Ange De Reve Revels at Te Rapa

Ange De Reve (3 f Belardo - Awakening, by Per Incanto) made a perfect start to her racing career in the $12,000 Fairview Motors Maiden 1100 metres on 19 January at Te Rapa.

After remaining on the bridle when finishing strongly for second on 11 January at Cambridge (poly-track), Ange De Reve looked good in action during her trials' stage, vied for favouritism, and was given every chance throughout by Te Akau apprentice Niranjan Parmar (a3).

Beginning well from barrier three, Ange De Reve secured a beautiful trip, settled fourth on the outer, ranged up rounding the home turn and proved too good after quickening to lead 200m out.

From mare that won over 1000 metres, Ange De Reve ran 1100 metres in 1:05.6, last 600m in 34.7, and paid $5.10 & $1.90 on NZ TAB tote.

“Ange De Reve is owned by Des Gerrand and Jim Mellow,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “They bought her as a weanling on Gavelhouse and she came to us after being broken in at Waihi, where they live, and has always shown a bit.

“She's quite a highly strung filly who needed time to get everything sorted out. She had an incident going to the trials that held her up, but she is bred to have some speed and that's what she's shown.

“She displayed good speed from the barrier and I thought Parmar rode her well. She quickened up nicely in the straight, just with a tendency to hang in like she had been doing at the trials, but thankfully Parmar is good with stick in his left-hand and helped to keep her going straight.

“It's never easy to win first-up, but she did it nicely and we are very pleased for her owners.

“All the stables are working really well. She is not the easiest to work with, but the team at the Uni Barn does a very good job, as do all the track work riders and ground staff that we rely on to make sure every horse is well managed.”

By Lope De Vega (Shamardal) stallion Belardo, whose NZ first stakes' winner was subsequent Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) placed Avonallo (ex. Real Angel, by O'Reilly), trained by Jamie Richards. Out of sprint winner Awakening (Per Incanto), she is her first foal.

Ange De Reve carries Danehill cross as dam sire of Belardo and through dam line of Awakening, as sire of Viking Ruler.

Ange De Reve was strapped by Amit Gujar.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz