The horse anointed as the next superstar of New Zealand racing has the legendary Winx in his sights.
Te Akau Shark will be set for a Sydney autumn campaign that could include a start in Winx’s possible farewell race, the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
A sparingly raced four-year-old, Te Akau Shark produced a booming finish to win the Group Two Coupland’s Mile at Riccarton on Wednesday.
He won running away by six lengths, taking took his record to five wins in six starts for trainer Jamie Richards and an ownership group that includes NRL star Paul Gallen.
Renowned bloodstock expert David Ellis is also a part-owner and the prominent New Zealand racing figure said Te Akau Shark would spell for a month before a return in February or March.
“He is a really exciting horse … got a good temperament, clean-winded and I think he’s got a pretty exciting future,” Ellis told Sky Sports Radio.
“He is only just growing into himself now and we’re looking forward to bringing him to Sydney to race in the autumn.”
Ellis said the $3 million Doncaster Mile, run a week before the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, would also be a Sydney target.
Fresh from a history-making fourth Cox Plate win, Winx will be chasing her third successive victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the richest race of The Championships held at Randwick in April.
