Expensive colt Return To Conquer extended his unbeaten record to four as he brought up a significant milestone for the Te Akau Racing operation when winning the Gr. 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie.
The son of Snitzel was bought by Te Akau Racing boss David Ellis for A$1.3 million as a yearling on the Gold Coast in January of last year and his latest success made it 100 Group One wins for Ellis and his team at Te Akau Racing.
Starting a warm $2.10 Fixed Odds favourite, Return To Conquer enjoyed a perfect run in transit for top Australian jockey Blake Shinn who had him relaxed beautifully in midfield before angling into a challenging position approaching the home turn.
Shinn asked for an effort at the 250m and the favourite strode to the front but had to endure a testing battle in the final few strides as Landlocked stormed at him, just missing by half a head to land the major spoils.
Mark Walker, who prepares the colt in partnership with Sam Bergerson, paid tribute to both Ellis and the horse as he summed up the performance shortly after the placings were confirmed.
“Since Dave established the stable that is the 100th Group One win,” Walker said.
“Full credit to team leader (Ellis) as he has bought many many winners and with this guy he spent $1.3 million without any owners earmarked and it shows just how good he is.
“It (the race) looked to be quite smooth sailing until the last 100m, but watching it live can be difficult and I’m pleased for Blake to get the win.
“We never make decisions on race day and we will wait until he trots out on Monday before we work it out from there.”
Walker hinted a start in the biggest two-year-old event in Australia, the A$5 million Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday 22 March at Rosehill is on the cards, as Return To Conquer holds a nomination for the race.
“We are open to the idea (a Golden Slipper bid) but he is still a young horse, still developing and growing so we will enjoy today and regroup,” he said.
“He has a great temperament, is bombproof and he is unbeaten for a reason as he has the will to win.”
Shinn was quick to acknowledge the close relationship he is building with Te Akau Racing which includes winning the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) in January aboard Damask Rose, his mount in the inaugural $3.5million NZB Kiwi (1500m) later in the day.
“The blinkers went on today to encourage him to put a field away as he gets there (the front) and thinks his job is done,” Shinn said.
“He rallied hard today when the second horse came at him and he is unbeaten still and may be ready now for a reset as he has had a long prep.
“It’s great to win for Te Akau today as I’ve built up a great relationship with David Ellis and the team. I’ve come over in the last few months and put a bit of work in with them and that helped me make the decision to come here today and ride for them.
“What David has created here is a world class business and I feel fortunate and lucky to get the call up.”
Return To Conquer, who is out of the Lonhro mare Vaujany, has now had four starts for four black type wins and has banked $534,750 for owners the Te Akau 2024 Stallion Breeding Syndicate.
Kevin Robertson, LOVERACING.NZ
LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
Yearlings from Return To Conquer's family currently entered for sales include:
Adelaide Yearling Sale: Lot 51 by Wild Ruler - Valiant Stud
Adelaide Yearling Sale: Lot 138 by Lonhro - Mill Park Stud
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