Faith in White Robe Lodge trainers rewarded

The faith of Markwood Lodge Ltd in White Robe Lodge trainers Brian and Shane Anderton was rewarded when Zabay cleared maiden ranks at Wingatui on 7/11/2017. The Waitoa (Waikato) entity operated by brothers Frank, Andrew and Milan Matijasevich bought Zabay after she was passed in at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock premier yearling sale. The 4yr-old daughter of Stravinsky - Obey was offered by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan and had a reserve of $100,000. She is the first foal of Obey, a Zabeel mare who finished third at Tauranga in her only start. Obey is a three quarter sister to Berlioz and a half sister to Taimana. Berlioz won the 2009 VRC St Leger(2800m) at Flemington and finished second in the Western Australian Derby (2400m). Taimana won the 2003 group two Concorde Handicap (1200m) at Avondale and won listed sprints at Caulfield and Flemington.

Zabay was having her fifth start from the Anderton stable after three minor placings. Brian felt she was better suited on the roomy Wingatui track. She had a second at Te Aroha in nine starts for Shaun and Emma Clotworthy last season.

"She (Zabay) was immature and we felt she would have a better chance of getting black type in the South Island," said Victor Matijasevich, father of Frank, Andrew and Milan.

Victor won races with Blazing Girl (Blazing Keel - Micala) at Wingatui and Gore in 1999 -2000 when the mare was trained at WRL. Markwood Lodge had a second with Stella at Oamaru in 2015 from the same stable. Stella (Fast 'N' Famous - Comedy Mill) won races at Paeroa and Tauranga from the Clotworthy stable. Her first foal, a filly by Ghibellines, died.

Victor Matijasevich was in the ownership of Waltermitty, winner of the 2004 New Zealand Cup. Markwood Lodge had a share in The Pooka, winner of the 2007 New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas. Both horses were trained by John Wheeler at New Plymouth.

Erin's Babe, who won a 1600m maiden for WRL at Wingatui on Melbourne Cup day is a 5yr-old mare by Raise The Flag from Mega Babe. She is the last foal of her dam and the sixth winner from as many foals to race out of the daughter of Personal Escort - Red Diamond. The others are Beijing Boy, Tunza Vitality, Gallant Babe, Gallant Boy and Patrick Erin. She is raced by Christchurch breeder Pat Smith. Erin's Babe was put aside after two unplaced starts as a 3yr-old and did not race as a 4yr-old as Smith had other horses in work.