Ballymore Stables

24/08/2024

Three-Year-Old c**t Suit Yourself (3 c Savile Row – O’Carol, by Rip Van Winkle) provided an appropriate victory in the $25,000 Banquo Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on Saturday at Te Rapa.

With so many close associations to Valachi Downs owner Kevin Hickman, who sadly passed a day earlier, as breeder of the c**t, while Pam Gerard also trained his Hickman-owned sire, Savile Row, with Mike Moroney, and owns Suit Yourself with Tommy Hazlett who previously worked for Valachi.

Gerard & Hazlett purchased Suit Yourself as a weanling for $3,000 on gavelhouse.com, when Valachi was dispersing horses, and he shapes as one of the most promising progeny by Savile Row, a stakes winner and three times Group One placed performer who became the first son of Makfi (Dubawi) to stand at stud in New Zealand.

A dual trial winner before finishing second on debut, Suit Yourself announced himself as a young horse with natural ability, while his dam, O’Carol, who won three times over 1600 metres, has also left Sedaka (Savabeel), a race winner that twice placed to 2100 metres at Group Two & Three level.

Ridden by Ryan Elliot, Suit Yourself was quicker into stride than his debut outing to situate sixth with cover before ranging four wide into the straight, quickened to a winning advantage at the 200m and stayed strong in the finish.

“He’s a got a few things to learn, but he’s a nice horse going forward and has a bright future,” Elliot said.

On footing soon downgraded from Heavy8 to Heavy9, Suit Yourself ran 1200 metres in 1:14.3, last 600m in 36.8, and as second favourite paid $4.80 & $1.80 on the NZ TAB tote.

“That was the plan to try and get a win early in his career and he’s been a really nice c**t right through,” Gerard said.

“He didn’t do everything right, but he’d had that race day experience and learning all the time.

“We’re looking forward to getting him up over 1400 metres and a mile, and may look towards the Hawkes Bay Guineas (Gr. 2, 1400m) or, possibly, sending him south early to Riccarton.

“He does seem to handle give in the ground, but also has a pretty nice action so we expect he will quicken accordingly on better footing. He’s big, strong, and balanced, so he can get through it.

“He’s very much in the mould of his old man (Savile Row) and we’ve seen a lot of similarities in everything about him.

“He’s so much like Savile Row it’s not funny. Three or four months after we bought him he had the same shiny coat and just looked amazing.

“We were lucky enough to buy him before the half-sister (Sedaka) won and then finished second in the Royal Stakes (Gr. 2, 2000m) and Sunline Vase (Gr. 3, 2100m).

“I see Suit Yourself as a real Derby type, but that's a long way off at the moment.”

Ballymore racing manager Michael Thompson said: “I think professional is the word for him.

“He jumped okay, put himself in behind them and it was a great ride from Ryan (Elliot) who pulled him out at the right time and he galloped all the way to the line, so definitely professional.

“He was super in his first run, too, where he had to come wide and got beaten by a tidy filly (Social Climber) really.”

Thompson likened Suit Youself to Savaglee (Savabeel), a three-year-old c**t in the stable that measured up to the best juveniles last season and won fresh-up over 1100 metres on 21 August at Taupo.

“He’s (Suit Yourself) a completely different type to Savaglee, but we think he’s right there and he’s proved it today.

“I know Pam and Tom will be quite emotional to have won this race in the immediate memory of Kevin (Hickman), and everyone at Ballymore Stables offers our condolences to the Hickman family and the Valachi team.”

Suit Yourself was strapped by Loka Manu.

24/08/2024

Suits you Sir!

Suit Yourself runs out a dominant winner at Te Rapa in the Maiden 3yo 1200.

On a poignant day, Suit Yourself is by Sire Savile Row, who Pam trained for Valachi Downs principal Kevin Hickman.

We hope this victory provided the Hickman family with as much pride as we are feeling.

23/08/2024

We take two to Te Rapa today looking for early success as the season begins to take shape.

Weather: overcast, track: Heavy9, rail: true. 8mls rain forecast Saturday.

12:10 p.m. R2 1 Suit Yourself (3 c Savile Row – O’Carol, by Rip Van Winkle) – Ryan Elliot; did well for second after being slowest away and circling widest when debuting in the Pearl Series 2YO 1230 metres on 25 July at Rotorua. Contesting the $25,000 Maiden 3YO 1200 metres, young horse with natural ability, dam won twice on heavy ground, and brings right trial and race form to rate a top three chance. Fixed odds: $4.20 & $1.75.

12:43 p.m. R3 8 Juwala (4 g Reliable Man – Fiamette, by Bel Danoro) – Billy Jacobson; resumed with solid finish for fifth, from back and wide, with Jacobson aboard in the 3YO 1400 metres here on 27 July. Contesting the $25,000 Maiden 1600 metres, drawn the ace, and rates a top four chance on strength of first-up effort. Fixed odds: $8.50 & $2.90.

Good luck to all connections and have a great weekend.

23/08/2024

Ballymore Racing would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Hickman family for their loss.

Rest In Peace Kevin Hickman - a true industry leader.

Valachi Downs principal Kevin Hickman has passed away.  Photo: Trish Dunnell Industry mourns Kevin Hickman Richard Edmunds, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk 23 August 2024 The New Zealand thoroughbred industry has lost one of its most influential figures of the last two decades with the passing of Kevin Hic...

21/08/2024

Back with a vengeance, Savaglee (3 c Savabeel – Glee) resumed with a classy victory in the $40,000 Poverty Bay Turf Club 3YO Colts & Geldings 1100 metres on 21 August at Taupo.

An impressive debut winning two-year-old, that extended beautifully to win the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) and finished fourth in the Sistema Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m), Savaglee had quickened with a strong finish for second when trialling on 6 August at Te Rapa.

With Samantha Spratt aboard, who combined for his Matamata Slipper victory, Savaglee began well to race in second on a solid tempo, quickened to lead 200m out and proceeded to draw clear with his ears pricked.

“He trialled really well, so I was fairly confident and he did an awesome job,” Spratt said.

“He settled beautifully, kicked away easily and the last 100m had his ears pricked.”

It was a classy performance by a c**t that proved competitive against the best of his age last season and appears to have done well in the interim while preparing for a three-year-old spring campaign.

“Everything has fallen into place nicely and now that he’s won we can remain on target for the El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy on 7 September at Hastings, and then see which way we go from there,” said trainer Pam Gerard.

“Where we go will depend on track conditions and how he copes with the travel to Hawkes Bay, and keeping in mind a trip to Christchurch in November for the 2000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m).

“He’s lengthened while out spelling and now not quite as babyish as he was last season. He was strong as a two-year-old, but had no real muscle definition and while that is coming he still has more maturing to do.

“He’s settles now and we’re looking forward to stepping him up in distances. He had a couple of things go wrong last season in his races which put him on the back foot, but things have been seamless this time in.

“He’s been really good in his track work, no hassle whatsoever, and he’s a lovely c**t to have in the stable.”

On Soft7 footing, Savaglee ran 1100 metres in 1:08.7, last 600m in 35.7 (approx.) and paid $2.50 & $1.40 on the NZ TAB tote.

Owned by The Oaks Stud, who purchased the c**t for $400,000 at the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Waikato Stud, Savaglee is exceptionally well related, from the family of Champion Three-Year-Old and triple Group One winner Daffodil (No Excuse Needed), Australasian Top 2YO Filly Good Faith (Straight Strike), Group One winner Aegon (Sacred Falls), Group Two winner Atishu (Savabeel), and star filly Orchestral (Savabeel), who was so exciting winning the Karaka Millions 3YO (Restricted Listed, 1600m), Avondale Guineas (Gr. 2, 2100m), and NZ Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m).

“He was always a bit immature last year, but did well during his spell,” said The Oaks Stud general manager Rick Williams.

“I’m thrilled with him. Pam has got him going nicely and there’s still a lot of improvement to come. He’s bred to go a bit further, so we’re looking forward to that.

“Dick (Karreman) will be tuned in from Australia, and he can feel delighted because he’s beaten a good field today.

“I loved him when we inspected the Waikato Stud draft, and I would rather have bought a filly, but Dick said let’s buy a c**t for a change. So there’s been a bit of pressure on, but that eased when he won a Group Three and he’s headed in the right direction.”

Savaglee was strapped by Loka Manu.

21/08/2024

Super win from Savaglee to kick off his 3yo season in fine style at Taupo today.

Ridden by in form jockey Sam Spratt, we are so grateful and privileged to train this talented son of Savabeel for The Oaks Stud.

Savaglee won the Group 3 Matamata Slipper in February and looks to have a big Spring ahead as a 3yo.

20/08/2024

We head to Taupo today with one runner as Group winning 2yo Savaglee returns to the racetrack for his first run of the season.

Weather: fine, track: Soft7, rail: true.

1:42 p.m. R4 1 Savaglee (3 c Savabeel – Glee, by O’Reilly) – Samantha Spratt; quickened with strong finish for second when trialling on 6 August at Te Rapa, and resumes in the $40,000 3YO Colts & Geldings 1100 metres. Impressive winning on debut, he extended beautifully to win the Matamata Slipper (Gr. 3, 1200m) last season with Spratt aboard, competitive against best of age, handles give in ground, and rates top three from barrier two in small but select field. Fixed odds: $2.30 & $1.05.

16/08/2024

We head to Ruakaka today with just one runner looking for good track conditions.

Ruakaka:

Weather: fine, track: Soft5, rail: true. 11mls rain forecast Saturday.

1:51 p.m. R3 10 Mood Painter (5 m Tivaci – Sound Works) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); remained rearward on Heavy10 footing in the Maiden 1400 metres on 31 July at Tauranga, and contests the $20,000 Maiden 1600 metres. Ideally drawn (3), she receives opportunity to improve if appreciative of course at first attempt. Fixed odds: $17.00 & $3.80.

Good luck to all connections and have a great weekend.

12/08/2024

Nine-year-old Buffalo River returns for Saturday’s Group 2 Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, which will likely lead to a clash with Pride Of Jenni in the G1 Memsie Stakes over the same course two weeks later.

“We’ve targeted him for this race,” Feroce said of Saturday’s Lawrence Stakes.

“He loves Caulfield and he loves the 1400 (metres). It’s a chance to get him back winning as he’s had three jumpouts and is very fit.”

Read the rest of the racing.com article here: https://www.racing.com/news/2024-08-12/news-preview-jenni-factor-suits-veteran

10/08/2024

Proven winter galloper Cork (7 m Complacent – Little Bit Irish, by O’Reilly) returned to winning form in the $45,000 Open Handicap 1800 metres on Saturday at Riccarton.

Having fought well for eighth against a stronger field in the Winter Cup (Gr. 3, 1600m) on the course last Saturday, a race in which she finished second last season, Cork was suited stepping up in distance after winning previously over 2100 metres.

With her four prior victories occurring on heavy footing, and confronted with Heavy10 conditions, Cork was aided by three kilos weight relief from apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper (a3) to carry 51kg.

Although shadowed in front by more favoured Jay Bee Gee (Complacent), who narrowly won the Winter Cup seven days earlier, Cork remained on a path closer to the rail when entering the home straight – one which had already proved successful – and resiliently stuck to her task in holding Jay Bee Gee at bay.
In the race sponsored by Stephanie Murray Mortgages, Cork scored by half a neck, ran 1800 metres in 2:02.8, and returned $4.30 & $2.30 on the NZ TAB tote.

At her best on looser type of heavy footing, Cork benefitted from overnight rain which made conditions more to her liking, as opposed to the more holding sort of ground that prevailed in the Winter Cup.

“We thought some overnight rain would certainly help her cause,” said Pam Gerard, now training under her own name since 1 August after being in partnership with Mike Moroney since 2017.

“We’d never really backed her up before, but she didn’t pull up too badly from her run beforehand in the Winter Cup.

“Lisa (Allpress) said her run was super in the Winter Cup, but she just got a bit stuck in the ground that day, and from an outside gate she was pretty wide for the whole trip.

“She is a fully matured mare now and needs to be out there racing, so we elected to start.
“Taking three kilos off was also a great help and Donovan is a strong young rider that has been getting plenty of wins.

“It was only a small field and it looked like the Winter Cup winner (Jay Bee Gee) was the main one we had to beat.

“It was a different type of race, of course, and it turned out by settling handier and near the rail she was able to show what she is capable of.

“Richie (Fallon) loves being on tour out of Matamata, and does a great job with the horses we’ve sent down there in the past, and Amanda (Brown) lives locally and has been there to help too.”

Carrying the Fletcher tartan of owners by Dame Sian Elias, Natalie Walker, Ned Fletcher & Hugh Fletcher, Cork was selected by Paul Moroney and Ballymore Stables NZ at the 2019 Karaka Book 2 Sale and bought for $30,000 from the Blandford Lodge draft of breeders Graham & Helen-Gaye Bax.

“The Fletcher family are very good supporters of Ballymore Stables, and it’s great to have a mare like Cork that tries so hard and was able to win during the Grand National Carnival at Riccarton,” Gerard said.

“Harlech has been a flag-bearer for their colours in the stable too, as a Group Two winner and triple Group One placed, and we were all thrilled when he returned to winning form, after racing in fine fettle, in the Easter Cup (Open Handicap, 1600m) here in May.”

Cork was strapped by Richie Fallon.

10/08/2024

Delighted to get our first winner of the season in the famous Fletcher Tartan silks.

CORK has been such a good horse for us and continues to be as tough and genuine as ever. Aided by a good, smart ride from apprentice Donovan Cooper, Cork has been expertly cared for in the South Island by the evergreen Richie Fallon (pictured)

Huge well done to the Fletcher family and a huge thankyou to everyone who has helped us in the South Island thus far.

09/08/2024

We head to Te Rapa and Riccarton today looking for Saturday Success.

Te Rapa:

12:30 p.m. R1 8 Khando (4 m Mongolian Khan – Evens) – Billy Jacobson; fought solidly for sixth after racing handily in the Maiden 1600 metres on 21 July at Pukekohe, with Jacobson aboard, and steps up in the $20,000 Maiden 2100 metres. Improving with three starts under her belt, she shapes to appreciate getting to a middle distance. Fixed odds: $9.00 & $2.45.

1:45 p.m. R3 2 Presuming (5 g Complacent – Abenroad) – Ryan Elliot; closed from midfield in fastest last 600m (37.1) for third in the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres on 25 July at Rotorua, with Elliot aboard, and contests the corresponding event. Improving with two starts under his belt, he rates a top three chance from barrier four. Fixed odds: $3.90 & $1.65.

4:47 p.m. R8 5 Step in Time (5 g Time Test – Caradonna) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); recorded second recent win, each with Nishizuka aboard, when turning for home with four-length advantage and sustained a strong gallop to win easily in the Rating 65 2200 metres on 25 July at Rotorua. Up in grade for the $35,000 Rating 75 2100 metres, weight relief to 51.5kg, meets much stronger field but ability to prove competitive if appreciative of course at first attempt. Fixed odds: $11.00 & $3.40.

Riccarton:

2:36 p.m. R7 5 Cork (6 m Complacent – Little Bit Irish, by O’Reilly) – Donovan Cooper (a3); was doing best work through the line in the Oamaru Cup (Open, 1600m) on 21 July at Oamaru, and contests the $45,000 Open Handicap 1800 metres. She fought well for eighth against stronger field in the Winter Cup (Gr. 3, 1600m) here last Saturday, has weight relief to 51kg and rates a top four chance. Fixed odds: $6.50 & $2.60.

Good luck to all connections and have a great weekend!

09/08/2024

Some non-horse related news for a Friday!

The very talented Meg Hazlett, daughter of Ballymore Racing Trainer Pam Gerard and partner Tom Hazlett, has today flown to Hong Kong to represent New Zealand in the World Lacrosse Women’s Under 20 Championships.

Meg is super excited and grateful to everyone who has wished her well in the build up and we are all extremely proud of her efforts.

We are sure she will do her family and country proud!

Go well Meg and team - We’ll all be right behind you!

For anyone wishing to keep up to date with results please see the link below:
https://worldlacrosse.sport/events/world-championships/2024-world-lacrosse-womens-u20-championship/

07/08/2024

We had a nice small team at Te Rapa trials yesterday who all performed smartly as we head into the new season.

Group winning 2yo SAVAGLEE returned with a particularly pleasing trial and now has an exciting Spring campaign infront of him for The Oaks Stud

02/08/2024

Here we go!

First day of the new season and we are at Riccarton looking for early success.

Weather: fine, track: Heavy10, rail: true. No rain forecast.

2:00 p.m. R6 12 Tonia’s Dragon (3 f Time Test – Camillino, by Per Incanto) – Kelly Myers; worked forward into second but under pressure turning for home in the $35,000 Rating 65 1200 metres on 21 July at Oamaru, and contests the corresponding event. Given time to settle after a long trip, she will take improvement from her first run. Won over 1180 metres heavy ground at Te Aroha. Fixed odds: $12.00 & $3.70.

3:45 p.m. R9 10 Cork (6 m Complacent – Little Bit Irish, by O’Reilly) – Lisa Allpress; was doing best work through the line, from rear, in the Oamaru Cup (Open, 1600m) on 21 July at Oamaru, and contests the $110,000 Winning Edge Presentations 127th Winter Cup (Gr. 3, 1600m). Runner-up in the corresponding event last year, all four wins on heavy tracks, and drawing outside (21) may be best spot depending on pattern of racing. Fixed odds: $13.00 & $4.20.

01/08/2024

Ballymore Stables is pleased to announce that Glen Thompson will be joining Mike Moroney as a training partner starting from the lst of August.

31/07/2024

That’s a wrap for the 2023-2024 season and we would like to thank all our wonderful owners and supporters for their support throughout a very successful season at Ballymore Stables.

We finish with a record total 33 winners and a record total prize money of just over $1.5million.

We have had so many highlights over the season with plenty to look forward to into the next.

PENDRAGON clocked up three wins in a row including the Group 2 Auckland Guineas before finishing a brave second in the Karaka Million 3yo.

SAVAGLEE burst onto the scene with a blistering debut win at Trentham and held his form throughout a busy 2yo campaign, finishing 5th in the Karaka Million 2yo before winning the Group 3 Matamata Slipper on a proud day at our home track.

PERICLES is a horse we have so much faith in and we were delighted with his first season performance winning three from nine starts including the Listed 3yo Uncle Remus Stakes at Ellerslie in February.

Towards the end of the season, it was particularly satisfying to see two stable favourites head to the South Island and pick up valuable prizes.

SASSY MERLOT has been a wonderful servant to her owners and we were thrilled to see her gain a much deserved stakes win in the Listed Great Easter Stakes at Riccarton.

HARLECH also found his form in the South Island and after 3 close placings, one of which in the Canterbury Gold Cup, he finally got his head back in front in the Easter Cup at Riccarton under Lisa Allpress.

We have so much to be proud of with so much to look forward to in the near future and once again we are incredibly indebted to our fantastic owners and supporters.

See you all next season!

30/07/2024

The final day of the season sees us take three horses over the hill to Tauranga.

Weather: overcast, track: Heavy10, rail: out 9 metres. 9mls rain forecast Tuesday and 12mls Wednesday.

11:30 a.m. R1 9 Mood Painter (4 m Tivaci – Sound Works, by Not A Single Doubt) – Samantha Spratt; remained back on inner when resuming in the Pearl Series Maiden 1215 metres on 3 July at Rotorua, and contests the $17,000 Maiden 1400 metres. Has shown to handle heavy ground and receives opportunity to improve. Fixed odds: $12.00 & $2.80.

12:05 p.m. R2 7 Key Largo (4 g Ocean Park – Enjay, by High Chaparral) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); came from handy position on inner with notable effort for fourth in the Rating 65 1400 metres on 3 July at Rotorua, ridden by Nishizuka, and contests the $17,000 Rating 65 1400 metres. Has weight relief to 52.5kg, course winner earlier in season over 1600 metres on soft ground, and receives opportunity to continue improvement. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $1.90.

3:29 p.m. R8 9 Versailles (3 f War Decree – White Dove, by High Chaparral) – Kelly Myers; tired after tough trip in the Maiden 1600 metres on 29 June at Ruakaka, and contests the $17,000 Maiden 2100 metres. Dam won five times (four on soft) from 1600m to 2000m in Australia, from staying type family, and opportunity to improve if appreciative of conditions. Fixed odds: $31.00 & $6.00.

28/07/2024

The Ancient Spirit x Back Date was a Karaka purchase early in the year and is a gorgeous filly who has completed one prep and due back in the stable very soon.

She has spent the past two months in the paddock developing and strengthening. She is a filly with a lot of natural ability and possesses a lot of class.

Her half brother Force Of Law performed very well as a 2yo for us last season, looking like he will make a nice 3yo and this filly will follow the same path aiming for the classic 3yo races.

26/07/2024

The final Saturday of the 2023-2024 season sees us take three lovely horses to Te Rapa.

Race 1 12.20 TARZANA returns to the races after a strong debut run to finish 2nd at Hawera back in April and we are hopeful she can go close once again on a track that should suit.

Race 5 2.52 JUWALA contests the 3yo 1400 and is just kicking off his campaign. He has had two nice trials to prepare and won his latest one at Rotorua earlier this month. He will take improvement from today’s race but will be hitting the line strongly.

Race 7 4.02 SHOES returns to Te Rapa where she was brave in defeat last time out. That was her first run back after a lengthy spell and she should be right up to the mark fitness wise today, aided by in form 3kg apprentice Jess Allen.

Good luck to all connections.

25/07/2024

Step In Time salutes at Rotorua for stable apprentice Joe Nishizuka.

Recording his second victory in recent times, Step In Time (4 g Time Test – Caradonna) raced away with the $35,000 Rating 65 2200 metres on 25 July at Rotorua.

Step In Time was successful second-up in this campaign when drawing clear to win the Maiden 1600 metres on 8 May at Matamata, with Ballymore Stables apprentice Joe Nishizuka (a4) aboard, and the same combination obliged again.

Following the Maiden win he fought well for sixth after sharing a spirited pace in the Rating 65 1600 metres on 19 June at Pukekohe, before striking ground in which he was unable to quicken in the Rating 65 1650 metres on 6 July at Hastings.

Co-trainer Pam Gerard had reported Step In Time had been working super and eaten everything leading up his latest assignment, and expected him to again appreciate four-kilos weight relief to carry 54kg.

Although drawn wide (13), Nishizuka was positive from the outset, going forward into midfield and improving to sixth with cover at the 600m. The pairing made an early move to lead, turning for home with a four-length advantage and sustained a strong gallop to win easily.

Scoring by two and a quarter lengths, Step In Time followed in the footsteps of his dam, Caradonna, who recorded all three wins (2100m – 2200m) on heavy ground, including a course/distance victory at Rotorua.

On Heavy10 footing, Step In Time ran 2200 metres in 2:24.4, last 600m n 38.7, and paid handsomely ($23.50 & $6.60) on the NZ TAB tote.

“He’s not a big horse and easy to ride, so it’s good to make use of Joe’s apprentice claim, and he’s just been waiting to get up in trip,” Gerard said.

“They walked and sprinted last time over a mile at Hastings, which didn’t suit him, and the (Heavy8) ground was a bit better too.

“He’s kept stepping up in this preparation, not put in a bad run, so it shows he’s maturing into being a competitive racehorse.”

Owned by Deirdre Neville-White MNZM and Ballymore Stables, who share a long history together, Step In Time was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased for $45,000 at the Karaka 2021 Karaka Book 2 Sale, from the draft of Highden Park.

“Deirdre absolutely loves this horse and given he’s going well with a claimer on means he should be able to remain competitive as he steps up in class,” Gerard added.

Step In Time was strapped by Dalpat Singh

24/07/2024

We head to Rotorua today with a very nice team of horses looking to finish the season strong.

Weather: fine, track: Heavy10, rail: out 4 metres. No rain forecast.

12:24 p.m. R2 2 Let’s Dance (2 c Preferment – Happy Feet, by Sepoy) – Craig Grylls; produced notable effort for fourth after racing handily on debut in the 2YO 1100 metres on 6 July at Hastings, and contests the $35,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 1230 metres. He trialled well prior to racing and receives opportunity for continued improvement. Fixed odds: $4.20 & $1.50.

12:24 p.m. R2 2 Suit Yourself (2 c Savile Row – O’Carol, by Rip Van Winkle) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); travelled on bridle outside leader and found plenty to win well on Heavy10 footing when trialling here on 11 June. Debuting in the $35,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 1230 metres, he drew out to win very well in previous trial on 16 May at Te Aroha, dam O’Carol won three times over 1600 metres, including twice on heavy ground, and brings right trial form to rate a top three chance. Fixed odds: $2.50 & $1.25.

2:09 p.m. R5 4 Presuming (4 g Complacent – Abenroad, by Danroad) – Ryan Elliot; won trial here on 11 June, given Heavy10 footing, and produced solid debut effort for fifth at same venue in the Maiden 1200 metres on 3 July. Contesting the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres, he receives opportunity to improve further. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.20.

2.44 p.m. R6 8 Step in Time (4 g Time Test – Caradonna, by Don Eduardo) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); was unable to quicken following economical trip in the Rating 65 1650 metres on 6 July at Hastings, and contests the $35,000 Rating 65 2200 metres. He drew clear to win the Maiden 1600 metres on 8 May at Matamata, with Nishizuka aboard, dam recorded all three wins (2100m – 2200m) on heavy ground, including course/distance win at Rotorua, weight relief to 54kg, and appears suited to task. Fixed odds: $26.00 & $6.50.

3:59 p.m. R8 12 Key Largo (4 g Ocean Park – Enjay, by High Chaparral) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); came from handy position on inner with notable effort for fourth in the Rating 65 1400 metres here on 3 July, ridden by Nishizuka, and contests the $35,000 Rating 65 1400 metres. Has weight relief to 52kg and receives opportunity to improve further. Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.00.
Weather: fine, track: Heavy10, rail: out 4 metres. No rain forecast.

12:24 p.m. R2 2 Let’s Dance (2 c Preferment – Happy Feet, by Sepoy) – Craig Grylls; produced notable effort for fourth after racing handily on debut in the 2YO 1100 metres on 6 July at Hastings, and contests the $35,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 1230 metres. He trialled well prior to racing and receives opportunity for continued improvement. Fixed odds: $4.20 & $1.50.

12:24 p.m. R2 2 Suit Yourself (2 c Savile Row – O’Carol, by Rip Van Winkle) – Niranjan Parmar (a1); travelled on bridle outside leader and found plenty to win well on Heavy10 footing when trialling here on 11 June. Debuting in the $35,000 Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series 2YO 1230 metres, he drew out to win very well in previous trial on 16 May at Te Aroha, dam O’Carol won three times over 1600 metres, including twice on heavy ground, and brings right trial form to rate a top three chance. Fixed odds: $2.50 & $1.25.

2:09 p.m. R5 4 Presuming (4 g Complacent – Abenroad, by Danroad) – Ryan Elliot; won trial here on 11 June, given Heavy10 footing, and produced solid debut effort for fifth at same venue in the Maiden 1200 metres on 3 July. Contesting the $20,000 Maiden 1400 metres, he receives opportunity to improve further. Fixed odds: $6.00 & $2.20.

2.44 p.m. R6 8 Step in Time (4 g Time Test – Caradonna, by Don Eduardo) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); was unable to quicken following economical trip in the Rating 65 1650 metres on 6 July at Hastings, and contests the $35,000 Rating 65 2200 metres. He drew clear to win the Maiden 1600 metres on 8 May at Matamata, with Nishizuka aboard, dam recorded all three wins (2100m – 2200m) on heavy ground, including course/distance win at Rotorua, weight relief to 54kg, and appears suited to task. Fixed odds: $26.00 & $6.50.

3:59 p.m. R8 12 Key Largo (4 g Ocean Park – Enjay, by High Chaparral) – Joe Nishizuka (a4); came from handy position on inner with notable effort for fourth in the Rating 65 1400 metres here on 3 July, ridden by Nishizuka, and contests the $35,000 Rating 65 1400 metres. Has weight relief to 52kg and receives opportunity to improve further. Fixed odds: $10.00 & $3.00.

23/07/2024

Ballymore Stables lost a dear colleague and friend on Tuesday night with the passing of our former long time senior veterinarian Jim Marks who was a major part of the stable's success right from our beginning in 1982 and up until his retirement from practice 10 years ago.

R.I.P Jim - It was a blessing and an honour to have known and worked with you 🙏