Sharrock Group 1 dreaming with Stipulator
Stipulator, trained by Gavin Sharrock, made a compelling case for her entry into the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600) at Riccarton next month, securing her maiden victory in style at Hawera.
In her fourth start and first in a new campaign, the Darci Brahma daughter demonstrated her prowess on the Soft 5 surface.
Stipulator, ridden by apprentice Ciel Butler, unleashed a powerful finish down the home straight, comfortably defeating last year’s Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Pignan by just on two lengths.
Sharrock expressed his satisfaction with Stipulator’s performance, noting her promising nature but acknowledging previous challenges in the gates.
He said, “She has always been promising but has been a bit slow in the gates and done things wrong; however, she is a very good galloper.
“I’m hoping she is going to get over a bit more ground as she holds a nomination for the 1000 Guineas.”
Stipulator’s victory marked an improvement in her racing manners, and Sharrock outlined plans for her future races.
“I haven’t mapped how we will get to the 1000 Guineas just yet, but I will step her up to 1400m next and see how we go.”
Apprentice Ciel Butler, who rode Stipulator, shared her perspective on the race, emphasizing the horse’s tardy start but expressing confidence in her finishing abilities.
“I’ve ridden her the whole way through, and she is always tardy out of the gates,” Butler said.
“I wasn’t too worried because I know how good a finish she has.”
Stipulator, rated at +2000 for the 1000 Guineas by online bookmakers, is the first foal of Ekraar mare Katie’s Dynasty and hails from a distinguished family of blueblood performers, including Group One winners Gurner’s Lane, Sovereign Red, Trichelle, and the 1997 Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) victor Foxwood.
Race favorite Pignan, despite a slow start, displayed a gritty effort in her campaign opener, with plenty of room for improvement as she also sets her sights on the 1000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 18.