Gr.3 Ford 2YO Classic (1200m) Review
16th Feb 2009
Gutsy 2YO, Seven Schillings (NZ)
The run of stakes success for David Archer and his family added a new chapter on Saturday, with the running of the Gr.3 Ford 2YO Classic (1200m) at Pukekura Raceway.
Recently triumphant at Gr.1 level with Mufhasa (NZ) and Gallions Reach (NZ), the Archer crew notched the additional Gr.3 win with their gutsy grey filly, Seven Schillings (NZ) (O’Reilly).
Breathing down the hindquarters of the pacemaker Our Saint (NZ) (My Halo) throughout, Seven Schillings (NZ) took control of matters shortly after swinging for home, but was kept strongly to the task when ominously challenged by Te Akau Rose (NZ) (Thorn Park) and Shuttleworth (NZ) (Volksraad).
At the post, the diminutive filly had found plenty in reserves for rider Sam Spratt, crossing with a length to spare from Te Akau Rose (NZ) and with an additional half length up her sleeve from the third placegetter, Shuttleworth (NZ).
Like Gallions Reach (NZ), Seven Schillings (NZ) is prepared by Pukekohe trainer, Richard Yuill.
With a win and two placings from her three career starts, Seven Schillings (NZ) has all but earned back the $50,000 David Archer outlaid for her at the 2008 Festival Yearling Sale.
Interestingly, just as he did with Mufhasa’s full brother, Archer returned to Karaka in 2009 to obtain the Seven Schilling’s full brother, who was offered from the Brighthill Farm draft for $90,000.
Bred by E S & Mrs L E M Aroa, Seven Schillings is out of the Shannon mare Landon (NZ).
Whilst unplaced herself, Landon (NZ) is strongly distinguished on the pedigree page, where she counts the Gr.1 performed Kajema (NZ) (O’Reilly) as a half sister and a shares the same second dam as the multiple Gr.1 winner, Avedon (NZ) (Famous Star).
Like Kajema (NZ), Seven Schillings is by the champion Waikato Studsire O’Reilly (NZ) (Last Tycoon).
O’Rielly (NZ) has produced 40 stakes winners to date, with seven of these coming at Gr.1 level. The Last Tycoon sire is also strongly borne out by a 70.3 winners-to-runners percentage.