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.

Mehzebeen is raced by Sarai Stud, M & Y Davis, D & S Rolston, S Waddell, R & B Duncan & T & K Howe.  She has raced 19 times, recording five wins and six placings, earning $474,010 to date.