KIKU further upgraded her pedigree page on Saturday at Rosehill Gardens with a big win in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes. First up this preparation over 1,300 metres, the full sister to Group 1 winner Zoutori rounded up the field in the home straight to win in the last stride with Jason Collett aboard. The 5 year old daughter of Zoustar charged with such determination in the straight that she sprinted the fastest final 600 metres of the meeting stopping the clock in 33.34 seconds. She joins a very celebrated group of mares who have also won the race including Winx, Arcadia Queen and More Joyous.

KIKU jumped on terms from the outside barrier and Jason allowed the mare to drift back to settle in the final pair, one off the fence where she travelled easily. She built nice momentum approaching the home turn and kept increasing the speed going through her gears down the centre of the track before Jason asked her for maximum effort over the final furlong. KIKU let down strongly and picked the leaders up in the last 50 metres. It was a very exciting win for the mare who will now quite likely target the Group 1 Epsom in 3 weeks’ time. Jason commented post race that “they ran along in front and she just flowed into the race beautifully, showing a nice turn of foot for a strong win.” KIKU has now recorded 6 wins including 2 Stakes victories and her prize money earnings are nearing $1 million.

Congratulations to the winning KIKU owners Ray Aurisch, Helen Aurisch, Leon Mugavin, Bulliman Racing (Manager: Scott Bulliman), Boeara Holdings (Manager: Denise Dunphy), Nick Vass Bloodstock (Manager: Nick Vass), Amy Vass, McLeish Family Racing (Manager: David McLeish), Brent Hudson, Judy Hudson, Bangaloe Stud (Manager: Julia Ritchie), Paramount Racing (Manager: Kathryn Wood), CGO Racing.

Winning Photograph Courtesy of Bradley Photographers