by Tayler Strong
Four Starzzz Shiraz has joined the Christchurch stable of Brad Mowbray after being claimed at Rangiora on Sunday.
Four Starzzz Shiraz, who finished third to Alexy and Bevan’s Cullen, was claimed for $5000 and the rising seven-year-old will continue his racing career in the ownership of Mowbray and Christine Maynard. The winner of eight races, Four Starzzz Shiraz has been entered for the Addington meeting on Friday night.
It was the third time Four Starzzz Shiraz has been claimed. He was claimed for $10,000 out of the stable of Graeme Anderson, after winning at Forbury Park in June last year, and won at his next start when trained by Brian Norman for Shane Forgie. The Four Starzzz Shark gelding was subsequently claimed for $7500 by Gerald Cayford, and transferred to Billy Heads and then Amber Hoffman.
Mowbray has enjoyed his best season as a trainer with 20 wins. The three-year-old filly Delishka has won four; Ultimate Desire four and Tiger Thompson three.
Delishka was spelled after finishing sixth in the Harness Jewels, and she is due back in work next week. Her West Melton co-breeder Ernie Knight, who raced her with Mowbray, his father-in-law, died last week. Delishka is the first foal to race out of Balishka, who won seven races for Knight and Mowbray.
Knight bred Mister Zion (Red River Hanover – Cross Lady), who won at Group One level as a pacer (2010 South Australian Cup) and trotter (2013 Australian Trotting Champoionship Final). He had won two races as a pacer in New Zealand as Zion when trained by Jim Curtin.
Ultimate Desire is back with her Blenheim part-owner Brent Weaver.
“She is out spelling and I will bring her up for the Country Cups and then send her to Queensland,’’ said Weaver.
Ultimate Desire (seven wins) was prepared initially by Weaver for two wins at Forbury Park and Ashburton.
Mowbray said Tiger Thompson, winner of the listed $40,000 Sires’ Stakes Harness 5000 for three-year-olds at Addington in February, will remain in the spelling paddock until the end of August.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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