Richards Proves He's the Quinella King

Despite an eventful start to his day where his first runner at Awapuni was late scratched following an incident at the barrier, trainer Jamie Richards more than made up for that upset as he produced an incredible fifth Group 1 quinella for the season, reports NZ Racing Desk. Along with On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) and I Wish I Win (Savabeel) finishing one-two in the Gr1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Richards also watched progressive gallopers Mai Tai (Atlante) and Markus Aurelius (Ghibellines) register authoritative victories at Ellerslie as the duo set themselves up for stakes targets in the near future. “We didn’t go too well to start the day with Campionessa (Contributer) being scratched at the barrier, but we came right later on,” Richards said. “It was a great thrill to win with On The Bubbles and I Wish I Win certainly didn’t lose anything in finishing second to him. He [On The Bubbles] will go to the paddock now with a record of four wins and two seconds from six starts, which is a tremendous effort.” Richards said that both horses would spell for a decent period ahead being aimed at the Gr1 New Zealand 2,000 Guineas at Riccarton in November. The Awapuni feature was the twenty first juvenile win of the season for Richards and the Te Akau team, with seven of those coming at black-type level. The stable has already set a new stakes record this season with 33 Group & Listed victories and will look to add to that tally with Ellerslie winners Mai Tai and Markus Aurelius.

On The Bubbles defeated stablemate I Wish I Win (pic: Race Images)