With the 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka approaching, graduates of previous editions have provided a timely reminder of the quality emerging from the auction ring, recording notable victories across Hong Kong, New Zealand and Australia over the weekend.
Leading the celebrations was Speed Dragon (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who produced an impressive come-from-behind performance to capture Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1800m) at Sha Tin. The HK$4.2 million contest provided a significant result for the gelding, who had been offered by Kiltannon Stables at the 2021 Ready to Run Sale but failed to reach his $150,000 reserve.
Initially named Keenasabean, Speed Dragon was retained by The Oaks Stud and began his racing career from Tony Pike’s Cambridge stable. He recorded his maiden victory at Te Rapa in December 2022 before finishing fourth in the Group Two Auckland Guineas (1600m), behind subsequent Group One winners Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) and Waitak (NZ) (Proisir).
Since arriving in Hong Kong, Speed Dragon has developed into a consistent performer. His 22 appearances have produced five victories and four placings, with earnings exceeding HK$13 million, equivalent to approximately NZ$300,000 and comfortably above his original reserve.
NZB Ready to Run Sale Graduates Make Their Mark
The weekend also brought a significant result at Riccarton, where Angels Halo (NZ) (Proisir) claimed the $600,000 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) on Saturday, becoming the new leader of the NZB Filly of the Year Series.
The fourth leg of the series carried 12 points for the winner, and Angels Halo moved straight to the top of the standings with a polished performance under Masa Hashizume. Settled just behind the leading group, the filly travelled comfortably along the rail before finding an opening approaching the home straight.
As So Fear (NZ) (Ardrossan) moved away from the inside, Hashizume seized the opportunity and guided Angels Halo through the gap. The Proisir filly quickly took command, producing an impressive turn of foot to establish a clear advantage.
Dashing Dixie (NZ) (Alabama Express) and Asturia (NZ) (Almanzor) mounted determined challenges in the closing stages, but neither could bridge the gap. Angels Halo crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead, securing the biggest victory of her career and delivering Hashizume his first Group One success.
Her 12 points place her half a point ahead of Asturia in the Filly of the Year standings. Dashing Dixie occupies third position with 8.5 points, followed by Liguria (NZ) (Snitzel) on seven. Hawea (Hellbent) and Pounce (NZ) (Almanzor) have six points each, while Silhouette (NZ) (Armory), Fiamma (NZ) (Pinatubo) and Dream Roca (NZ) (El Roca) complete the current points table.
The series will continue with the $100,000 Group Three Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on December 19.
Another notable result came at Hawkesbury, where Hyperbolic (NZ) (Proisir) secured the sixth victory of her career in the A$200,000 Listed Ladies Day Cup (1500m) on Saturday.
Offered by Rich Hill Stud during the 2023 Karaka Book 1 Sale, Hyperbolic was purchased by trainer Brad Widdup for $240,000. Her 22-start career has now produced six wins and nine placings, with total earnings reaching A$584,350.
The mare had previously recorded several strong performances at stakes level, finishing among the placegetters in the Group Three Fillies and Mares’ Mile, Group Three Belle of the Turf Stakes and Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown. Saturday’s success marked a deserved breakthrough at black-type level.
The victory also highlighted the influence of Proisir, who enjoyed a particularly successful weekend with two stakes winners. Alongside Hyperbolic, the stallion was responsible for Angels Halo’s Group One triumph at Riccarton. Proisir has 16 two-year-olds catalogued for the upcoming 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka.
Moving Melody and Rotten Tommy Add to Weekend Success
The southern racing scene produced another significant result when Moving Melody (NZ) (Deep Field) captured the $120,000 Group Three Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton.
A graduate of the 2021 National Weanling Sale, Moving Melody was offered by Curraghmore and purchased by New Zealand Gingkosun Investment Ltd for $90,000. The mare has now recorded four wins and six placings from 21 starts, with career earnings of $258,400.
Previously a multiple black-type performer in the North Island, Moving Melody has quickly established herself at stakes level in the south. Connections were particularly pleased with the result after working towards a significant stakes victory with the mare. A possible appearance in the Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) the following Saturday will depend on how she recovers from her latest assignment.
Meanwhile, Rotten Tommy (NZ) (US Navy Flag) produced one of the weekend’s most encouraging performances by winning the $100,000 Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa.
Trained and part-owned by Anthony Burton at Ruakaka, Rotten Tommy was offered in the 2023 National Weanling Sale by Leanach Lodge but failed to meet his $20,000 reserve. In just eight career appearances, the gelding has registered three victories and a placing, earning $98,550.
He first attracted attention with consecutive wins at his home track in July and August before finishing ninth at Matamata. A narrow second at Te Rapa on Labour Day preceded Saturday’s significant success.
Burton indicated that the horse’s natural speed was a major asset, with the winning ride by Bridget taking advantage of his early pace. Connections will now consider opportunities for him in right-handed racing as his career progresses.
With several graduates delivering important performances across three racing jurisdictions, the results provide a timely boost ahead of the 2026 NZB Ready to Run Sale. From established Group One performers to emerging sprint prospects, the weekend’s winners demonstrated the depth of talent produced through New Zealand’s thoroughbred sales circuit.
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