Season of Success: Lara Lengths Ahead

Performing in a manner reflective of prohibitive odds ($1.20), Lara Antipova (2 f Russian Revolution – Artistic Lass, by Myboycharlie) won the $175,000 Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) in superb fashion on 20 December at Trentham.

After having her rivals covered to win a trial on 14 November at Avondale, Lara Antipova bolted in by eight lengths on debut in the Maiden 2YO 1150 metres on 7 December at Te Aroha, and rated a top three chance at stakes level.

Ridden again by leading jockey Craig Grylls, who was also aboard at Te Aroha, Lara Antipova appeared in great order behind the barriers before the start, began well to settle outside the leader, and steadily increased her winning margin after taking control at the 200m.

Winning by four and a half lengths, Lara Antipova ran 1100 metres in 1:03.3 on Soft5 footing.

The brilliant filly went on to win again at Group Two level, then Group One, ending the season unbeaten in four starts, and becoming a strong contender to claim the 13th Champion Two-Year-Old title for Te Akau.

Owned by the Fortuna Lara Antipova Syndicate (Mgr: John Galvin), she was purchased for A$100,000 by Sir David Ellis CNZM and Fortuna Racing, from the draft of Vinery Stud, at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. 

“We won this race with Maroofity (Maroof), who went on to become Champion Two-Year-Old, and then a year later with Kapsdan, for John (Galvin), and I’m thrilled for him and the owners to win it again,” Ellis said. 

“She was impressive winning on debut and really stepped up today with another impressive win, so it’s pretty exciting for everyone involved.

“She wasn’t an expensive filly, but is by a good sire and there are plenty of stakes' winners in the family, so now she’s joined them and really added to her value.”

Lara Antipova is by dual Group One winning sprinter Russian Revolution (Snitzel), Leading First & Second Season Sire in Australia, out of Artistic Lass, who won five races from 1800m – 2200m. 

She is the fourth individual winner for the mare, and became her first stakes' success - she has also left the winner of five races in Caring Lass (Sebring) and four-time winner Bubbly Lass (More Than Ready). 

Grand-dam Famous Painter (Peintre Celebre) left plenty of stakes’ performers, including Group Two and Group Three winners Sistine Demon (Excites) and Sistine Angel (Testa Rossa), and Group Three placed Themoonlitegambler (Good Journey) and Scully (Shooting To Win). 

The pedigree is further enhanced by third dam Rancheetah (Rancher), who recorded eight wins including a stakes’ win, and among five winners she left Group Two Gallopini (Canny Lad). 

In training at the Te Akau stables in Cranbourne (Melbourne), Lara Antipova has just trialled and everyone eagerly awaits a Spring campaign in Victoria.

Te Akau's previous wins in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m):

2023 – Captured By Love (Written Tycoon)

2018 – Aotea Lad (Savabeel)

2009 – King’s Ransom (King’s Chapel)

2004 – Kapsdan (Kaapstad)

2003 – Maroofity (Maroof)