Today marks the 105th running of the Sapling Stakes at Ashburton, the longest-standing juvenile harness racing event in New Zealand dating back to 1919. While typically held at Ashburton, the race ventured to Addington in 1940 and faced a hiatus in 1990 due to limited nominations. Doraldina clinched the inaugural Sapling Stakes, with the 1920 edition attracting a staggering 100 entries.
The Sapling Stakes, exclusively for two-year-old horses, currently holds Group 2 status, having been elevated to Group 1 in 1980 and 1981. Notable victories include Cigar’s 10-length triumph in 1998. Last year’s champion, Marketplace, defeated rival Got The Chocolates by three quarters of a length, showcasing potential as a rising star in harness racing.
In 2014, Follow The Stars set a race record of 1:53.8 over 1609m, under the guidance of driver Mark Purdon. Blair Orange aims for his eighth win with Freeze Frame, while Regan Todd’s Marketplace eyes further success. The Dalgety family fields favorites Fugitive and Krug, with historical precedence suggesting potential for a Welcome Stakes – Sapling Stakes double.
Notable past winners include three-time New Zealand Cup victor Terror To Love and Richard Morten’s trio of Sapling Stakes champions—Ahuriri, Taurekareka, and Kohara. Taurekareka secured the Triple Crown, and Ahuriri claimed consecutive New Zealand Cups in the 1920s, highlighting a bygone era of dominance.
In 2021, Gavin Smith’s My Ultimate Chevron caused an upset, triumphing at lucrative odds. Mark Purdon and Natalie Rasmussen’s training prowess shone in 2019 and 2022, cementing their legacy in harness racing. Debut wins by Misjudge, Sir Clive, and others add intrigue to Sapling Stakes lore, underscoring the event’s capacity for surprises and emerging talent.
The Sapling Stakes embodies a rich tapestry of history, with each edition adding new chapters to harness racing’s narrative. As the 105th iteration unfolds at Ashburton, the event stands as a testament to tradition, competition, and the enduring allure of juvenile racing.
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