 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
On Wednesday at Riccarton, Listed Riccarton Park Function Centre Welcome Stakes was held, and Sky on Fire, ridden by visiting Sydney jockey Josh Parr, won the race for trainer Mark Walker. Despite receiving good pressure from stablemate Rubicon Crossing, the Exceed And Excel filly was able to go on and win the first juvenile stakes race of the season, with the well-related Snitzel filly Rhetorical finishing in third. David Ellis, the head honcho at Te Akau, bought all three fillies.
“We are proud of all three of them. They all ran great races and all of them deserve a bit of a holiday now. A stakes performance for their pedigrees is a big help as well,” a delighted Mark Walker said.
“Sky On Fire just had the benefit of going down the chute last start which was a big help. All three have got bright futures.” Despite likely earning enough prizemoney to guarantee a start in the A$2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, Sky On Fire won’t be seen on the Gold Coast.
“She will head back to Te Akau Stud for a nice little break and get ready for the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.2, 1200m),” Walker said. “Rubicon Crossing is in the same boat. She is a Magic Millions filly and will also look at the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes and Rhetorical will go home and get ready for the Karaka Million 2YO.