CHANCELLOR WINS AT ROTORUA

Victory by protest, but a win nonetheless, Chancellor (5 g Vadamos – Silke Top, by Librettist) took out the $17,000 Maiden High-weight 1400 metres on 22 August at Rotorua.

Following a nose deficit to Mi Amigo (Fabulous), co-trainer Pam Gerard lodged a complaint that Chancellor had his line dictated to in the straight. The Stipendiary Stewards (report below) concurred and the protest was upheld.

Chancellor remained back when resuming over 1200 metres on 20 July at Hastings, had been runner-up previously on the course, given Soft5 footing, appeared suited stepping in distance, but much depended on handling Heavy10 conditions.

Ridden by Hamish McNeill (a1) and carrying 68kg in the race sponsored by Rotorua & Bay of Plenty Hunt Landowners, Chancellor ran 1400 metres in 1:34.1 and paid $6.70 & $2.70 on the NZ TAB tote.

Sharing similar ownership to stable-mate Harlech (Darci Brahma), a Group Two winner and triple Group One placed, now preparing for another campaign, Chancellor was selected by Paul Moroney Bloodstock and purchased at the 2020 Karaka Book 2 Sale from the draft of Valachi Downs.

He is owned by Hugh Fletcher, Dame Sian Elias, Natalie Walker, Ned Fletcher, Roddy and Jenny Paddon, Alan Schmedje and Ballymore Stables.

“He has been quite challenged mentally, but now starting to figure it out,” Gerard said.

“He had a good break and we’ve given him a lot of variation in his work. He did his pre-training with Dylan Ferguson and Jo Stevens, doing hill work, pony jumps and different routines, which brought him on nicely, especially the way he muscled up and mental improvement too.

“Following his fresh-up run over 1200 metres, he went out to school over hurdles at Peter and Jess Brosnan’s which has really settled him down and he’s a neat jumper.

“After the races were postponed on Sunday, he went out and jumped again yesterday so it’s agreeing with him.

“He’s bred to get over more ground and crying out for it, but has to show he can cope first. He showed good ability as a two-year-old and three-year-old, but remained a colt for a fairly long time, too, which can take time to get over.

“He deserved the win. He’s better than what his form line reads and it was just a matter of him gaining confidence.”

From a talented international family that Ballymore has already achieved success through the deeds of Za Za Gabor (O’Reilly), a dual winner and Group Two placed half-sister to Silke Top, grand-dam Zaza Top (Lomitas) was Second Top filly in German 2YO Handicaps and since left the Champion 3YO in Germany Zazou (Shamardal) and Zoe Dream (Galileo), winner of seven from 2300m to 4050m in France.

Chancellor is a half-brother to Fellini (Belardo), winner of five and stakes placed.

Stipendiary Stewards report:

Mi AMIGO (K Wiles) lay in when placed under pressure in the final straight, contacting CHANCELLOR near the 75 metres then continued to shift inwards over the concluding stages forcing CHANCELLOR inward. Following the race, connections of the second placed horse, CHANCELLOR, lodged a protest against the first placed horse, MI AMIGO, alleging interference over the concluding stages. After hearing evidence and considering submissions the Adjudicator upheld the protest with the amended result.

Chancellor was strapped by Pam Gerard.