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Latest news from Valachi Downs 30th July 2021

Recent News

Sleepless puts the field to bed at Mildura

A winner over 2000 metres in May, four-year-old gelding Sleepless (Rip Van Winkle – Darcey Bussell, by Rhythm), recorded his fourth win last Friday in the $60,000 Benchmark 70 2000 metres at Mildura, Victoria. Sold by Valachi to bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo for $65,000 at the 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale, he went forward from a handy spot nearing the 600m and remained very willing under Ben Allen in a driving finish.

Trained by Archie Alexander, in the OTI Racing colours, Sleepless is the sixth winner for Darcey Bussell, whose progeny have won 17 races. Sleepless is from the family of Valachi champion mare Silent Achiever (O’Reilly), with grand-dam Quietly Lucky (Fortunate Dancer) having left her dam, Winning Spree (Zabeel).

Stable rep Danielle Goodman said: “Back from 2400 metres where he came from last. He had to be tough and Ben (Allen) did a great job today. He’s a consistent horse for us and we can’t thank Terry Henderson at OTI enough for all the support they give Archie (Alexander).”
“Both times I’ve ridden him at 2000 metres he won,” Allen said. “I had to pop out and get him winding a bit earlier than intended, but he picked up well. He’s still learning and won four from 14.”

Lucky Star flying home at Macau

Lucky Star (5 g Zacinto – Palais Jamai, by Grand Lodge) was a winner last Sunday on Derby Day in Macau. He was purchased as a yearling by Ric Wylie Bloodstock at the 2017 South Island Sale. Trained by former Champion Jockey in Macau, Geoff Allendorf, Lucky Star (9-1) came from three back inner with a strong rails run under Tshwaro Appie. It was a good ride by the 28-year-old South African jockey.

“It was good to get a win with him and he’ll definitely be better next season.” Allendorf said.
“I thought he had a great chance and I offered the ride to a few of the top jockeys, but no one wanted to make the effort to get down to ride at 116 pounds.
“As it turned out, I doubt they would have ridden it as well as Appie did. It was a first-class ride.”

Valachi Racing Team Previews

Saturday 31 July at Rotorua:

Weather: fine, track: Heavy11, rail: out 1.5 metres from 900m – 300m, remainder true.

3.48 p.m. R7 11 Atomic Kitten (4 m Makfi – Eternal Path, by Theatrical), T: Autridge/Shailer, Matamata, J: Craig Grylls; lost a plate and never flattered in the Rating 74 1600 metres last Saturday at Te Rapa. She had been racing in good fettle prior, finished first and second in two starts on the course, including 1400m on Heavy11, and receives a chance to atone in the $27,500 Rating 74 1400 metres.

We wish you all the best for the weekend.

Get in touch with the team

Home of proven Group One producer Zacinto (Dansili), Group One winning 2YO Vespa (Elusive City), triple Group One place-getter Savile Row (Makfi), and associate sire War Decree (War Front), standing at Inglewood Stud, North Canterbury.

For anyone who would like to find out more info please get in touch with Gareth Downey on 027 205 6687 or gareth.downey@valachidowns.co.nz.

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