DRAGON QUEEN SCORES AT BIG DANCE

Allan Fu was already making plans for Karaka Million night next year, after Dragon Queen (4 m Sweynesse – Happy Endings, by Tavistock) won $150,000 Westbury Classic (Gr. 2, 1400m) on 22 January at Ellerslie.

On the salubrious six-race card, Dragon Queen had previously contested both Karaka Million 2YO (Restricted Listed, 1200m) and Karaka 3YO Classic (Restricted Listed, 1200m), fifth and sixth respectively, before upsetting the apple cart in grand fashion.

Placed in six of nine course attempts, Dragon Queen was overhauled late by subsequent Group 3 winner Bankers Choice (Mongolian Khan) in Rating 74 1400 metres on 18 December at Te Rapa, before notable third in Rich Hill Mile (Gr. 2, 1600m) on Boxing Day, and co-trainer Pam Gerard had freshened for drop back to 1400 metres.

Retaining the ride, apprentice Taiki Yanagida, recording his first stakes victory, settled Dragon Queen three back outer before getting clear on straightening and showing plenty of resolve she won ding-dong finish with Faithful Feat (Per Incanto).

On Dead4 footing, Dragon Queen ran 1400 metres in 1:22.6 and drifted in betting to return $18.70 & $3.80 on NZ TAB tote.

“I remember way, way back when I won the Great Northern, it was outside in (photo-finish), so surely this week it’s got to go my way,” said Gerard, reflecting on Roch ‘N’ Horse (Per Incanto) losing nose margin decision a week earlier in Telegraph Handicap (Gr. 1, 1200m) at Trentham.

“She was outstanding in the Oaks last year, backed up in every good race that there’s been, and should have been Group 1 placed. She’s gone out, matured, and been outstanding again this season.

“We ummed and ahhed about dropping back to 1400 metres, after knowing we had her right for the Rich Hill (1600m). We just had to freshen-her-up and she just gets better and better.

“She’s the most beautiful mare to have in the stable and really deserves it, so well done to all the connections.”

For the mare with illustrious owners: Sir Owen Glenn (Go Bloodstock) and Alan Fu (New Zealand Chinese Jockey Club), Jayven & Kathy See, Dragon Queen was bred by Dowager Duchess of Bedford & Estate late Duke of Bedford, selected by Paul Moroney, and purchased for $50,000 as yearling at 2019 Karaka Book 3 Sale, from draft of Brighthill Farm.

Her grand-dam was Champion 3YO and Filly of Year Snap (Kingdom Bay), raced by Lord (Robin) and Lady (Henrietta) Tavistock.

“She has been here on this night for each of the last three years and hopefully next year she might be back for the Karaka Cup (Open, 2200m),” Fu said. “It’s great to finally come out on top and I’m lost for words.”

Describing the win, Yanagida said: “I had Opie Bosson on Amarelinha inside us. Sometimes she has got there too soon, but I waited and she had a few horses in front of her to chase.

“The horse on her inside (Faithful Feat) was kicking well, so she just fought with that one. I was confident of getting the win.

“I’d never won a black type race before today. Allan (Fu), the owner, gave me the opportunity on this horse so many times and I’ve finally made it. So, I must thank him and Pam.”

Dragon Queen was strapped by Sumer Singh.