Waiaru Cove Cruises Home at Home

In Nearco Stud colours of owner/breeder Greg Tomlinson, Wairau Cove (3 g Darci Brahma - Distinctive Lass, by Orientate) cut loose with a five-length victory in $12,000 Matamata Veterinary Maiden 3YO 1200 metres on 23 December at Matamata.

Impressive winning a trial at Matamata, prior to a close fourth when debuting on Slow7 conditions in a Maiden 3YO 1100 metres on 2 December at New Plymouth, Wairau Cove won in fashion synonymous with his successful family.

The year younger brother to stable-mate and 1000 Guineas (Gr. 1, 1600m) winner Kahma Lass, subsequent stakes' winner at Caulfield, Wairau Cove is from broodmare sensation Distinctive Lass, having left four stakes' winners and seven of seven winning progeny.

An illustrious family with which Te Akau principal David Ellis CNZM has great affinity, he purchased Kahma Lass for $290,000 at Karaka 2019 Book 1 Sale, from draft of Curraghmore Stud, and from same draft in 2015 also bought brother Distinctive Darci, a multiple winner in Singapore.

A smart four-length trial winner on debut at Te Aroha, Distinctive Darci transferred to Te Akau's Mark Walker in Singapore, winning 10 races including a Group 2, and over NZ$1 million in prize money. Half-brother Kuro (Denman) won five stakes races in a total of eight wins, and Southern Lad (Ocean Park) has won seven in Australia.

In addition, Ellis also purchased five-time Group 1 winner and Champion Sire Darci Brahma (Danehill) as a yearling at Karaka, and the mating with Distinctive Lass has worked extraordinarily well.

“It's such a big thrill to train another winner for Greg Tomlinson,” Ellis said. “He's easily one of the best breeders in New Zealand, and has been a Breeder of the Year. He's a champion bloke and it looks like he's got an exciting horse.

“I love seeing the Darci Brahma's win and there's certainly been a few terrific horses by him in this family.”

Tightened in betting from earlier $2.90 & $1.40 fixed odds quote with NZ TAB, Wairau Cove paid $1.90 & $1.20 on tote, running 1200 metres in slick 1:09.3.

“He's a horse we've had a lot of time for and it was a really good win,” said trainer Jamie Richards. “He's just needed time to strengthen and overcome a couple of niggling little things.

“I really liked the way he was able to put it together today, after being caught in a speed duel on debut at New Plymouth.  He was able to sit back, circled them, and won with a fair bit in hand. I really like the way he put them away late in the piece and it was a nice ride from Opie (Bosson).

“He's certainly a horse with a bright future and it's been a top effort by everyone at the Colt Barn to present him in such good order.”

Third dam Special (Habituate) won 10 races including three Group Ones, all at Flemington: Newmarket Handicap (Gr. 1, 1200m), Lightning Stakes (Gr. 1, 1000m) and the Gadsden Stakes (Gr. 1, 1200m). At stud, Special produced 14 foals, 10 raced and nine were winners.

A total of 13 stakes' winners and eight stakes'-placed performers descend from Sal II (Sallust), the dam of Special.

Wairau Cove was strapped by Sumeet Pillay.

Photo credit - www.raceimages.co.nz