 Hong Kong Champions Mile place-getter Dao Dao,  Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke place-getter Rafaello, and last start Group 3 Carlyon Cup winner Rightfully Yours.

A solid tempo gave all competitors their chance in the race but it was the late brilliance of Lord Tavistock which over-powered them all with fellow Karaka graduate Vigor putting in a brave effort for second.

An $85,000 Karaka Select Yearling purchase from Bloomsbury Stud, Lord Tavistock reigns from the wonderful Mrs Moss family established by Henrietta, the Duchess Bedford from her Bloomsbury Stud (UK) base.

Now the earner of over $700,000 in prize-money Lord Tavistock heads to the Sydney Autumn Carnival where he is likely to contest the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1600m) at his next race appearance.

The Embassy

The Embassy (Danasinga x Scotch and Water, by Lake Consiton) also won his debut in New Zealand when successful in a Rotorua maiden over 1400m.

Four starts later The Embassy was in the care of Chris Waller in Sydney where the gelding has shown his staying qualities by winning five of ten starts this season from 1600m to 2400m.

On Saturday, in his fourth start this campaign, The Embassy stepped up to 2000m and continued his winning way in the Group 3 Randwick City Stakes (2000m), a key lead-up to the Group 1 Sydney Cup on 24 April.

The race was his first at Group level and he rose to a new level by destroying his rivals by four lengths with Danehill entire Alexander of Hales finishing second.

From the wonderful Malt family which has produced superior stayers Horlicks, Brew, Fiumicino, and Bubble, The Embassy sold to Frontier Bloodstock for $100,000 at Karaka's Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year-Olds.

Consigned by Gordon Cunningham's Curraghmore Stud, The Embassy has now earned over A$200,000 for his owners Joseph Lau, Tony Pike, Bruce Sherwin, and Lawrence Wadey.

Your next opportunity to purchase New Zealand bloodstock is at next week's Selwyn River Stud Unreserved Dispersal Sale.

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