19 Dec 2016
Cambridge Stud stallion Burgundy continued the dream start to his stud career when Dijon Bleu took her sire's record to two runners for two winners with a debut win at Awapuni on Sunday.
The Lisa Latta-trained Dijon Bleu led throughout and showed real tenacity to fend off a spirited challenge from stakes-placed stablemate Dreams Of Platinum and score a nose victory in the Mills Reef Winery 2YO Premier (1100m).
Latta said she held Dijon Bleu in high regard going into the race after she had trialled well at Waverley last month.
"She had trialled up nicely and had also had a couple of jumpouts," Latta said.
"She's always shown a bit although she went a little fierce today and wouldn't come back to Kelly [McCulloch, rider]. I was a little bit worried she wouldn't kick on in the straight but she did and held nicely in the end."
Bred by the Robinson Family Trust, Dijon Bleu is the second winner for Cambridge Stud stallion Burgundy from his first crop of runners, following Hard Merchandize's debut win at Otaki last month.
The filly holds a nomination for the $1 million Karaka Million (1200m) at Ellerslie on January 29, with her $12,500 winnings from the victory lifting her into eighth place on the order of entry for the juvenile feature.
Bought by Latta for $26,000 from New Zealand Bloodstock's select yearling sale at Karaka, Dijon Blue now looks a bargain purchase.
Cambridge Stud boss Sir Patrick Hogan was thrilled with Dijon Bleu's win to keep the Burgundy momentum rolling.
"He couldn't have made a better start, could he? He's had two runners to the races and both have won on debut. He hasn't yet had a runner at the races that has been beaten and you can't do any better than that," Sir Patrick said.
"We're rapt with the start he's made. It's very encouraging from a stud point of view."
Burgundy looks well-placed ahead of the Karaka Million, with Hard Merchandize in 18th position on the Karaka Million order of entry.
Bred by Christopher Grace, Hard Merchandize was purchased by Awapuni trainer Gary Vile for $38,000 at Karaka this year.
Burgundy, a three-quarter brother by Redoute's Choice to five-time Group One winner Darci Brahma, won seven races from 1200m to 1600m, including the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes and finished third in the Gr.1 Telegraph Handicap.
Te Akau Racing's David Ellis, who bought and syndicated Burgundy as a yearling, regards the stallion as the fastest horse that has gone through his stable.
Standing at Cambridge Stud in 2016 for $5000 plus GST and with a live foal guarantee, Burgundy will be represented by several yearlings at Karaka next month.