Mehzebeen - A Bosson Beauty

Te Akau stable rider Opie Bosson was at his brilliant best when scoring aboard Mehzebeen (3 f Almanzor - Salkantay, by Zabeel) in the $15,000 Plasma Biotech Maiden 2200 metres on 1 March at Awapuni.

Having got back last before running the fastest last 600m (35.7) in the Maiden 1800 metres on 30 December at Taupo, and given time (35 days) since a solid fifth in the Maiden 2000 metres on 25 January at Matamata, Mehzebeen was building nicely and broke through at her fourth start.

Although beginning well from barrier four, Bosson was wise to those intent on going forward, and was happy to settle five back on the inner. Pushed up to engage nearing the home turn, Mehzebeen was clear on straightening and kept finding to score comfortably in the finish. 

On Good4 footing, Mehzebeen ran 2200 metres in 2:14.8, last 600m in 35.4, winning by one and a quarter lengths, and paid $10.80 & $3.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

“It was a good strong staying effort by the filly and a lovely ride of Opie's,” said trainer Mark Walker, who ended the programme last Saturday winning with another progeny of Almanzor (Wootton Bassett), Dynastic, at Matamata, ahead of contesting the $1m New Zealand Derby (Gr. 1, 2400m) on Saturday at Te Rapa.  

“She stepped up in trip after a good effort over 2000 metres. She's bred to get that sort (2200m) of trip, and she's improved each race, so she'll head towards the New Zealand Oaks now.”

The $450,000 New Zealand Oaks (Gr. 1, 2400m) is contested on Saturday 18 March at Trentham, where Mehzebeen will join stable-mates Family Ties (Contributer), Safura (Almanzor), and Sealed With A Kiss (Tarzino), as nominees. 

Mehzebeen is from the family of Matamata Breeders' Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m) winner Te Akau Coup (Thorn Park) and Wellesley Stakes (Listed, 1000m) winner Don Garcia (Danehill), both purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM as yearlings at Karaka, and also triple stakes winner Sacramento (Pierro).

Purchased by Sarai Stud for $50,000 at the 2021 Karaka Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Pencarrow Stud, Mehzebeen is owned by M E & & Y M Davis, Mrs B & W R Duncan, Mrs K J & T L Howe, D J & Mrs S P Rolston, Sarai Stud & Mrs S Waddell.

It was a special moment for Frenchman Xavier Kos and his wife, Beatrice Hild, of Sarai Stud, who followed the advice of former New Zealand Bloodstock Sales' Manager Danny Rolston, now working for the Hong Kong Jockey Club, in buying the filly.

“We hoped she would be good today, but it was all about the work of Mark Walker,” said Kos, a radiologist at Waikato Hospital.

“He's just an amazing trainer and after the last race at Matamata he told me she would be hard to beat next time, which shows he has an amazing feeling for the horses, and what a great job he's doing.

“It's a shame we were not at Palmerston North today but at the hospital working, and we will definitely be there for the Oaks at Trentham.

“I have been away in Europe and I told Nicolas De Chambure, who is Executive Director of Haras d'Etreham, where Almanzor stands in France, that we have the dream of having the second Group One winner for Almanzor. 

“D'Etreham actually bred and raced Almanzor and it works together with Cambridge Stud to stand him here in New Zealand (to Southern Hemisphere time).

“We bought her on the advice of Danny Rolston, who is part of the team with his parents and their friends. Danny is a friend of mine and a good horseman. 

“We also have Mark Davis, a cardiologist that works with me, and Sonia Waddell from Riverdale Farm.

“It's not every day that you can win a race, so we need to enjoy the good times, and she's the first horse we bought when we came to New Zealand, four years ago.

“We have a few mares, now, at home, and probably more into breeding than racing. But we bought Mehzebeen with a view to breed in the future and she's from a good family of Sir Peter Vela's. 

“It's unbelievable that we will soon have a filly in a Group One race. “She's a big filly, needs some time to mature and will probably be better as a four-year-old.

“Mark (Walker) is such a great asset for New Zealand. Before we gave the horse to Mark, we went to Te Akau Stud and had a chat with David (Ellis CNZM) and asked him if he was happy to accept the filly to train, and now everyone is happy.”

Mehzebeen was strapped by Zoe Ashworth.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz