Gore Double Comes In Exciting Time For White Robe Lodge
Ghibellines the sire of Bowler and Bauble
By Jonny Turner
Wins from Bauble and Bowler at Gore have come during an exciting time for White Robe Lodge.
Trainers Brian and Shane Anderton enjoyed a great Gore Cup Day, producing three placegetters alongside their two deserving winners.
Bowler (Ghibellines-Fascinate-Falkirk) powered to his maiden victory when relishing stepping back up over 2000m for rider Corey Campbell.
The four-year-old is raced by Brian Anderton, the estate of the late Lorraine Anderton alongside Eric Parr’s Parr Bloodstock.
The son of the stakes-winning mare Fascinate has improved with every start and he put that on show when running to the line strongly to win.
“He is a nice horse and he is getting better all the time,” Brian Anderton said.
“His mother was a nice mare but she didn’t jump out of the ground early, she got better as she went along too.”
“So we are going to give this fella a freshen up now, he still has some developing to do and I am sure he will come back a better horse.”
Bauble (Ghibellines-La Gem-Seasoned Star) was just as strong when running to victory over 2000m, also for Corey Campbell.
The Gore track was in the soft range, which was just enough to be comfortable for Bauble.
“He was well overdue, he ran into a heavy track at Wingatui which was no good but before that he ran some very good placings.”
“He is a nice stayer but the problem we have now is that we have a fair wait until we can find another 2000m race for him in the 75 grade.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if someone from Australia was keen on him, because they have such great staying opportunities over there.”
Mayor Of Norwood (Ghibellines-Gallant Babe-Gallant Guru), Exchange (Ghibellines-Swapping-Encosta De Lago), and Madam Dubai added to a good day out for White Robe Lodge at Gore.
Success on the track isn’t the only thing to get excited about at White Robe Lodge.
The Anderton stable has recently welcomed some talented young stock back into work.
“We had the next one out of Fascinate just come back in, as well as one from Cherry Creek and another from a daughter of Cherry Creek,” Anderton said.
“It is early days, but they look like nice horses and it is exciting to have them back in work and see what they might be able to do.”
Cherry Creek is the dam of the stakes-winning mare Coulee, who will be represented at the National Yearling Sales by a yearling filly by exciting White Robe Lodge sire Ancient Spirit.
The filly is part of a draft of four well-bred youngsters the stud will offer at Karaka.
After the quartet travelled up to the North Island and settled in well, Brian Anderton is looking forward to seeing what his new sire can do in the sales ring.
“The reports have been very good and they have travelled up well.”
“There have been a few good trainers look at them already, so we are hopeful they can go to some good homes.”
“The stallion has shown he can leave nice types, he is doing everything he can so far.”
Ancient Spirit’s yearlings are Lot 48 and Lot 676 in Book 1 and Lot 997 and Lot 1056 in Book 2.