Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Angels Brew (3 f Harry Angel – Velocitea, by Volksraad) broke through when resuming in the $17,000 Cookies Kitchen Maiden 2YO & Up 970 metres on 20 May at Cambridge (poly-track).
Showing talent from the outset, Angels Brew recorded second and first, respectively, in two trials, before debuting as a two-year-old in the Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (Gr. 2, 1200m), and warranted favouritism on the back of two stylish trial wins at Taupo, the most recent in March by seven lengths.
Prior to the race, trainer Pam Gerard said: “She’s got a bit wintery and not quite as I’d like to have her, but we can put her aside and do what we have to after this.”
“Lovely win from a filly we’ve always held in high regard and great for the owners who have shown a lot of patience to get the win fresh up," said racing manager Michael Thompson.
"Our apprentice Joe Nishizuka is riding very well and has a good connection with this filly. She is extremely well bred and hopefully can keep improving into early next season.”
Ridden by Ballymore Racing apprentice Joe Nishizuka, who was aboard for the trial wins and continues to mature in his jockeyship with 29 career wins, Angels Brew showed her customary zip from the gates to contest the lead, took over at the 200m and drew out to win easily by nearly two lengths.
“She looked above average at the trials and she brings that form to race day with a really nice return, and a good training effort off a long break,” said commentator Bruce Sherwin.
On the poly-track, she ran 970 metres in 55.6 (within a second of the course record: 54.7) and shortened late to pay $2.30 & $1.10 on the NZ TAB tote.
Owned by Ballymore Racing NZ Ltd, I H & M Harrison, P G Magill, Mount RSA Racing Syndicate, Savvy Racing Mako Syndicate & Ms G Workman, Angels Brew was purchased by Ballymore Stables / Paul Moroney Bloodstock / Catheryne Bruggeman for $55,000 at the Karaka 2024 Book 1 Sale, from the draft of Ralph Thoroughbreds.
Crowned World Champion Sprinter, sire Harry Angel (Dark Angel) had a Timeform rating higher than four Everest (1200m) winners and became Leading Australian First Season Sire, by Stakes Winners, during the 2023/23 season.
A Darley shuttle stallion between Australia and Europe, Harry Angel has produced 22 individual stakes winners, including multiple Group One winner Tom Kitten.
As an inherent source of speed, Angels Brew became the seventh individual winner out of Goodwood Sprint (Gr. 1, 1200m) winner Velocitea, by Champion Sire and Champion Broodmare Sire Volksraad (Green Desert).
Interestingly, Angels Brew has no bloodline crosses through the first five removes of her pedigree, similarly nor does 10-time Champion Sire Savabeel (Zabeel).
Angels Brew was strapped by Alannah Reid.