THOROUGHBRED

The Group 1 Nicolas Feuillatte New Zealand Stakes was taken out by THE PARTY STAND at Ellerslie on Saturday.

She settled back and 3 wide in the early rush for positions, there was no pace on leaving the straight so Bosson elected to go forward and take an unfamiliar role for her in the front. She was taken on turning for home and surrendered the lead, a courageous effort in the run home saw her reclaim it 50 meters out and she went on to take the honors by a long neck, ADALINE was second with VOSNE ROMANEE 3/4 length away in third.

The 4 year old mare by THORN PARK - CREMISI is trained by Roger James and was ridden by Opie Bosson.

Roger James, " Superb work on Tuesday morning, Gene Andrew very lucky to have him, he's a canny old fashioned type horseman, he said to me this is the best this mare has ever felt. I'm very mindful of the fact that I think she will be a better mare next year also this is her tenth run this campaign, I would just like things to settle down before we make decisions on were we go from here."

Opie Bosson, " They're not easy to win but pretty rewarding anyway. It wasn't the prettiest of rides I gave her but the pace was slow so I decided to go forward and come out on the better track, I was always confident of picking them up."

That made it three Group 1 wins by Opie for the week, TITCH - ANABANDANA - THE PARTY STAND. It was his first ride for Roger James this season.