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Full Noise by SN
Te Akau not short of Champions’ Day ammunition
Paul Vettise, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk • March 5th, 2026 4:30 pm
Lara Antipova will contest the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images)
Te Akau’s black type troops will be out in force on Saturday with leading hopes chasing down elite level honours and a quartet of contenders in the hunt for the richest purse on offer at Ellerslie.
Unbeaten filly Lara Antipova will start a short-priced favourite in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m), although trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson also expect a bold showing from stablemate Out Of The Blue.
An uncharacteristic last-start failure aside, Towering Vision’s form entitles him to respect in the Gr.1 HKJC World Pool NZ Derby (2400m) while To Bravery Born, La Dorada, He Who Dares and Belle Cheval represent the stable in the $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m).
Russian Revolution’s daughter Lara Antipova has been untested to win all three of her starts and is blessed with an ideal gate (four) in what looms as her sternest test to date.
“She has gone right-handed and left-handed, on good tracks and a heavy track,” Bergerson said.
“She keeps raising the bar and wasn’t overly suited by the conditions last time at Matamata where class got her through.
“She is an incredibly sharp filly who can switch up gears at the drop of a hat. She saves it all for race day, so we are really excited about her and she’s a really strong winning chance.”
Out Of The Blue has won two of his five starts and struggled with the track conditions when a last-start runner-up in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m).
“We thought he would get through the ground and he travelled into it nicely and Craig (Grylls) said when he let his head go, he went up and down on the spot,” Bergerson said.
“He’s the most experienced horse in the field and that will hold him in good stead.”
Towering Vision was tracking along perfectly toward the Derby before he tailed the field home in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m).
“We were so pleased with him heading in and confident, so we were scratching our heads,” Bergerson said.
“He was vetted on the day, and we got him home and ran all possible tests, he’s as bright as a button and we can’t fault him.
“Maybe he just had an off day, we’ve put a line through it and his previous form was very good. It’s an open Derby and he worked with the Wexford runner Yamato Satona on Tuesday and the work was super so fingers crossed he can bounce back.”
Te Akau’s Kiwi contingent have all pleased but Bergerson acknowledged the task ahead to lower the hot pot’s colours.
“We’re really proud of the team and fantastic to have four in the race, they’ve all got there on their merits with different form lines,” he said.
“Well Written is there and she’s certainly the benchmark and the one to beat. We’re going in as underdogs, but we’re excited and just hope our four get some luck and get their chances.”
While Bergerson is loath to split his runners, Belle Cheval narrowly gets the nod as top seed following consecutive Group Three victories in the Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) and Almanzor Trophy (1200m).
“The interesting thing is the set weights and penalties, some get in better than others and La Dorada has to carry that 3kg penalty and even To Bravery Born has to carry 58.5kg,” Bergerson said.
“You’d probably say Belle Cheval is the one who really keeps stepping up and getting better and better.
“I do think He Who Dares is way over the odds, he’s drifted because of the barrier draw (13) but if he is able to get across without doing too much work then he’ll give a great sight.”
Earlier in the day, high-quality mare Quintessa will resume in the Gr.2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Classic (1400m).
“She’s going really well and I know people watch her trials sometimes and get a bit disheartened, but she’s been the same the whole way through and waits until the blinkers go on,” Bergerson said.
“She’s had two trials and an exhibition gallop, it’s an even field and she has to lug that Group One penalty but we’re sure she’s going to run really well.”
BIG SATURDAY is all about Champions Day. Race highlights are the NZB Kiwi - New Zealand's richest race, the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby, the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes and the Auckland Cup.
Preview shows every day and then tune in on the BIGGEST SATURDAY on Trackside 1 or trackside.co.nz from 11:30am
