Matamata’s biggest day on the calendar is just a few days away, with J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders’ Stakes Day taking place this Saturday, 15th of February.
A number of the country’s top racehorses are trained at Matamata’s popular centre, and they won’t have to go far to contest the four black-type races on offer. The meeting will be a showpiece for juvenile talent, with the fillies taking on the Gr.2 J Swap Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and the boys up in the Gr.3 Fairview Matamata Slipper (1200m).
These races are often an indicator of the major players in the upcoming juvenile Group Ones, the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). Names like Bonny Lass and Captured By Love grace the Breeders trophy, while this season’s star three-year-old Savaglee broke through in last year’s Slipper.
This year the $1 million Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) winner La Dorada leads the tangerine charge in the fillies race, with fellow stakes winners Intention and To Cap It All also in the mix. Te Akau will be out to collect a clean sweep in the Slipper, with their unbeaten colt Return To Conquer likely tipped as the one to beat.
The Listed Matamata Veterinary Services Kaimai Stakes (2000m) is another important race ahead of upcoming distance features, with a number of horses likely to go on to the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) and Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m).
A full-field is likely to assemble for the Kaimai, with Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) winner Wolfgang on top of the book alongside the likes of Trust In You, Terra Mitica and a fast-improving Myla.
Carrying black-type status for the first time will be the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m), a fillies and mares race that remembers a special figure in the Matamata and New Zealand Racing communities.
The long-awaited return of New Zealand’s glamour mare Legarto will finally come in the race, with her 112 rating suited to the set weights and penalties conditions. A multiple Group One winner on both sides of the Tasman, Legarto hasn’t been seen on race-day yet this season due to an early setback.
Challenging the Ken and Bev Kelso-trained galloper will be fellow elite-level victors Skew Wiff and Provence, with the likes of Imprevu, Acquarello and NZB Kiwi-bound filly Ardalio also featuring in the nominations.
If the competition on the track isn’t fierce enough, racegoers can also chase a spot in the upcoming Ned Prix de Fashion through the Fashion In The Fields competition. With a prize-pool in the thousands, there are categories for Best Dressed Man, Classic Lady, Local Lady, Outstanding Headwear and Contemporary Racewear. The Club has also given an opportunity for the young ones to be part of the fun, with the Junior Racegoer categories for children between 5-13.
Check out the competition for $120pp on The Ned Fashion In The Fields Lawn, or you can get a closer trackside experience for $160pp on the Maven Birdcage Lawn. Also still remaining on sale is the Boot Party Zone, where you can park up in your own 6x6 zone and enjoy the cash bar, TAB facilities and refreshments available on course.
The best part of all, Matamata Racing Club invites the public on course with free General Admission, with families, friends and children welcome.
What: J Swap Contractors Matamata Breeders' Stakes Day
Where: Matamata Racing Club, Matamata
When: Saturday, 15 February 2025, 12:00pm
For more information:
https://matamataracingclub.co.nz/j-swap-contractors-matamata-breeders-stakes-raceday