Volks Lightning (NZ) Heads Another Karaka Trifecta

For the second time in less than an hour at Trentham on Saturday, graduates of New Zealand Bloodstock sales filled the first three placings in a black-type race.

First, the $100,000 Group 2 Norwood Family Wellington Guineas (1400m) produced a trifecta by Emily Margaret (NZ) (Pins), Vigor Winner (Declaration of War) and Dawn Patrol (NZ) (Dawn Approach).

Just 35 minutes later, the $50,000 Listed gavelhouse.com Lightning Handicap (1000m) was dominated by Volks Lightning (NZ) (Volksraad), Princess Kereru (NZ) (Pins) and the defending champion Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘n’ Famous).

Volks Lightning was a $60,000 purchase at the 2014 Ready to Run Sale. She had already proven her black-type quality, winning the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) and placing in a Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) and another four Group 3 races.

But she had often been plagued by bad luck, including a last-start fourth in the Group 3 Waikato Stud Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie after being blocked for most of the home straight.

Saturday was her day, sprinting out of midfield to challenge her front-running stablemate Ferrando in the straight. Waikato Stud Plate winner Princess Kereru went with them in a tight three-way finish, but Volks Lightning came out on top by a head.

“She deserved this, she’s been consistent all the way through in these Group and Listed races,” co-trainer Bailey Rogerson said. “It’s really good to get the win today.”

Volks Lightning is owned by the Vermair Volks Lightning Syndicate, managed by former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum. She has now had 34 starts for six wins, 10 placings and $228,927 in prizemoney.

Runner-up Princess Kereru was passed in at the 2015 Select Sale with a reserve of $40,000. She has won six of her 24 starts and placed in another eight, earning $221,875.

Ferrando was bought for $40,000 at the 2015 Ready to Run Sale. He has had 25 starts for eight wins and five placings, with $262,019 in stakes.