MEHZEBEEN

Classy staying mare Mehzebeen was entrusted to Te Akau Racing by her owners to train.  As a filly and then mare who showed good staying potential, she needed time and a patient approach, and she was given both by her owners and training team alike.

The daughter of Almanzor first saluted the judge at Awapuni in March 2023 - winning a maiden 2200m in the hands of stable rider Opie Bosson ONZM.

At her very next start later that same month, she put up a stirring performance to finish runner up in the $450,000 Group 1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai NZ Oaks over 2400m when ridden by Jason Laking.  It was a superb effort in the classic for 3YO fillies and we knew there was plenty to come in the future for her.

Heading south she was again a winner at Ashburton in October 2023, before finishing a desperately unlucky sixth in the $100,000 Listed Nautical Boats Insurance Metropolitan Handicap over 2600m during NZ Cup Week.  It was a difficult watch as she was held up at the turn, could not find clear running and hit the line fully untested.

Returning north, she was an easy winner of the $80,000 Harcourts Taupo Cup over 2000m at the end of December 2023 when ridden by Michael McNab.

Resuming in September 2024 after a good break, she was momentarily hampered in the final stages to be beaten a nose in the $50,000 Waverley Cup in October 2024.  She was of course en route to Christchurch where she had 'unfinished business' - and she was out to even the score for sure!

On the first day of the NZ Cup Carnival at Riccarton on 9 November 2024, she returned to stake her claim in the $100,000 Listed Nautical Boats Insurance Metropolitan Handicap again - this time she was not to be denied as everything went her way despite a last minute rider change.  With senior rider Sam Spratt taking over the reins, Mehzebeen set the terms, kicked at the 200m and was too good.

It was terrific to see the now 5YO mare secure her first stakes' victory - but she was not finished!  Seven days later, she was back at Riccarton on 16 November 2024 to dominate the field in the $400,000 Group 3 Martin Collins 161st New Zealand Cup over 3200m for Craig Grylls, who returned to the saddle. It was an emphatic victory, putting a three length margin on the field of quality stayers.

After being unlucky in two starts in Australia in early 2025, Mehzebeen returned to New Zealand and immediately announced her arrival when third in the $110,000 New Zealand St Leger over 2500mat Trentham on 22 March - fighting on well to be beaten only a short head/head when again ridden by Craig Grylls.

At her next start on 12 April 2025, apprentice Lily Sutherland was aboard, and back to Trentham Mehzebeen returned hunting further black type.  With the $120,000 Listed Valley D'Vine Hawkes Bay Cup 2200m on her radar - the Almanzor was somewhat forgotten in the market.  No worry to her - after being held up at about the 400m mark, Sutherland opted to angle to the inside and her instinct paid off - the mare scoring her sixth career victory, third black type win, by a long neck.

Mehzebeen is raced by Sarai Stud, M & Y Davis, D & S Rolston, S Waddell, R & B Duncan & T & K Howe.  She has raced 23 times, recording six wins and seven placings, earning $556,218 to date.