Another Dollar Half Wins on Debut

Leading kiwi rider Johnathan Parkes continued his winning roll aboard Jamie Richards-trained 2YOs when he guided well-related Savabeel (Zabeel) youngster I Wish I Win (Savabeel-Make A Wish, by Pins) to a comfortable victory in the opening race at Awapuni. Parkes has been the regular rider of Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) winner On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) for Richards and continued his successful association with the young Te Akau Racing mentor by producing a copybook effort aboard the $1.40 favourite on Saturday. Expected to make a winning debut off the back of two eye-catching trial victories, according to racingnews.co.nz, I Wish I Win was positioned nicely outside the pace by Parkes before issuing his challenge at the top of the straight. Parkes eased him clear at the 200m and he went to the line well held to win by 2-lengths from the late-closing Mochatini. Bred and raced by irrepressible industry influence Waikato Stud, I Wish I Win is a half-brother to stakes-winning mare Another Dollar (Ocean Park) who finished runner-up in the Gr1 Queensland Oaks (2400m), and he is a grandson of outstanding mare Starcent who won twice at Group 2 level while also finishing runner-up in the Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and Gr1 Bayer Classic (1600m) during her 3YO season. Trainer Richards suggested that after a few easy days and a preparatory trial, I Wish I Win could be set for the Gr1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) back at Awapuni next month, a race won by horses produced out Te Akau Racing’s Matamata base for the last three years in Yourdeel (Dundeel), Avantage (Fastnet Rock) and Melody Belle (Commands).