Champions Day at Ellerslie: Finding the Winners of the High Stakes Showdown

Friday, 7 March 2025 by Jason Tan

Champions Day at Ellerslie: Finding the Winners of the High Stakes Showdown

New Zealand’s Champions Day at Ellerslie promises a spectacular afternoon of high-class racing, featuring elite sprinters, promising three-year-olds, and potential staying stars.

With four Group 1 races on the card, a NZ$3.5 million slot race, and competitive fields across all distances, the challenge is to hone-in on the right horses to win! Here’s a snapshot look at the top selections for the World Pool races (5 through 9) on the card, with HorseTorque NZ rated prices in parentheses.

Race 5 – NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (G1) – 1600m

Star mare LEGARTO (RP $2.60) returned brilliantly fresh and should be even sharper here at WFA. KONASANA (RP $4.80) is her main danger after an honest effort in the Otaki-Maori WFA. She raced fresh and like she would peak at her next start, which is this Group 1 race. JAARFI (RP $14.20) maps well and could surprise, while ACQUARELLO (RP $14.20) and PROVENCE (RP $14.20) have claims.

Top selection: #1 LEGARTO

Strategy: #5 KONASANA Each-Way - 1 x 3.

Race 6 – Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (G1) – 2000m

EL VENCEDOR (RP $1.90) is in flying form and looks the standout of the day after dominant recent wins. ORCHESTRAL (RP $4.80) and QALI AL FARRASHA (RP $13.20) were well-held last time by EL VENCEDOR but might improve over 2000m. The issue for them is that the same can be said for the Marsh-trained favourite. LA CRIQUE (RP $10.50) has a chance but needs to find another gear on her recent starts.

Top selection: #1 EL VENCEDOR

Strategy: #1 EL VENCEDOR – Win (Best Bet)

Race 7 – Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (G2) – 3200m

This is a typically open staying contest. TAJANIS (RP $2.40) brings strong enough Sydney form and is well-weighted. ABOUT TIME and BLUE SKY AT NIGHT finished close together last time, while SWORD IN STONE could be a roughie that has been looking for this trip for five years!

Top selection: #11 TAJANIS

Strategy: #11 – WIN

Race 8 – The NZB Kiwi (Listed) – 1500m

The first running of The Kiwi has attracted a mix of NZ and Australian-trained runners, with the latter’s horses bringing the best HorseTorque figures. EVAPORATE (RP $2.70) boasts the best ratings and has worked well at Ellerslie. PERFUMIST (RP $6.00) is a Sydney filly who has posted strong figures two and three starts ago. She was carved up in front last time, so if she comes out of that okay and isn’t flattened she can win with her best effort. PUBLIC ATTENTION (RP $6.00) is a top chance and at a big price, ARDALIO (RP $20.10) might warrant consideration.

Top selection: #1 EVAPORATE

Strategy: #7 PERFUMIST Each-Way (1 x 3)

Race 9 – Trackside NZ Derby (G1) – 2400m

A fascinating renewal of the NZ Derby. WILLYDOIT (RP $2.70) had clear excuses in a messily run race last start and has produced elite figures at a mile. He’s undoubtedly the class horse of the race but will need the right ride and a touch of luck from the draw. TUXEDO (RP $5.00) was strong winning at Te Rapa and is the clear next-best hope, while THEDOCTOROFLOVE (RP $7.00) and OCEANA DREAM (RP $8.80) are chances courtesy of being the best runs to come out of the Avondale Guineas. That said, the race was a nonsense form guide overall even though the winner might come out of it.

Top selection: #4 WILLYDOIT

Strategy: #4 WILLYDOIT – Win

On Saturday Ellerslie will host best card of racing from a Group & Stakes level perspective that New Zealand has ever seen. Follow the meeting armed with HorseTorque, ratings-based analysis of each race.

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