After the success of Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) in taking out the DBS Premier Yearling Sale Stakes last week, fellow Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) was not to be outdone with his two-year-old Murbeh (Ire) (Elusive City) taking out the DBS St Leger Yearling Stakes over 6f at Ripon on Saturday.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe in 2008, Elusive City has sired 14 two-year-old winners in the Northern Hemisphere so far this season including a stakes performer in the form of Malpas Missile (Ire).

Racing in the colours of Sheikh Hamdan, Murbeh was certainly impressive winning by three lengths easing down at the line and was part of a very successful weekend for Elusive City with two winners in each hemisphere.

In the Northern Hemisphere, Murbeh was joined by the Mick Channon-trained Fight The Chance (Ire) (Elusive City) who was too strong over the final furlong at Chester.  In Australia, Upper Class (NZ) (Elusive City) won on debut in Queensland and in New Zealand Carla Donna (NZ) (Elusive City) was also a winner on debut in Ashburton whilst stakes winner Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) showed she is on track for further stakes success when finishing second at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Elusive City stands for a fee of $8,000 + GST in 2010.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

Group One-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) added to her black type tally on the first of August producing her best effort from just three starts this season with a fine third to Champion mare Goldokiva (Ire) (Anabaa) in the Group One Prix Rothschild over the mile distance.

Arguably Elusive City's best performer to date, Elusive Wave won at Listed and Group Three level as a two-year-old before finishing second in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac (1600m).  She kicked off her three-year-old season winning the Group Three Prix Imprudence (1400m) at her first start before taking out the Group One Poule d'Essai des Pouliches - the French equivalent of the 1000 Guineas.  Elusive Wave's three-year-old season also saw her finish fourth in the Group One Coronation Stakes (1600m) at Ascot before finishing second to Goldokiva in the 2009 running of Sunday's race.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe, Elusive City has sired Group One winner Elusive Wave and Group One performer Soul City (Ire) from his first Northern Hemisphere crop.  In the Southern Hemisphere, his first crop, just turned five, boasts a winners to runners ratio of 77% and this year saw him average almost eight times his current service fee at the National Yearling Sales Series, topping the Select and Festival Sales with colts fetching $250,000 and $110,000 respectively.  In Hong Kong this season, Elusive City has left six winners from nine starters including the six-time winner and Group One-placed Brave Kid (NZ).

Elusive City arrived at Haunui Farm on Sunday after completing quarantine and his book is well on the way to its limit of 120 mares for the 2010 season.  For more information or to make a booking to Elusive City for the upcoming season, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater - 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has notched another winner in Hong Kong this season with the win overnight of Go Fay Fay (NZ) from the stable of Tony Millard.

Go Fay Fay's win takes Elusive City's tally in Hong Kong this season to five from just nine starters making him one of the most popular stallions in the Asian market this season.

"Elusive City's success has seen a number of his horses sold up there in recent times and he now has ten horses domiciled in Hong Kong," said Shannon Taylor, Marketing and Operations Manager at Haunui Farm.  "Brave Kid was an outstanding performer winning six from nine including a third in the Hong Kong Derby and Blaze King is also another Class One winner there this season," she said.

Elusive City will have a runner in the Singapore Derby this weekend when the Bruce Marsh-trained All Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) tackles the 2000m event.  The horse worked well in track work yesterday and is in with every chance according to his trainer.  "He worked well this morning, is well in himself and will certainly run the distance," he said.

In just under ten days time Elusive City will touch down in New Zealand and after completing quarantine, will commence his seventh season at stud in New Zealand, his fifth standing at Haunui Farm.  His 2010 fee remains unchanged at $8,000 + GST and he will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) four-year-old Blaze King (NZ) blasted his rivals at Sha Tin on Sunday with a dominant four length victory in the Class One sprint.

Racing over 1000m, Blaze King was bounced from the barriers and quickly into a handy position for jockey Mark Du Plessis.  Coming to the business end of the race, hands and heels was all that was required for Blaze King to change gear and quickly put the race beyond doubt.

At three, Blaze King made an immediate impact in Hong Kong with three wins-in-a-row and at his first start this season for the stable of David Hall, looked set to continue his winning ways.  Sunday's impressive win was an emphatic bounce back to form for Blaze King who has put in some head scratching performances of late however the addition of blinkers seemed to work the oracle as he made his opposition look second rate.

"It was a very dominant victory and Class One sprints in Hong Kong aren't easy to win," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "Elusive City has had two Class One winners in Hong Kong this season from only nine starters, the other being Brave Kid who won six from nine starts this season," he said. 

Three-year-old filly Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) scored arguably the most impressive and effortless win on the card at Avondale on Saturday with a five-and-a-half length demolition of her rivals over 1200m.

Lining up for the second time this preparation, the Listed Ryder Stakes-winner jumped quickly from a wide barrier draw to sit outside the leader and upon straightening, the race was in no doubt with a confident hands and heels ride by leading jockey Opie Bosson.

With Saturday's win under her belt, Lamington Vegas will now look to add to her blacktype tally when lining up first in the Listed Opunake Cup (1400m) on the 24th of July before tackling the Group Three Foxbridge Plate (1200m) two weeks later.

Elusive City returns to New Zealand in just over two weeks time to take up stud duties once again at Haunui Farm.  One of the most in demand stallions at Karaka 2010, Elusive City has enjoyed outstanding success in Hong Kong and Singapore as well as scoring his first Group winner in Australia in the Autumn whilst Lamington Vegas looks set to add to this success in the coming months.  Elusive City will stand for an unchanged fee of $8,000 + GST this season and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has had yet another streak of winners in the past week with five winners in four different countries in less than a week.

The run started in New Zealand last Friday when Elusive Chik (NZ) (Elusive City) notched her fourth win when winning easily over 1200m at Te Aroha.  The weekend saw a solid double in Asia with the Bruce Marsh-trained All Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) scoring impressively en route to a tilt at the Singapore Derby whilst in Malaysia three-year-old filly Cizen Bank (NZ) (Elusive City) landed the first leg of the Malaysian Three-Year-Old Championship (1200m).

The last two days has seen an Australian double through the deeds of Sandusky City (NZ) (Elusive City) scoring his sixth win at Geelong and yesterday Full Moon (NZ) (Elusive City) put her name in the mix with a win in Perth for trainer Danny O'Brien.

"All Elusive was very impressive in Singapore and the Singapore Derby is on his agenda which would be great given that he had Brave Kid run third in the Hong Kong equivalent," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.

Elusive City will land in New Zealand on the 17th of July and after completing quarantine will take up residence once again at Haunui Farm.  His 2010 service fee is $8,000 + GST and he will cover a limited book of 120 mares.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) scored a solid double in Asia earlier this week with an impressive performance by All Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) in Singapore and an equally impressive performance by Cizen Bank (NZ) in Malaysia.

The Bruce Marsh trained All Elusive came from well back for a smart win at Kranji which will hopefully see him qualify for the Singapore Derby whilst Cizen Bank won the first leg of the Malaysian three-year-old Championship to record his third win.

Two-year-old colt Jetset Lad (NZ) (Elusive City) proved too strong on debut at New Plymouth yesterday with an impressive win.

Racing in the John Wheeler colours, Jetset Lad was caught wide early when jumping from barrier ten and raced as such for the duration of the 1200m event.  When asked to quicken by jockey Jonathan Riddell, he quickly responded and finishing strongly down the centre of the track, never looked in doubt crossing the line with his ears pricked.

Elusive City is a stallion that has been well talked about in recent months after an extremely successful yearling sale series which saw him achieve a Premier Sale average of $203,000, a sale topping $250,000 in the Select Session and a sale record and top price of $110,00 in the Festival Sale at Karaka 2010.  This was closely followed by an impressive victory by Returntosender (Aus) (Elusive City) in the Group Two Queen of the South Stakes (1600m) and although it is early days yet, Jetset Lad could well be a Ryder Stakes contender next month, a race won impressively last season by Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) who has just recently returned to the race track.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2010 for an unchanged fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information in regard to the Haunui Stallions, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995, Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 or, Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) four-year-old Sandusky City (NZ) notched his second in a row in South Australia yesterday with another impressive win over 1200m in South Australia.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) notched his first blacktype two-year-old performer of the Northern Hemisphere season yesterday when two-year-old filly Malpas Missile (Ire) (Elusive City) ran an impressive third in the Listed Hilary Needler Trophy over five furlongs at Beverley.

Lining up for just the third time, Malpas Missile showed her inexperience in the final stages running around over the last 200m however with a formline reading 233 and blacktype cemented on her pedigree page at this early stage of the flat racing season, there is no doubt trainer Tom Dascombe will have his sights set on further blacktype success before season’s end.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe in 2008, Elusive City continued his success in the North last season siring Group One winner Elusive Wave (Ire) and Group One performer Soul City (Ire).  2010 saw the young sire relocated from the Irish National Stud to Haras d’Etreham in France where he now commands a €20,000 service fee.

Elusive City will return to Haunui Farm in 2010 off the back of an extremely successful yearling sales series where he averaged almost ten times his current service fee as well as some solid racetrack success with Group Two-winner Returntosender (Aus) (Elusive City) and the exciting Dasoudi (NZ) (Elusive City).  The imminent return of stakeswinner Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) should also ensure further success for Elusive City in the coming months.

Elusive City will once again stand for a fee of $8,000 + GST in 2010 and will serve a limited book of 120 as with all of the Haunui Farm stallions.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 – or Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continues to stack up the winners with runners scoring in New Zealand, Australia and Macau over the last ten days.

It started last weekend with the impressive effort of Dasoudi (NZ) (Elusive City) on a rain-soaked track at Tauranga. 

The winner of three from five starts before the race meeting, trainer Jon Miller was uncertain how the four-year-old mare would handle the footing given she had only raced once on a wet track.  Those thoughts were possibly emulated by many when the mare looked to be uncomfortable in the ground and settled at the rear of the field.  However, jockey Danielle Johnson bided her time and pulled the mare to the extreme outside upon turning for home.  Once balanced, she gave Dasoudi one crack of the whip behind the saddle and the race was all over within five strides as Dasoudi powered to the lead and won by an impressive two-and-a-quarter lengths to take her record to four wins and two seconds from six starts.  The mare is set to return to Tauranga next month for the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m) and with such an impressive form line, she should be hard to beat.

On the other side of the Tasman the Gerald Ryan-trained Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) also put in a last to first effort at Royal Randwick when flying home over the last 150m to win over 1200m.  Four times stakes placed, Ahdashim is headed to the Brisbane Carnival in search of that elusive black type win.

This past weekend saw a trio of winners for Elusive City, a trans-Tasman double once again with victories by Marzia (NZ) (Elusive City) at Waikato and Timecall (NZ) (Elusive City) in Queensland whilst Elusive Fortune (NZ) (Elusive City) now racing as Caga Delight, scored his first victory at just his second start in Macau.

“Five winners in eight days in three different countries is certainly very pleasing,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “Elusive City has certainly had a strong 2010 to date and there’s no doubt this will continue into the new season,” he said.  “His results in the yearling sale ring were second to none averaging almost ten times his service fee, his winners to runners ratio has climbed to an impressive 75% for his first crop and, he has added a Group Two winner in Australia to his tally of stakes performers,” said Mark.  “For a stallion standing at $8,000, he is boxing well above his weight,” he said.

Elusive City will stand at Haunui Farm in 2010 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information in regard to any of the Haunui stallions, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 – or Justine Sclater – 0276 464 761.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) was one of the most “in demand” stallions at Karaka 2010 and he has followed that sale ring success with some impressive results including the placing of Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City) in the Hong Kong Derby, unbeaten filly So Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) who heads to the Group Three Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes on the 1^st of May and, an impressive Caulfield win for Returntosender (Aus) (Elusive City). 

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) filly So Elusive (NZ) made no contest of her second start at Wingatui today with an effortless victory over 1200m.

Jumping from barrier two, the big, strong filly went straight the lead and had the rest of the field off the bit as she travelled to the home turn with ears pricked.  Given a couple of reminders behind the saddle by jockey Lisa Allpress to keep her mind on the job, So Elusive cruised across the line with three lengths to spare.

Today’s victory cemented a trip north to contest the Group Three Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes over 1200m on the 1^st of May.

So Elusive joins the likes of Da Soudi (NZ) (Elusive City) the winner of three from five starts, stakes winner Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) and stakes performer Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) as members of the fairer sex who are set to make an impact for their sire in the coming months.

“Michael Pitman has always spoken highly of So Elusive and she did it easily today,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “Da Soudi returned to the track last week with an impressive second, Returntosender won at Caulfield over the Easter period and Lamington Vegas is set to step out again shortly,” he said.  “All four are exciting prospects for Elusive City over the coming months,” he said.

Three-year-old filly So Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) made light work of her rivals at Southland’s race meeting yesterday skipping to an effortless debut victory over 1200m.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) four-year-old Brave Kid (Aus) (Elusive City) cemented himself a place as one of the best of his crop when running third in the Group One Hong Kong Derby (2000m) overnight.

In his first preparation in the stable of Champion trainer John Size, Brave Kid has certainly left an impression on the Hong Kong racing scene with a seven start campaign which saw him notch six wins on end and culminated in running third in one of the hottest Hong Kong Derby fields ever to face the starter.

“Brave Kid’s efforts in Hong Kong have certainly helped to put Elusive City on the map in that part of the world,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “The demand for his progeny was stronger than ever at the yearling sales earlier this year and results like this will only continue to increase his popularity among buyers,” he said.  “Hong Kong is arguably one of the toughest racing environments in the world in terms of the level of racing and also, the ability of horses to adapt to the environment,” said Mark.  “This horse as well as the likes of True Intelligence and Blaze King have all put their foot in the till so far this season and have proven that the progeny of Elusive City can adapt well up there,” he said.  “We’ve also seen the likes of All Elusive and Williams do the same in Singapore in recent times which can only be seen as another positive factor,” says Mark.

Elusive City’s first Southern Hemisphere crop has an impressive 75% winners to runners ratio, a telling statistic in these modern times.  Brave Kid is Elusive City’s 18^th stakes performer worldwide and joins Metropolitan (NZ), Lamington Vegas (NZ), Ahdashim (NZ), Returntosender (NZ) and, Spirit of Unicorn (NZ) as his stakes performers in the Southern Hemisphere whilst in the North he has left Group One winner Elusive Wave (Ire) and Group One performer Soul City (Ire).

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his recent trend of high demand last night when at the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame dinner, a nomination that was donated by the Elusive City Partnership, was auctioned.

Elusive City stood for a fee of $8,000 + GST in 2009 but last night’s auction saw this level surpassed relatively quickly, the package – including $3000 worth of agistment donated by Haunui Farm – eventually knocked down to the bid of Ivan Grieve for the princely sum of $21,000.  From Hawke’s Bay, Ivan has had a lifelong interest in racing with a number of horses in the stable of John Bary at the present time.  The underbidders for the service fee and agistment package were the Taranaki Jockey Club.

“It was great to see the package raise such a great amount of money for the Hall of Fame,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “It is also nice to see Elusive City held in such high regard, it is certainly a pretty exciting time in his career with Brave Kid one of the favourites for the Hong Kong Derby,” he said.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) four-year-old Brave Kid (Aus) is well on track for the Group One Hong Kong Derby after notching his sixth win from as many starts at Sha Tin last night.

Lining up for the first time in Class One company and for the first time over 1800m, Brave Kid bounced quickly from the barrier to take up a handy position just in behind the leaders.  Runaway leader Deposer (Ire) (Kheleyf) set a hot temp for the entirety of the race and Brave Kid was giving him ten lengths coming into the final turn over 1800m.  Moved into the clear as the field swung for home, jockey Douglas Whyte rode hands and heels with Brave Kid hitting the lead at the 150m mark.  Victory didn’t come easily with Above All (Aus) (Dehere) providing a strong challenge on the inside but once in the lead, Brave Kid was never going to relent and went to the line with a half length to spare.

Trained by John Size, Brave Kid started the season rated 52.  His six impressive wins has seen his rating sky rocket to 101 and he will now head directly to the Hong Kong Derby on the 14th of March where he will aim to become the first horse to win seven races in-a-row in Hong Kong in the last 25 years.

“He is certainly an exciting horse and any horse that can win six on end has to be taken very seriously,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “He has taken the step up in grade each time and I’m sure against his own age group in the Derby, he will be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.

Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City) confirmed his path to the Hong Kong Derby last night with another impressive win at Sha Tin last night. 

In front of an 85,000 Chinese New Year Crowd, Brave Kid made it five from five for trainer John Size and jockey Douglas Whyte, taking an alternate route in the lead-up to the big race, lining up in a Class Two event over a mile. 

Impressive in all five of his outings, Brave Kid’s current rating of 92 will surely surge to three figures after last night’s victory and ensure him a place in the Group One event on the 14^th of March.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) was a stallion in demand at Karaka 2010 with 8 of his 34 lots offered throughout the sales series selling for over six figures with a further five fetching over $50,000.

The scene was set in the Premier Sale with his three yearlings all reaching six figures and topped by two colts fetching $260,000 and $250,000.  Elusive City’s Premier Sale average of just over $203,000 saw a fantastic return of 25 times his 2007 service fee.

The Select Sale saw Elusive City topping the sale with a $250,000 colt offered by Haunui Farm.  The colt was knocked down to the bid of Danny O’Brien and with a further four colts in the top ten lots, Elusive City completed the sale with an average of $77,250.  Finishing fifth on the sale average list behind proven New Zealand stallions O’Reilly (NZ) (Last Tycoon) and Pentire (GB) (Be My Guest) further emphasised a continuation of buyers’ confidence in his progeny.

Once again, the Festival Sale provided stellar results for Elusive City with the young stallion setting a sale record of $110,000 for a striking colt from the famed Belle family sold by Haunui Farm.  This followed success at the same sale in 2009 where Haunui sold the top two lots of the sale who fetched $77,500 and $75,000, with the sale topping colt out of Contemplate (NZ) (Dream Well) recently winning his first trial for the stable of Andrew Scott.  The leading sire in 2010 by aggregate, Elusive City had 16 lots sell in the Festival Sale for an average of $36,000 with four lots in the top ten of the sale – three in the top five.

“There is no argument that Elusive City’s sales results were huge,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “The demand for his colts was particularly strong given his recent success in Hong Kong and Singapore but what was particularly pleasing was seeing the likes of Bart Cummings and Danny O’Brien – two of Australia’s leading trainers – prepared to pay six figures for his progeny,” he said.  “If he can further his success in Australia and continue with a 72% winners to runners ratio in his subsequent crops, it will only mean greater results for breeders down the track,” said Mark.

“What is most pleasing about Elusive City’s sales results is the return for breeders that have supported the horse,” said Mark.  “Off an $8,000 service fee, to average $36,000 at Festival, just over $77,000 at Select and over $200,000 at Premier, there are a number of breeders out there who have had very good sales results thanks to Elusive City,” he said.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) will be among the leading sires by average at the 2010 Karaka Premier Yearling Sale with his three progeny selling on the first day all reaching six figures.

Little Avondale Stud were the first to hit the jackpot with Lot 155, a colt out of Shahiid (NZ) (Pentire), a full sister to New Zealand Cup-winner Pentathon (NZ), fetching $250,000 to the bid of DGR Thoroughbreds’ Duncan Rammage, the colt almost certain to race for the Bart Cummings stable.

Danny O’Brien went to $260,000 for another colt by Elusive City, this time out of the Group Two-winner Triassic (NZ) (Tights), dam of 2009 Cox Plate-winner So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral).

One of the later lots of the day, Lot 241, an Elusive City colt out of Woodini (Aus) (Woodman), also reached the six figure mark of $100,000 and will head to Singapore.

“It is certainly great to see the likes of Danny O’Brien and Duncan Rammage prepared to pay quarter of a million dollars for a son of Elusive City,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “His results in Asia have been outstanding the last couple of months with horses like Brave Kid headed for the Hong Kong Derby and All Elusive heading for the Singapore Derby,” he said.  “It’s nice to see his progeny heading to the likes of Danny O’Brien and Bart Cummings as there’s no doubt those horses will get every opportunity to succeed,” said Mark.  “It is also great to see breeders getting these kinds of returns off an $8,000 service fee and with some nice Select and Festival horses to come, I’m sure there will be a few more breeders with smiles on their faces,” he said.

Karaka 2010 continues today with the second session of the Premier Sale to get underway at 11am with the Select Sale set to kick off tomorrow at the same time.  “The first day of selling was very strong and it would be nice to see the market continue to hold up well today,” said Mark. 

Brave Kid (Aus) (Elusive City) continued his winning way in Hong Kong making it four from four for the stable of John Size on Sunday.

Lining up in Hong Kong for the first time at the end of November, Brave Kid won impressively and each time he has faced the starter since, has taken the step up in class with ease. 

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) four-year-old Brave Kid (NZ) continued his unbeaten run in Hong Kong this weekend with an impressive five length win over 1400m at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Trained by John Size, Brave Kid made it three from three and in doing so took another step toward qualifying for the Hong Kong Derby which will be run on the 14^th of March.  One of three winners for Elusive City in Hong Kong this season, the others being Blaze King (NZ) and Successful Era (NZ), Brave Kid's efforts have undoubtedly elevated interest levels in his progeny and the timing couldn’t be better with the yearling sales just around the corner.

“Brave Kid looks to be a very promising horse and being in the John Size stable he is going to have every chance to get to the elite level,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “We all know how competitive the Hong Kong racing scene is so to string together three-in-a-row shows this horse is definitely a class act,” he said.

Elusive City has 37 yearlings catalogued for Karaka 2010 with 13 to be offered under the Haunui banner.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513

Dasoudi (NZ) (Elusive City) proved too strong for her opposition at Ellerslie on Boxing Day with a commanding victory over 1200m taking her race tally to three wins and a second from only four starts.

Jumping quickly from the gates, jockey Danielle Johnson quickly had Dasoudi travelling well in the trail and with 300m to go made use of the inside run and finished the race off strongly to win by three-quarters of a length.  

Dasoudi will now head to the paddock for three weeks and will be aimed toward a number of black type races in the Autumn.

Another winner for Elusive City on Boxing Day was three-year-old Cizen Bank (NZ) who was victorious at his third start over 1400m in Malaysia.  His win gave Elusive City his fifth winner in five different Southern Hemisphere countries in the past month with winners in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore and now Malaysia.

Hong Kong is a unique racing environment, one of a kind on the world stage and achieving success there certainly helps to put a stallion on the map.  Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) is one such stallion that is beginning to make his mark in Hong Kong. 

Blaze King (NZ) (Elusive City), a two-year-old winner in New Zealand before taking up residence in Hong Kong, won his first three starts there at three and on debut this season from the stable of David Hall, was an impressive winner of a Class One event over 1000m. 

Blaze King’s win started the ball rolling for Elusive City and was closely followed by the debut victory of Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City).  Trained by John Size and ridden by Douglas Whyte, Brave Kid has since made it two from two, taking the step up in class with relative ease.  Impressive in his two starts to date, both trainer and jockey are touting Brave Kid as a horse to watch in the coming months and as masters of their trade in Hong Kong, people have certainly taken note.

The third of Elusive City’s Hong Kong winners this season came overnight with the victory of Successful Era (NZ) (Elusive City) at Happy Valley.  Settled mid-field on the rails by jockey Douglas Whyte, Successful Era found some space in the straight hitting the lead with a furlong to go and holding off some strong finishers down the outside of the track.

With only seven horses in Hong Kong and six starters this season, Elusive City is certainly building a reputation in Hong Kong, not to mention Singapore where from three starters this season All Elusive (NZ) and Williams (NZ) have been winners from the stables of Bruce Marsh and Laurie Laxon respectively.

“Conquering racing environments like Hong Kong and Singapore isn’t easy,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “It is so different from New Zealand and Australia so temperament plays a big factor and the Elusive City’s have obviously adapted well,” he said.  “With a Class One winner in Hong Kong already in the form of Blaze King and Brave Kid who if the reports out of the stable are anything to go by, could be in for a big season, Elusive City is really starting to make a name for himself” he said.  “The timing couldn’t be better with the yearling sales just around the corner and knowing the types Elusive City leaves, I think buyers should definitely be marking them down in their catalogues for inspection,” said Mark.

Elusive City has 37 yearlings catalogued for Karaka 2010 of which Haunui will offer 13 – ten colts and three fillies.  For more information in regard to Haunui’s 2010 yearling draft or to book an on-farm parade prior to the sales, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.

Four-year-old gelding Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City) made it two from two in Hong Kong this weekend with an impressive victory over 1400m at Sha Tin.

After winning on debut three weeks ago from the stable of John Size, Brave Kid was stepped up to Class Three company and handled the rise in class with ease.  Caught three wide for a majority of the race, Brave Kid copped some buffeting on the home turn however when balanced up and asked to sprint by jockey Douglas Whyte, he was quickly challenging for the lead and was ridden hands and heels to the line for a half length victory.

Brave Kid joins True Intelligence (NZ) (Elusive City) as winners for their sire in Hong Kong this season whilst All Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) has been impressive in Singapore with a win, a second and a third from just three starts and Williams (NZ) (Elusive City) made an impression with a victory on debut.

“The results just keep coming for Elusive City in Hong Kong and Singapore which can only be seen as a positive leading into the yearling sales,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “Ahdashim has won and been stakes placed in Australia this spring and with the likes of Dasoudi, Marzia, Sister City and Elusive Chik all sticking their foot in the till in New Zealand, Elusive City is certainly enjoying a nice run leading into Summer racing,” he said.

Elusive City dominated the Festival Sale at Karaka 2009 with the two top lots and an average of just over $35,000 and in 2010, Haunui Farm will offer another outstanding crop of colts in that sale.  “It is nice to be able to follow up such an impressive Festival Sale draft last year with another line up of solid colts,” said Mark.  “We have a very solid draft overall with three standout colts in Premier, I think we will offer our strongest line up of Select colts and once again, we have a great bunch of colts in the Festival Sale of which the Elusive City’s will be very popular,” he said.

With five winners in the space of six days, Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) is starting to build some momentum leading into summer racing.

The roll started last Sunday with an impressive win on debut by four-year-old Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City) in Hong Kong.  Stepping out for the stable of John Size, he found the line comfortably in a Class 4 event over 1000m.

Marzia (NZ) (Elusive City) started the roll in New Zealand with a hard fought victory over 1200m at Avondale on Avondale Cup day.  Settling mid-field with plenty of racing room, Marzia was taken wide on the turn by jockey Michael Coleman and knuckled down to a tussle with race favourite Khemosabi (Aus) (Commands).  Marzia won the battle down the straight hitting the line just a head in front with a further three-and-a-half lengths back to third taking her race record to two wins, two seconds and two thirds from just ten starts.

Thursday saw an Elusive City double at Matamata with Sister City (NZ) (Elusive City) and Elusive Chik (NZ) (Elusive City) saluting the judge one after the other.  Bred by Trelawney Stud and raced by Brent and Cherry Taylor in partnership with Debora Ho, Sister City broke her maiden status when winning over 1200m.  Jumping from the inside barrier she was settled just behind the leaders by jockey Mark du Plessis and finished off her race in smart fashion crossing the line three-quarters of a length clear.

Elusive Chik followed suit one race later with an impressive two-and-a-half length victory over 1400m.  Upon settling from the start, Elusive Chik was three back on the rails giving runaway leader Papas Revolution (NZ) (Istidaad) a good six length break into the straight.  Once balanced up, Elusive Chik finished off her race strongly easily reeling in the leader and was eased down to cross the line for her second race win from ten starts.

"It has certainly been a good week after he has had some horses knocking on the door over the last few weeks," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "Summer racing is just around the corner so it is nice to see Elusive City building some momentum with a number of racing carnivals coming up and I'm sure there will be a few more winners to add to the list by the time the New Year rolls around," he said.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his run of success in Hong Kong on Sunday with the win of Brave Kid (NZ) (Elusive City) on debut for the John Size stable.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his winning run of the past seven days with the win of four-year-old All Elusive (NZ) (Elusive City) in Singapore on Sunday night.

Lining up from the stable of Bruce Marsh, All Elusive was settled at the rear of the field for the 1600m event by jockey Robbie Fradd.  Always on the outside, he was improving on the home turn and under a hands and heels ride, looked the winner all the way down the straight, putting the race to bed when changing gear at the 200m mark.

The last seven days has seen Elusive City sire winners in Melbourne, Hong Kong and now Singapore.

Lining up for the first time from the stable of David Hall, Blaze King (NZ) (Elusive City) was an impressive winner of the Class One Panasonic JOBA Handicap (1000m) in Hong Kong over night. 

Settling handy to the lead for jockey Brett Prebble, Blaze King surged to the front in the last fifty meters of the race, the four-year-old nabbing his fourth win in Hong Kong, adding to the three-in-a-row he bagged when first arriving there. Blaze King has now earned over $2 million in Hong Kong and if last night’s race is anything to go by, looks set to continue adding to that total this preparation.  

Blaze King's win comes on the back of an impressive victory by Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day whilst stakes winning filly Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) will be looking to become her sire's first Southern Hemisphere Group One performer when she lines up in the Group One Levin Classic (1600m) in just under three week's time.

Four-year-old gelding Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) impressed over the straight six at Flemington yesterday with a narrow victory over race favourite Here de Angels (Aus) (Dehere) in the MSS Security Sprint (1200m) on Melbourne Cup Day.

Trained by Gerald Ryan, Ahdashim was twice stakes placed at three, beaten only a nose on both occasions, and was placed in the Group Three STC Concorde Stakes (1100m) at his second start this preparation.  Sent to Melbourne in October, Ahdashim ran second to Here de Angels at his first start in Victoria and successfully turned the tables yesterday at Flemington.

Settling in behind the leaders, Ahdashim and jockey Blake Shinn had to deal with some traffic issues coming to the business end of the race but after getting onto the heels of Here de Angels, settled down to a head-bobbing finish over the last 100m with a photo finish finally going in Ahdashim’s favour.

“He should be the winner of two stakes races in Sydney if not for the bob-of-the-head,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm, Elusive City’s New Zealand base.  “He was due to win a nice race and certainly deserved to win a race like that and here’s hoping he can go on to get a black type win,” said Mark.

Elusive City is coming toward the end of his sixth season in New Zealand and at the end of December will return to the Northern Hemisphere where he will stand for the first time in France at Haras D’Etreham.  “Having sired a Group One-winning filly in France in the form of Elusive Wave, combined with the strong results he has had there over the last two seasons and the support he has had from French breeders, the decision was made by our Northern Hemisphere partners to stand the horse in France,” said Mark.  Elusive City’s Northern Hemisphere fee was announced last week which see’s him headline the stallion roster at his new home at a fee of €20,000.

Don Eduardo is not the only Haunui Farm stallion to enjoy success this past week with barn mate Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continuing his success with his Northern Hemisphere progeny. 

Three-year-old filly Nashmaih (Ire) (Elusive City) scored her fourth stakes win for the season at Yarmouth earlier this week in the Listed John Musker Fillies Stakes over 2000m, following her last start victory in the Listed Alice Keppel Fillies Stakes over the same distance.

It was  another successful weekend of racing for the Haunui stallions, this time Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) taking the lime light siring three stakes performers.

The first came on Friday when two-year-old colt Boltcity (Fr) (Elusive City) earned black type when finishing second in the Listed Prix de la Huderie over 1400m at Deauville. 

Fourth in a Group Three event at his last start, Boltcity has two wins and two seconds from five starts for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget who seems to have an affinity with the progeny of Elusive City having trained his first Group One-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City).

In the Southern Hemisphere, the Gerald Ryan-trained Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) was once again terribly unlucky not to claim stakes success when third in the Group Three STC Concorde Stakes (1100m).  Already stakes placed on two occassions at three, Ahdashim was held up at a critical time in the run home on Saturday but finished strongly to claim third at his second start this preparation.

The third stakes performer for Elusive City the past weekend was multiple stakes winner Nashmiah who won the Listed Alice Keppel Stakes (1000m) at Goodwood on Sunday, her third stakes win of the season and fourth stakes win in total from a thirteen-start career.

"It's great to see that Ahdashim has come back this season in fine form and hopefully he will be able to get a well deserved stakes win in the next few weeks," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "He was agonisingly close twice last season and Saturday's race proves he is certainly well up to the mark and I'm sure Gerald Ryan will give him every chance," he said.

"It is also great to see Elusive City continue his success in the Northern Hemisphere with his two and three-year-olds and with Spring racing underway in Australia and New Zealand, I'm sure we're in for an exciting few months ahead," said Mark.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has continued his run of success this past weekend with a new stakes performer added to his ever increasing tally.

Two-year-old colt Cadley Road (Ire) (Elusive City) became his sire's 15th stakes perfomer worldwide when running second in the Listed Deauville Prix Francois Boutin (1400m) on Sunday at just his third start.

Trained by Richard Hanon, the colt travelled to France to contest his first black type event after winning at Sandown over 1400m toward the end of July.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe in 2008, Elusive City started 2009 with a bang in the Northern Hemisphere with Elusive Wave (Ire) winning the Group One French 1000 Guineas (1600m) whilst Soul City (Ire) ran third in the Group One Irish 2000 Guineas. 

With his first crop proving they have trained on at three, Elusive City's second Northern Hemisphere have certainly made an impact with ten individual winners to date including two stakes performers.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City) produced and impressive and timely win in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1400m) at Otaki toward the end of last season and is a filly that looks set to claim greater spoils as a spring three-year-old as she is aimed toward the Hawke's Bay Carnvial and undoubtedly beyond.

Lamington Vegas joined Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City) as stakes winners for their sire in the Southern Hemisphere in the season just past, with three further stakes performers to his credit in the form of Ahdashim (NZ), Returntosender (NZ) and Spirit of Unicorn (NZ).

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Three-year-old filly Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) put in an outstanding performance at Deauville overnight finishing second to Breeders' Cup Mile-winner and Champion mare Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) in the Group One Prix Rothschild (1600m), the latter claiming her second successive victory in the race.

Elusive Wave's effort in the Group One event, combined with her win earlier this season in the French equivalent of the 1000 Guineas, prompted regular race rider Christophe Lumaire to proclaim Elusive Wave as the best three-year-old miler in France.  "It was the best performance of her career," said trainer Jean-Claude Rouget.  "The ground was much softer than we had hoped for and although she was second, there were some very good fillies and mares behind her," he said.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe in 2008, Elusive City started the 2009 Northern Hemisphere season with a bang producing Elusive Wave to notch up her first Group One win whilst Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) was placed in the Group One Irish 2000 Guineas.  To date, he has had eight individual two-year-old winners and further black type success was also gained this weekend with three-year-old filly City Dancer (Ire) (Elusive City) placed in the Listed Queensferry Stakes (1200m) at Chester.

"The win of Lamington Vegas in the Ryder Stakes last week was very timely," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "We have taken a good number of bookings and a huge amount of enquiry since that victory and with his momentum continuing in the Northern Hemisphere, Elusive City is undoubtedly the most exciting young stallion standing at stud in New Zealand at the present time," he said. 

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Arriving in New Zealand yesterday to prepare for his sixth season at stud, Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) received a welcome boost through the deeds of exciting two-year-old filly Lamington Vegas (NZ) (Elusive City).

Trained by Andrew Scott, Lamington Vegas was making just her second race day appearance at Otaki after finishing a very close third on debut at Avondale at the end of June.  Lining up in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) against some well accomplished opposition, the filly is undoubtedly held in high regard by her trainer with the confidence to line her up at stakes level at only her second start. 

Jumping from barrier eight in the all familiar Wexford Stables colours, Lamington Vegas was quick to be up outside the leader and race favourite Regal Flame (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt), in the first 200m of the contest before settling nicely on the fence in the trail.  Swinging for home, Opie Bosson moved Regal Flame toward the centre of the track giving Lamington Vegas a clear run for home and with four or five strides, the filly had put the race beyond doubt eventually crossing the line an emphatic three lengths clear of the second-placed Oakwood (NZ) (Spartacus). 

Out of Piece Of Cake (Aus) (Snippets), Lamington Vegas was bred by Joan Egan and was sold as a weanling for $35,000.  Purchased by Te Mania thoroughbreds, she was subsequently sold at the 2008 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Sale where she was knocked down to the bid of Lance O’Sullivan for $110,000.  After initially being unable to on sell the filly, she was placed with Hong Kong owner Benjamin Kwok who will have been more than happy with Saturday’s result.  “Benjamin is a great client of the stable and he will be very excited about this win,” said Andrew Scott after the race.  A three-year-old type, Andrew will prepare the filly for a tilt at the Group Two Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) with further spoils undoubtedly on her agenda.

Lamington Vegas became the fourth winner of the time honoured Ryder Stakes with a Haunui connection with her sire standing at the Auckland-based farm.  Haunui bred 1983 winner Beechcraft (NZ) (Sea Anchor) in partnership with Charlie Roberts and in 1987 Weston Lea (NZ) (Sea Anchor) carried the HF brand to victory whilst 1993 winner Waihora’s Lass (NZ) (Tights) was also bred by Haunui Farm.  "With the emphatic nature of this filly's win and the success of past winners of the of the Ryder Stakes, this filly looks set to be a leading contender for higher honours this season," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "Our Marketing Manager Shannon Taylor was at the track to see the filly run and reported that the filly was a lovely, athletic, lusty type and said she looked like she will furnish into a lovely three-year-old," he said.  "Given that she was so impressive in just her second start, that bodes well for her three-year-old season," said Mark.

The last twelve months has seen the emergence of Elusive City as one of the most exciting stallion prospects in New Zealand.  The first stallion with New Zealand ownership to be crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe, his first Northern Hemisphere crop have continued that momentum as three-year-olds with a Group One winner and Group One performer to date.  His second crop have also continued the momentum with eight individual winners to date. 

Elusive City will end the current Southern Hemisphere racing season with five stakes performers including stakes winners Metropolitan (NZ) and Lamington Vegas, Australian stakes performers Ahdashim and Returntosender and, Group Two two-year-old Spirit Of Unicorn.  “It is certainly an exciting time in the career of Elusive City and everything has really started to fall into place over the last twelve months,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “We’re delighted for our partners in Elusive City – Fairdale Stud, Goodwood Stud and Trelawney Stud – and also for those breeders who have supported the stallion,” said Mark.  “The momentum looks set to continue with some very nice horses about and it would be nice to think that this filly will be putting her hand up in some of those early spring races,” he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST.

Two-year-old filly Elusive Galaxy (Ire) (Elusive City) became her sire's first stakes performer from his second Northern Hemisphere crop when second in the Listed Ballygallon Stud Stakes (Balanchine Stakes) over 6f at The Curragh this past weekend.

A winner on debut in the middle of June, Elusive Galaxy is one of six individual two-year-old winners in the Northern Hemisphere in the last four weeks and is his 13th stakes performer worldwide.

"It's another great result for Elusive City and it's nice to see his second crop starting to make their mark in the Northern Hemisphere," said Mark Chitty.  "Given that he was Champion First Season Sire of Europe last year, it is testament to the horse to see his three-year-olds performing so well and now his two-year-olds starting to get some points on the board," said Mark.

"Elusive City has always been very well supported by Irish breeders and we are certainly seeing a lot of enquiry and some good bookings coming in for him this season," said Mark.  "Getting results on the track is where it counts and New Zealand breeders are certainly taking note," he said.

Two-year-old filly Elusive Galaxy (Ire) (Elusive City) will take her place in the field for the Listed Balanchine Stakes (1200m) at The Curragh overnight in what will be her second start.

A winner on debut at Leopardstown on the 18th of June, Elusive Galaxy is one of six individual two-year-old winners from Elusive City's second Northern Hemisphere crop, all of which have come in the last four weeks.

Crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe last year, Elusive City's first crop have continued the success with a Group One winner and performer this season which sees him currently heading the European Second Crop Sire's table in 2009. 

"It is nice to see Elusive City's second Northern Hemisphere crop coming out and starting to do the job up there," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "It was about this time last year that his first crop started to make their mark so it would be nice to think that his current two-year-olds could emulate those efforts," he said.

Elusive City's first Southern Hemisphere crop are just three-year-olds and this season has seen four stakes performers for the young sire including a Group Two two-year-old and two stakes performers in Australia.

"He has certainly made an impression on both sides of the Tasman and that was reflected in his sales results earlier this year," said Mark.  "His statistics are telling with ten winners from seventeen starters in Australia, two winners from three starters in Hong Kong and a total of 23 winners from his first Southern Hemisphere crop," he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will be limited to a book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark - 021 663 995 - or Shannon - 0212 855 513.

Three-year-old filly City Dancer (Ire) (Elusive City) added her name to the increasing list of stakes performers from her sire's first Northern Hemisphere crop when finishing second in the Listed EBF Land O'Burns Fillies Stakes (1000m) at Ayr this past weekend.

A winner and placegetter from three starts at two, City Dancer is the twelfth stakes performer for her sire worldwide, the eighth from his first Northern Hemisphere crop.

Elusive City will return to Haunui Farm in 2009 for his sixth Southern Hemisphere season and will stand for a fee of $8,000 + GST.  His book is limited to 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513. 

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has had a remarkable past 12 months being crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe, siring his first Group One Classic winner whilst his progeny have made some serious inroads on Southern Hemisphere racetracks with four stakes performers in the current season to date.

The latest edition of Australian publication Bluebloods has also highlighted the success Elusive City has achieved in Australia this season listing him in the top ten on the Second Season Sires table which is headed by Exceed And Excel (Aus) (Danehill) with 53 winners from 118 runners.

With only 17 starters in Australia this season, Elusive City has left ten individual winners across the Tasman, among them dual stakes performer Ahdashim (NZ) and stakes performer Returntosender (NZ).  Elusive City leads the table in terms of his winners to runners with a ratio of 59%.  His nearest rival in this department is Lonhro (Aus) (Octagonal) who sits fourth on the table with 42 winners from 92 runners.

"When you look at the table and see the stallions that head the list and take into account the opportunity they have had in terms of mare numbers and quality, it is great to see Elusive City holding his own against them," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "With Australia being our biggest export market, it is important for a stallion's progeny to perform there and we are seeing this with the likes of Elusive City," he said.  "They are certainly taking note of him over there and his yearlings have always been well received by Australian buyers," said Mark.  "This year John and Wayne Hawkes purchased a colt by Elusive City as did John Foote who paid $75,000 for one of our colts in the Festival Sale," he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

One of England's premier race meetings, Royal Ascot gets underway on the 15th of June and Haunui stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) will be represented with three runners throughout the course of the week.

The Richard Hannon-trained Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) will line up in the Group One St James' Palace Stakes (1600m) on the opening day.  Placed third in the Group One Irish 2000 Guineas in his first start this preparation, Soul City has drawn barrier five and has the services of Richard Hughes aboard.

Friday will see Elusive City represented with two runners in the Group One Coronation Stakes (1600m) for three-year-old fillies in the form of French 1000 Guineas-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) and dual stakes winner this season Nashmiah (Ire).

Elusive Wave is currently the highest rated filly of Europe and with her trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, having an outstanding big-race season, she comes into this event as one of the leading contenders.

Joining Elusive Wave in the field of 14 is the Clive Brittain-trained Nashmiah.  The winner of the Listed Lingfield Spring Cup (1400m) at her first start this season, Nashmiah bounced back from a foot abcess discovered after the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket to claim the Listed Michael Seely Memorial Stakes (1600m) at York as a lead-in to the Group One Irish 1000 Guineas.  A non acceptor in that race due to the heavy going, Nashmiah will get another chance for Group One spoils on Friday.

"We will be watching the Royal Ascot results with a lot of interest," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "It is great to see Elusive City's three-year-olds competing at the highest level at some of the world's largest race meetings," he said.  "Elusive Wave has to be a very big chance on Friday and it will be interesting to see her up against the English and Irish fillies again given that she has been racing in France," said Mark. 

After being crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe, Elusive City's first Northern Hemisphere crop have kept the momentum rolling in their three-year-old season with the young sire currently the leading second crop sire of Europe.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 at a fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

Group one-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) has been rated the leading filly of Europe by Timeform calculated on results up until the end of May.

Rated 118, she is the only filly to appear in the top ten three-year-olds of Europe with the list headed by English 2000 Guineas-winner Sea The Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross) with a rating of 128p which coincidentally, is also a significant result for Haunui given that close relation to Cape Cross, Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic), will be returning to stand his second Southern Hemisphere season at Haunui at the end of July.

"Elusive Wave has been rated higher than the likes of Irish 1000 Guineas-winner Again and which goes to show what high regard she is held in," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.

Crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe in 2008, Elusive City has enjoyed a solid run of success in the Northern Hemisphere this season with a Group one winner in Elusive Wave, a Group One performer and stakes winner in Soul City (Ire) and stakes winner in the form of Nashmiah (Ire). 

"Last week Elusive City was listed as Europe's leading second crop sire and this week he has the highest rated filly in that part of the world as well," said Mark.  "He has kicked off his two-year-old season with three winners already and this past weekend three-year-old filly All The Nines just completed a hat trick of wins," said Mark.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST.  He will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continues to make an impact with his first crop in the Northern Hemisphere heading the European Second Season Sires Table by over 700,000 pounds.

With 29 winners from 73 starters, Elusive City's three-year-olds have earned 1,668,090 pounds with Group One winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) and Group One performer Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) leading the way.

"It is great to see that his first crop have come out and trained on at three in the Northern Hemisphere," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "When a stallion gets Crowned Champion First Season Sire, there is a bit of pressure that they come out and perform the following season but they have done that and, he is already notching up number of two-year-old winners as well," he said.

Top Five Second Season Sires in Europe

"When you consider the broodmare opportunity that Elusive City received in his first few seasons at stud in comparison to the other horses making up the top five, the results are even more significant so here's hoping he can keep up the momentum over the season," said Mark.

Meanwhile in the Southern Hemisphere, Elusive City will have his first runner in a Group One race when the Peter Moody-trained filly Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) takes her place in the Queensland Oaks (2400m) tomorrow.

Already stakes placed in her Queensland campaign, Returntosender has drawn barrier nine and will be ridden by Luke Nolen.

Elusive City will stand for a fee of $8,000 + GST in 2009 and will cover a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

The run of success continued for Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) this past weekend with the third placing of Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) in the Group One Irish 2000 Guineas.

Lining up for the first time this preparation on a heavy track, Soul City showed he was up to true Group One company finishing third to two-time Group One-winning two-year-old Mastercraftsman (Ire) (Danehill Dancer). 

It was hinted that Soul City may head toward the French Derby however trainer Richard Hannon has said that won't be happening and instead suggests that a tilt at the St James' Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot could be on the cards as well as a possible trip to France to chase further spoils after winning twice there at two.

The winner of the Listed Prix Francois Boutin (1400m), the Group Three Prix La Rochette (1400m) and the Goffs Million, Soul City is the second Group One performer in as many weeks for his sire after the success of Elusive Wave (Ire) in the French 2000 Guineas.

"It is fantastic to see these horses come out and prove that they have trained on at three after showing such promise as two-year-olds," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "His Southern Hemisphere results have been really ticking along and I guess the only disappointment is that we are now heading into winter racing down here," he said.  "In saying that, if his progeny can keep getting these results, it will certainly keep Elusive City at the forefront of breeders' minds," said Mark.

Elusive City will stand at Haunui Farm in 2009 for an unchanged fee of $8,000 + GST and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) will get another shot at Group One glory this weekend when the Group One Irish 1000 and 2000 Guineas are run at The Curragh.

Just on two weeks ago, Elusive City notched his first Group One-winner when Elusive Wave (Ire) landed the Group One French 1000 Guineas (1600m) and with runners in both Classic’s at The Curragh this weekend has every chance of adding to that Group One success. 

On Saturday, Soul City (Ire) will take his place in the 17 horse field of the Irish 2000 Guineas.  The winner of the Listed Prix Francios Boutin (1400m), the Group Three Prix La Rochette (1400m) and the Goffs Million (1400m) at two, the colt hasn’t started since running in the Group One Dewhurst Stakes (1400m) in October of last year.   

“We did not rush him in the Spring as we had made our minds up to miss the Newmarket 2000 Guineas and wait for Ireland where, as a Goffs Million winner, he qualifies for an extra million euro bonus if he wins” said trainer Richard Hannon.  “He is starting to come to himself and all things being equal, he will take his chance in Ireland,” he said. 

Sunday will see the running of the 1000 Guineas (1600m) at The Curragh where Elusive City will be represented by last start Listed-winner Nashmiah (Ire).  A stakes performer at two finishing second in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes (1400m) at Newmarket, Nashmiah won her first start at three and claimed her first black type success in the Listed Spring Cup (1400m) at Lingfield.   

Trainer Clive Brittain discovered Nashmiah had a blind foot abcess after her run in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket however given time to recover, the filly showed her readiness for the Irish equivalent when taking out the Listed Michael Seely Memorial Stakes (1400m) at York just last week. 

“Siring a Classic winner from his first crop was a great result, for ELusive City” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm, referring to the success of Elusive Wave two weeks ago.  “To have two live chances in both the 1000 and 2000 Guineas in Ireland this weekend is a great testament to the horse and the quality racehorses that he is leaving,” he said.  “There is no doubt he is proving a very serious stallion prospect and it is exciting for Haunui and our partners to be involved with Elusive City,” said Mark. 

Elusive City will return to Haunui Farm in 2009 for his sixth season at stud.  Standing at a fee of $8,000 + GST, he will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Nashmiah (Ire) (Elusive City) signaled her readiness for the Irish 1000 Guineas (1600m) at the The Curragh this coming weekend with victory in the Listed Michael Seely Memorial Fillies' Stakes at York on Friday.

Stakes placed at two and the winner of the Listed Spring Cup at her first start this season, Nashmiah went from that race straight into the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket and after finishing ninth, the filly was found to have a blind foot abcess.

Out to make ammends on Friday, Nashmiah was settled toward the rear of the field and once hitting the lead with around three furlongs to go, held on gamely to take the win.

After contesting the 1000 Guineas, it is likely Nashmiah will join Elusive City's French 1000 Guineas winner Elusive Wave (Ire) in the Group One Coronation Stakes field at the Royal Ascot meeting.

Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City), the winner of the Goffs Million last season, will line up in the 2000 Guineas for his first appearance for the 2009 racing season.

Trained by Richard Hannon, Soul City claimed a French stakes double at two last season when taking out the Listed Prix Francios Boutin (1400m) and Group Three Longchamp Prix La Rochette (1400m) before landing the Goffs Million at The Curragh.

Reports from the Northern Hemisphere suggest Soul City is well and truly on target for one of the season's Classic's after putting in some impressive work over the past few weeks.

"Having landed a Classic already, it would almost be too much to ask for either Nashmiah or Soul City to weigh in over the weekend but, you never know!" said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "Elusive City's progeny are footing it with the best and just to have runners in these Classic races is an achievement in itself," he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a fee of $8,000 + GST.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) filly Elusive Wave (Ire) cemented her position as France’s top three-year-old filly when taking out the Group One Poule D’Essai Des Poulches (1600m) – the French equivalent to the 1000 Guineas – this past weekend. 

Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, Elusive Wave was taken to the lead by jockey Christophe Lemaire and there she stayed for the duration of the race comfortably holding the challenge of second-placed Tamazirte (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) and race favourite Fantasia (GB) (Sadler’s Wells).  “Elusive Wave has to get all the credit she deserves,” said Rouget after the race.  “She is very easy to handle and she was very brave today, it is not easy to keep the lead over this trip,” he said, referring to the mile distance. 

The winner of five of her six starts, Elusive Wave has been beaten only once in her short career when finishing second to Proportional (GB) (Beat Hollow) in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac (1600m) at two.  She turned the tables on that filly this weekend and in all likelihood, will head to Royal Ascot for the Group One Coronation Stakes (1600m). 

Elusive Wave was one of seven stakes performers in the Northern Hemisphere for Elusive City last season, helping to secure him the title of Champion First Season Sire of Europe.  He already has three stakes winners in the North this season, leaving no doubt they have trained on at three.  “To get a Classic winner from his first crop is fantastic,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm, Elusive City’s Southern Hemisphere base.  “He has been quick to get points on the board this season and it is always pleasing to see horses that have performed so well as two-year-olds, come out and do the job at three as that isn’t always the case,” said Mark.  “He has Soul City headed toward the Irish 2000 Guineas as well so it would be nice to think he could get the dream result,” said Mark. 

Whilst making headlines in the Northern Hemisphere, Elusive City has made some solid inroads with his first Southern Hemisphere crop this season with 22 three-year-old winners on the board to date.  Among them are the stakes winner and multiple stakes performer Metropolitan (NZ), Group placed two-year-old Spirit Of Unicorn (NZ) and, the Australian stakes performers Ahdashim (NZ) and Returntosender (NZ) with the latter headed toward the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m).  “It would be a lot to ask to get a Classic winner from his first crop in both hemispheres but you never know in this game” said Mark.   

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2009 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST. 

Peter Moody sent Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) three-year-old filly Returntosender (NZ) to Brisbane with a Queensland Oaks campaign in mind however upon loading on the truck earlier last week, the filly still had to prove her ability over the staying distances having won her last two starts over 1400m.

One of the leading performers from her sire's first crop, three-year-old filly Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) put in a fine performance at her first start this season, easily taking out the Group Three Prix Imprudence over 1400m at Maisons-Laffitte in France over the Easter weekend.

A leading light in Elusive City's first crop of Northern Hemisphere two-year-olds, Elusive Wave won on debut for trainer Richard Hannon before being transfered to France and the stable of Jean-Claude Rouget.  Winning the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure (1400m) and then the Group Three Prix du Calvados (1400m), Elusive Wave franked her form as one of Europe's leading two-year-old fillies with a second in the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac (1600m).

After an all the way win on her return this season, Jean-Claude Rouget has confirmed the filly will attempt the French Classic double of the Group One Poule d'Eassau des Pouliches and the Group One Prix de Diane - the French equivalent of the 1,000 Guineas and Oaks.

Elusive City will stand for an unchanged fee of $8,000 + GST at Haunui Farm in 2009 and will serve a restricted book of 120 mares. 

It's all systems go for three-year-old filly Nashmiah (Ire) (Elusive City) as she heads towards the Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Newmarket on the 3rd of May.

Thoroughbred Daily News reported today that leading jockey Jamie Spencer has elected to ride the filly in one of the first "majors" of the British flat season after flying in to ride her in work during the week.  Winning her first start of the season, a Listed event at Lingfield, the filly will head straight to Newmarket.  "Jamie Spencer came over to ride her in work the other day and was delighted," reported trainer Clive Brittain to the TDN.  "He was impressed with her at Lingfield but says she has improved since, as we expected she would.  It's all systems go to the Guineas now and she must go there with a sound chance," he said.

Elusive City has two leading chances in two of the early season European Classics with Nashmiah headed to Newmarket for the 1000 Guineas and fellow three-year-old filly Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) set to contest the French equivalent.

"His two-year-olds have certainly trained on at three," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm, referring to the success of Elusive City's first Northern Hemisphere at two and now three.  "With the European flat season starting to wind up I'm sure there will be more results to come and I'm certain New Zealand breeders will continue to see the great value Elusive City represents when standing this season at $8,000," he said.

For more information in regard to Elusive City or any of the Haunui stallions, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

As the Northern Hemisphere flat season begins to roll, European Champion First Season Sire Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has hit the ground running with his Northern Hemisphere three-year-olds notching up two stakes performers in the last seven days.

Estoril City (Fr) (Elusive City) got the first points on the board with a second in the Listed Prix Montenica (1300m) at Deauville mid-week.  From an eight start career to date, Estoril City has been a consistent performer with three wins, two seconds and a third, his stakes placing making him Elusive City’s seventh stakes performer so far from his first Northern Hemisphere crop.

The weekend’s results show that stakes placed two-year-old Nashmiah (Ire) put in an impressive performance in the Listed Spring Cup (1400m) at Lingfield easing down to win by almost three lengths.  Trained by Clive Brittain, this was the filly’s first start since finishing third in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes (1400m) at the beginning of October last year and with a win of this fashion, proves that she is well on target for a tilt at the Group One 1000 Guineas (1600m).

“It hasn’t taken long for Elusive City to get some more points on the board in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm, Elusive City’s Southern Hemisphere base.  “What is particularly pleasing is that both of these horses performed creditably at two and have come out as early three-year-olds and done the job,” said Mark.   With 94 foals from his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City has a stakes winners to foals ratio of 7.4% and with 58 runners, his stakes performers to runners ratio is 12%.

Owned in the Southern Hemisphere by Haunui Farm, Fairdale Stud and Trelawney Stud, Elusive City has enjoyed a run of success in Australia over recent weeks with the Gerald Ryan three-year-old Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) stakes placed at Randwick and, the Peter Moody-trained filly Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) winning and being aimed toward Queensland Oaks (2400m).  Other recent winners include Full Moon (NZ), Sandusky City (NZ) and Tolaga Bay (NZ).

“Elusive City has had ten individual winners in Australia from fifteen starters – 66% winners to runners – that’s a pretty impressive statistic,” said Mark.  “He has a stakes performer in Sydney and has had a stakes winning three-year-old and Group Two-placed two-year-old in New Zealand so far this season,” he said.  “We’re pretty excited about his prospects and I think we have good reason to be,” said Mark. 

With the Northern Hemisphere flat racing season beginning to get back into action, Champion First Season Sire Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has notched up another stakes performer to add to his Northern Hemisphere tally, his first for the 2009 season.

Three-year-old colt Estoril City (Fr) (Elusive City) got his career of to a flying start at two with a win on debut.  With two further wins to his credit, after yesterday's second in the Listed Prix Montenica (1300m) at Deauville, his 8 start career includes three wins, two seconds and a third.

Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, this colt, along with a number of Elusive City's standout performers such as Elusive Wave (Ire), Soul City (Ire) and Man River (Ire) will undoubtedly go on to represent their sire in any one of the upcoming European classics this season.

"It's always good to see two-year-olds come out and train on the following season and with flat racing just getting underway again up there, we're looking forward to seeing some more good results," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm where Elusive City stands in the Southern Hemisphere.  "Elusive City has now had seven stakes performers from his first Northern Hemisphere crop," he said.  With 94 foals from his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City has a stakes winners to foals ratio of 7.4% and with 58 runners, his stakes winners to runners ratio is 12%.

Elusive City also saw further success in Australia yesterday with the Danny O'Brien-trained filly Full Moon (NZ) (Elusive City) winning over 2200m at Bendigo - her second win from nine starts which have also included two seconds and a third.  This win comes on the back of an impressive effort by Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) on Wednesday and the stakes performance of Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) at Randwick on Saturday.  With four runners today including last start winner Sandusky City (NZ), the results look set to keep coming.

The Peter Moody-trained filly Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) claimed her first "city" win at Sandown yesterday over 1400m to take her tally to two wins and a second from only five starts.

Given the trail by stable jockey Luke Nolen, Returntosender won by a comfortable one-and-a-half lengths with Moody lining up a possible trip to his home state of Queensland.  "I am hoping she might get to the Queensland Oaks," he said yesterday after the race.  "She strikes me as a staying type of filly even though her pedigree suggests otherwise but we can only point her that way and see what happens," he said.

Returntosender is one of ten individual winners in Australia for her sire Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) from fifteen starters ito date.  Champion First Season Sire of Europe, his progeny are starting to hit their straps as three-year-olds in the Southern Hemisphere with recent performers including the Bart Cummings-trained Tolaga Bay (NZ) and the Sydney stakes performer Ahdashim (NZ).

Runners to watch by Elusive Cityin Australia this week include the Danny O'Brein-trained Full Moon (NZ) at Bendigo, last start winner Sandusky City (NZ) and big improver Monsieur Pimpernel (NZ) at Moonee Valley whilst in New Zealand, debut winner El Bimbo (NZ) lines up at Hawke's Bay.

Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) became the first stakes performer in Australia for his sire when finishing second (by a neck) to Bhutane Dane (Aus) (Danehill Dancer) in the Listed AJC Strada Stakes (1200m) at Randwick yesterday.

Bred by Trelawney Stud, partners in Elusive City (USA) (Elusive City), Ahdashim was sold from Trelawney's 2007 Premier Draft and was purchased by Gerald Ryan for $150,000.  The winner of three from three in his first preparation, Saturday's start was Ahdashim's fourth this time in, his first at black type level and he didn't disappoint.

"It was a terrific performance by the horse and it seems Gerald Ryan really has him up to the mark," said Mark Chitty.  "I think he slipped under a few people's radar and was a bit underrated but he will have made a few people stand up and take note after that performance," he said.

With the likes of Bhutane Dane being targeted toward the major Group One sprints of the Autumn Carnival, Gerald Ryan isn't 100% sure where Ahdashim will head for his next start but after Saturday's performance, he knows he has a competitive horse in stakes company.

Elusive City has been enjoying a stellar run in recent weeks with a trio of winners last week including the win of the Bart Cummings-trained Tolaga Bay (NZ) (Elusive City) and now Ahdashim earning black type.  "His figures in Australia are very impressive," says Mark.  "He's had ten winners from 15 starters over there, that's a winners to runners ratio of 67%," he said. 

Two-year-old Spirit Of Unicorn (NZ) (Elusive City) also turned in another impressive performance to finish second at Trentham on Saturday going down by a head adding to his placing in the Group Two Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) two starts back.

Champion First Season Sire of Europe, Elusive City was the only freshman sire in the Northern Hemisphere to sire two Group winners and also produced the winner of the Goffs Million.  "His results in the North are a huge testament to the horse when you consider his mare opportunity up there compared to the likes of One Cool Cat and Exceed And Excel," said Mark.  "It shows he can upgrade his mares and there is a fair bit happening in Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand now," he said.

Elusive City's 2009 service fee will be announced shortly and like all Haunui stallions in 2009, he will serve a limited book of mares.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continues to make an impression on Australasian racetracks with three new winners added to his growing tally this past weekend.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) made quite an impression on buyers at the New Zealand Bloodstock Festival Sale with the sale topper, the second highest price and two other colts in the top ten - all four colts were in the Haunui Farm Draft.

"I have said all along that we had some colts in the Festival Sale that could have held their own in any sale on type and the results prove I was right," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "The colts created an impression with buyers and we heard that there was a lot of good talk about them on the sale ground and the results came in the ring," he said.

The top price of $77,500 was paid by David Cole for Lot 1636, the Elusive City colt out of Contemplate (NZ) (Dream Well).  The second top price of the sale came on the first day with Queensland Bloodstock agent John Foote paying $75,000 for the Elusive City colt out of Outstripping (NZ) (Centaine).  "There was a lot of interest in both colts but given the market, we weren't too sure what buyers were valuing them at," said Mark. 

The other two Elusive City colts in Haunui's draft both fetched $40,000 with Lot 1476, the colt out of Sunshine Gold (NZ) (Zabeel) being purchased by John and Wayne Hawkes, whilst Lot 1534 out of Zazonali (NZ), also by Zabeel (NZ) (Sir Tristram), was purchased by Bruce Wallace.

With solid sales results such as this, Elusive City ended the Festival Sale as the leading sire by aggregate and average with figures of $263, 750 and $37,679 respectively from seven lots sold.  Haunui Farm was also the leading vendor by average selling nine yearlings for an average of $38,056.

"It was a very pleasing sale results wise but also for Elusive City," said Mark.  "As a stallion who stands at a fee of $8,000, these results can give breeders the confidence that even in a difficult market a solid return can be made," he said.  "However, I also think that the presentation of yearlings at this level has an impact on results as well and this is something that breeders need to keep in mind when looking to sell," said Mark. 

Recently crowned Chanpion First Season Sire of Europe, Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his run of recent success with two stakes performers in New Zealand this weekend.

Three-year-old filly Metropolitan (NZ) (Eluisve City) added to her black type tally running third in the Listed Gore Guineas (1355m).  The winner of the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m), Metropolitan was the first stakes performer for her sire when third as a two-year-old in the Avondale JC 2YO Fillies Stakes (1200m).  Trained by John and Karen Parsons, Metropolitan is quickly carving out a reputation as the South Islands leading 3YO filly.

Further black type success came Elusive City's way at Trentham on Saturday through the deeds of two-year-old Spirit of Unicorn (NZ) (Eluisve City) when running third in the Group Two Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1200m) at only his third start.

"To get two stakes performers in one weekend is a great achievement," said Haunui Farm's General Manager, Mark Chitty.  "Metropolitan is shaping up to be a very smart filly and to get a Group Two performing two-year-old from his second crop is very pleasing," he said.  "With the yearling sales about to get underway in a week's time, results like this will certainly be beneficial for the Elusive City's in the sale," he said.

2009 couldn’t have got off to a better start for Haunui Farm’s young stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality).  The start of the New Year saw Elusive City officially crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe, a first for any stallion with New Zealand ownership and undoubtedly, one of the most significant achievements for any young stallion in the Southern Hemisphere. 

“It’s a remarkable achievement, Elusive City couldn’t have got his career off to a better start in the Northern Hemisphere and the results are starting to roll in on this side of the world as well,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “To have six stakes performers from his first Northern Hemisphere crop was outstanding and when you consider his service fee level and possibly the quality of mare he received in the Northern Hemisphere in comparison to some of his counterparts I think his results are even more remarkable,” he said.  “It’s a great result for Haunui and our partners in Elusive City, Fairdale Stud and Trelawney Stud,” said Mark. 

The only first season sire in the Northern Hemisphere to produce two Group winning two-year-olds, Elusive City ended the season with a total of nineteen individual winners among them, Group Three and Goffs Million-winner Soul City (Ire), Group Three winner and Group One performer Elusive Wave (Ire), and the stakes performers Connie Mac (Ire), Nashmiah (Ire), Able Master (Ire) and The Legal Blonde (Ire). 

The first four days of January also provided some excellent results in the Southern Hemisphere for Elusive City’s first crop with four winners in the space of the four days including two in one of New Zealand’s most important export environments, Hong Kong. 

Blaze King (NZ) (Elusive City) who raced in New Zealand as Discretion, made it two from two for trainer Tony Millard with another win at Sha Tin on Sunday whilst True Intelligence, also from the stable of Millard also proved successful three days previous. 

In New Zealand, Elusive Memories (NZ) (Elusive City) proved too strong at Tauranga over 1400m with co-trainer Roger James eyeing a start in the Group Three Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) at Trentham toward the end of January whilst stakes winner Metropolitan backed up her last start win with another triumph and will now head for more black type in the Listed Gore Guineas (1355m) on the 17th of January. 

“Obviously these results are very timely with the yearling sales just around the corner,” said Mark.  “As types, the Elusive City’s have made an impression on buyers as yearlings with multiple six figure yearlings from his first two crops so far,” he said.  “He’s had six winners from eleven starters in Australia so far this season with two unbeaten horses in Ahdashim and Marne and he now has two from two in Hong Kong so that bodes well for our two largest export markets,” says Mark.   

Elusive City has 27 yearlings catalogued for Karaka 2009 with Haunui offering seven yearlings by the sire. 

Following the win on debut of Blaze King (NZ) (Elusive City), True Intelligence (NZ) (Elusive City) made it two from two for his sire in Hong Kong with a strong performance at Sha Tin over night. 

Three-year-old filly Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City) made a winning return to the track today after a short let-up by trainers John and Karen Parsons.

Racing over 1100m at Central Otago, the filly was settled off the pace with the lead being hotly contested and ran home down the middle of the track to roll over the top of her opposition and score in comfortable fashion.

The first stakes performer for her sire in either hemisphere when stakes placed at two, Metropolitan came out at three to become her sire's first Southern Hemisphere stakes winner when taking out the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) toward the end of September and then finished a very close second to New Zealand Derby aspirant Moveovr (NZ) (Postponed) in her next start.  A stone bruise resulted in a brief let-up before returning to the track today where after an impressive win, the filly will undoubtedly have further black type aspirations on her agenda.

Three-year-old colt Blaze King (NZ) (Elusive City) - formerly raced in New Zealand as Discretion - made the best possible start to his racing career in Hong Kong with an impressive victory on debut over 1000m on Saturday.

Sold to Hong Kong after an impressive win at Ellerslie in June, Blaze King is in the stable of Tony Millard.  "He showed a lot of promise in New Zealand and it is great to see that the horse has obviously settled well in the Hong Kong environment," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "Hong Kong is obviously a very lucrative market for New Zealand horses so it is important for stallions to perform up there," he said.

Blaze King's victory followed two very impressive place-getters in Australia for Elusive City with the Danny O'Brien-trained Full Moon (NZ) finishing second at Moonee Valley on Friday night over 2040m and the Brian Jenkins-trained Subashi (NZ) finishing third over 1000m at Flemington.

Elusive City has completed his fifth Southern Hemisphere book covering 92 mares in 2008.  He is set to return to the Northern Hemisphere on the 11th of January where as Champion First Season Sire, he will stand at an elevated service fee of 12,000 euro and will undoubtedly be a popular choice with Irish breeders once again.

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) is set to make history at the end of the Northern Hemisphere racing season when he will become the first stallion under New Zealand ownership to be crowned Champion First Season Sire of Europe. Possibly an even greater achievement is the fact Elusive City is placed second on the General Two-Year-Old Sires table behind Danehill Dancer (Ire) (Danehill).

Three-year-old filly Returntosender (NZ) (Elusive City) added her name to a growing list of Southern Hemisphere winners for her sire Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) yesterday when she streaked away on debut to win by five lengths over 1400m for trainer Peter Moody.

Bred by Judi Wanless, the filly was born and raised at Trelawney Stud, partners in Elusive City and the farm where he stood for his first two Southern Hemisphere seasons.  Impressed with the performance, trainer Peter Moody commented after the race that “the filly is definitely City class and it was nice to open her account with a win like this today,” he said.

Returntosender became her sire’s seventh individual Southern Hemisphere winner this season and continues a fine run of form Elusive City’s progeny have been having on tracks both in Australasia and, the Northern Hemisphere.

Not to be outdone, second starter Ahdashim (NZ) (Elusive City) was also impressive in his winning effort for trainer Gerald Ryan at Warwick Farm today.  Settling midfield on the rail, Ahdashim was moved into the clear by jockey Jeff Lloyd to make his run and easily reeled in race favourite Back On Top (Aus) (Shagny) over the 1100m trip.

A $150,000 yearling purchase from the draft of Trelawney Stud for trainer Gerald Ryan, Ahdashim has two wins from as many starts and joins Marne (NZ) (Elusive City) as unbeaten horses in Australia.  “In speaking to Nick Williams yesterday I was told that Marne has been sold to Hong Kong for over $500,000,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “While it’s a shame we won’t see him racing in Australia, it is certainly promising in terms of building another market for Elusive City progeny if he can go over there and fulfil his potential,” said Mark.  “Nick also said that they’ll have Elusive City on their buying list at next year’s yearling sales which is definitely a bonus!”

“His numbers just keep rising and he has as many individual three-year-old winners so far this season as any New Zealand based sire,” said Mark of Elusive City’s efforts so far.  “He seems to have a new horse emerging each week and it would be nice to think that some more black type might come his way in the near future,” he said.

Darley’s John Ferguson has given his stamp of approval to the progeny of Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) by purchasing a yearling colt by the exciting young sire at Tattersall’s.

Ferguson paid 80,000 guineas for Lot 791, a colt out of the well related mare Princess Luna (Ger) (Grand Lodge) and he will join the many high class yearlings purchased by John Ferguson on behalf of Darley’s Sheikh Mohammed in 2008.

“It’s always a good sign when one of the world’s biggest buyers of bloodstock purchases a yearling by one of your stallions,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “You know that when these guys step up to the mark that they must have a high opinion of the horse and of course the other guarantee is that the yearling will get every opportunity to succeed on the track,” said Mark.

Elusive City has made a strong impact in the Northern Hemisphere with a Group One performer, two Group Three-winners, a Goffs Million-winner and three stakes performers among his fourteen individual winners.  These results have Elusive City at the top of the First Season Sire’s Table based on earnings.

Haunui stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) is making his presence felt among the first season sire ranks in the Northern Hemisphere heading the leading first season sire's table in regard to earnings.

With two Group three-winners, a Group One-performer, a Goffs Million winner, three stakes performers and, fourteen individual winners to his credit to date, Elusive City is certainly making his mark.

His figures in the Southern Hemisphere also see him as an exciting second season sire prospect with six individual winners - three on both sides of the Tasman - among them, stakes winner Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City).

"His stakes performers to foals ratio in the Northern Hemisphere is almost 7%," says Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  "That is from a crop of 93 foals," he said.  Elusive City's winners to runners ratio also impresses at 32%.  "It's quite exciting to have ownership in a stallion that is doing so well in the Northern Hemisphere and if he could replicate that with his three-year-olds down here it would be fantastic," said Mark.

Elusive City is currently working his way through his fifth Southern Hemisphere book of mares and the success of the past few months has seen the bookings start to roll in for the young stallion.  "He is on track to serve more than last year which was 90," says Mark.  "The great thing about Elusive City is that he types his yearlings, he's a dominant sire and buyers like that," he said.  "He's had six figure yearlings from each of his crops to go through the ring - colts and fillies at both Premier and Select level - so at an $8,000 service fee, breeders have every chance of making some good money in the sale ring," he said. 

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

Group Three-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) became her sire's first Group One performer when finishing second on the Group One Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches over a mile at Longchamp on Sunday.  The filly had already made headlines the day before selling for 660,000 euros at the Arqana Arc Sale.

Elusive Wave's second was preceded on Friday by two-year-old filly Nashmiah (Ire) (Elusive City), who added her name to Elusive City's list of first season Northern Hemisphere stakes performers when running third in the Group Three Oh So Sharp Stakes (1400m) on good ground at Newmarket.

"To get a Group One performer in his first Northern Hemisphere crop is a great result and there is still a good number of major two-year-old races left in the season up there," said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  "What has been most pleasing was to see Elusive City get some early season results up there but more importantly, his progeny are still around and emerging, at the business end of the season," he said.

From his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City has already left the Group Three-winner and subsequent Goffs Million-winner Soul City (Ire), Eluisve Wave who herself is a Group Three winner and Group One performer as well as the stakes performers Nashmiah (Ire), Connie Mac (Ire) and, Able Master (Ire).  In the Southern Hemisphere, Elusive City has sired six winners so far this season - three on either side of the Tasman - among them is stakes winner Metropolitan (NZ) and Marne (NZ) who has been unbeaten in two starts in Australia.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.

The success of Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued in the Northern Hemisphere overnight with two-year-old colt Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) capturing the Goffs Million. 

Trained by Richard Hanon, Soul City was already a Group Three winner leading into yesterday’s race having taken out the Prix la Rochette in France after running fourth in the Group Two Vintage Stakes and now looks a likely candidate for the Group One Dewhurst Stakes.

Soul City’s victory looks set to push Elusive City toward the top of the European First Season Sire’s table after holding fourth spot for some time whilst unbeaten Group Three-winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City), also in the stable of Richard Hanon, is nominated for next weekend’s Group One Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp and could easily add to her sire’s already impressive Northern Hemisphere record this season.  A stallion owned in New Zealand by Fairdale Stud, Haunui Farm and Trelawney Stud, this would be a great result for the New Zealand breeding industry.

Closer to home, Elusive City was represented by another first-start winner on Saturday in the form of City Newton (NZ) (Elusive City) who won impressively over 990m at Taranaki taking his Southern Hemisphere season tally to six individual winners – three on each side of the Tasman.

Stakes winning filly Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City) looks to be a strong contender for the South Island Filly of the Year title after taking out the first leg of the series, the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes.  Bred by Fairdale Stud in partnership with Jim Otway, she is now in the stable of John and Karen Parson’s who on the back of her efforts have booked a mare to Elusive City this season.  “We really think a lot of Metropolitan and there is more improvement in her,” said Karen Parsons.  The filly will line up this weekend in the Canterbury Racing Guineas Trial over 1400m and as she doesn’t hold a nomination for the 1000 Guineas at this stage, a win on Saturday could force owner Philip Bayly to look seriously at the Group One event.

“Elusive City has made a big impact in the Northern Hemisphere with his first crop of two-year-olds and whilst he didn’t have a large number of two-year-old starters from his first Southern Hemisphere crop, they have certainly come out firing as Spring three-year-olds with a stakes winner and six individual winners to date,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm.  “It’s certainly exciting to have a young sire in the barn that is shaping up in the Northern Hemisphere and with the results starting to come in the Southern Hemisphere, and the continued positive reports we are getting on Elusive City’s progeny, the Spring could be a very exciting time,” he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST.  For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.

Smart filly Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City), the first stakes performer in either hemisphere for her sire as a two-year-old, has aptly become the first stakes winner from her sire’s first Southern Hemisphere crop with an impressive victory in the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) on Saturday – the first race of the New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Filly of the Year Series.

The widest runner for the majority of the race, Metropolitan had to do things the hard way but she did so in style with a sustained sprint down the centre of the long Riccarton straight holding off a strong finish by Platinum Zana (Aus) (Noverre) to win by a nose with a further length and half back to Full Pitch (NZ) (Stay Tuned).

Never out of the money in only five starts, Metropolitan finished third to Juice (NZ) (Bertolini) in the Listed Avondale JC Fillies’ Stakes (1200m) in her last two-year-old start and debuted this season at Taupo with a solid second. The transfer from the Keith and Brendan Hawtin and Stephen Autridge stable in the North, to John and Karen Parsons in the South for owner Phillip Bayly immediately paid dividends, literally, with the Canterbury Belle Stakes Metropolitan’s first southern start.

Elusive City continues to build momentum with his progeny in both hemispheres and Metropolitan’s victory on Saturday followed wins by Marne (NZ) and Ahdashim (NZ) in Australia earlier in the week. This coming weekend, the Mark Walker-trained Elusive Fortune (NZ) (Elusive City) will look to add to his sire’s tally of stakes performers – including two Group winners and two stakes performers in the Northern Hemisphere - when he contests the Listed Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

“Metropolitan showed she was a smart filly from her first start and her win on Saturday comes as no surprise,” said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm. “We have heard nothing but good things about Elusive City’s progeny from day one and to get his first stakes winner on the board in the Southern Hemisphere in the early Spring is very encouraging,” he said. “I’m sure there is a lot more to come yet,” he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of NZ$8,000 + GST. For more information, please contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.
 

Elusive City has been represented by 2 impressive 3 year old provincial winners in Australia in the past 24 hours, with more promising types ready to show their worth. Ahdashim (ex Clinique) scored on debut for Gerald Ryan yesterday at Newcastle and Marne (ex Giuliana) made it 2 starts for 2 wins from the John Sadler stable at Bendigo today. Both horses raced on the pace and finished their races off in a fashion that would suggest further wins will be close at hand. Elusive City will be represented by the promising 3 year old filly, Metropolitan in the Canterbury Belle Stakes on Saturday and the Mark Walker trained Elusive Fortune is targeting Saturday week’s Bonecrusher Stakes as his next raceday appearance.
“The Elusive City’s are starting to fulfil what the trainers have been telling us for some time and Marne’s performance today was impressive and he looks stakes class” said Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty.
His progeny in the Northern Hemisphere are flying with 11 2 year old winners and 5 stakes performers with two of those 2 year olds being Group 3 winners, the unbeaten filly Elusive Wave and dual stakes winning colt Soul City who both look destined for higher season honours.
“To get early spring 3 year old winners in Australia along with stakes quality horses here at home, on the back of what he is doing in the North is exactly what you hope for with a young stallion” Mark said. “ I really think Elusive City has got under a few breeders guards before now but with his progeny starting to fulfil their undoubted potential in Australasia at the start of the breeding season I expect the horse to serve a book, close to the number of mares he served last year” he said.
 

The results keep rolling in for Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) having recorded another Group Three win in France over the first weekend of September.

Soul City (Ire)(Elusive City), winner of the Listed Prix Francios Boutin (1400m) at Deauville in his last start, added a Group Three to his race record with victory in the Group Three Prix La Rochette (1400m) at Longchamp.

Ridden by Richard Hughes, the colt jumped well from his inside draw to lead from start to finish to score by half a length and after the race, trainer Richard Hannon declared him a possible Guineas contender but first on the agenda, is the Goffs Million race to be run at the end of this month.

The start of the new Southern Hemisphere season has already seen Elusive City notch up two further winners in Australia in the form of Time Call (NZ) (Elusive City), the winner of his second start for trainer Brian Guy whilst Marne debuted impressively for the Lloyd Williams stable at Geelong in early September. Both horses settled toward the rear of their respective fields and both finished off their races impressively to win by margins. In New Zealand, the Mark Walker-trained Elusive Fortune ran a solid second at Te Rapa on debut and given the high regard he is held in by his trainer, it shouldn’t be too long before he salutes the judge with the 2000 Guineas on his agenda later this spring. "To get another Group Three in France is a great result and he looks to have a number of horses in the Northern Hemisphere that will be set to compete at the highest level in the months ahead," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm. "It’s nice to see Elusive City having runners in these big races at what really is the business end of the season up there," he said. "Then, to get two early winners in Australia for the new season and some trials winners, things could really start to pick up in this neck of the woods over the next couple of months, " said Mark. Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a fee of $8,000 + GST. For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty 021 663 995 or Shannon Taylor 0212 855 513;

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has been represented by two exciting young horses in the past two days in the form of debutant winner Marne (NZ) (Elusive City) and Elusive Fortune (NZ) (Elusive City).

Purchased by Graeme Rogerson at the 2007 NZB Ready To Run Sale for Lloyd Williams for $155,000, the Williams stable was confident of a solid first-up performance and the three-year-old didn’t disappoint with an impressive victory over 1200m at Geelong.

Settling at the rear of the field, Marne stormed down the outside to win by a comfortable two-and-half lengths being eased down by jockey Steven Arnold just before the line.

In New Zealand, the Mark Walker-trained Elusive Fortune lined up on debut at Waikato.  A $62,000 yearling sold from Haunui’s 2007 Select yearling draft, Elusive Fortune is another held in high regard by his trainer and he didn’t disappoint at Te Rapa yesterday finishing second by three-quarters-of-a-length over 1200m.  It is hoped that Elusive Fortune will chase some of the big three-year-old spoils up for grabs later in the spring.

“With two stakes winners in the Northern Hemisphere and six stakes performing two-year-olds worldwide, Elusive City is a young stallion on the move,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm.  “He’s had a number of horses at the trials and hopefully we will see a number of them hitting the tracks over the next few weeks,” he said.  “The horse has really built some momentum in the Northern Hemisphere and if he can get that going down here, it’s going to be pretty exciting,” said Mark.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.

Following on from her win in the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure (1400m) at Longchamp in July, unbeaten filly Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) took another step up in taking out the Group Three Prix Du Calvados (1400m) at Deauville this past weekend.

Haunui Farm’s young stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) has landed another stakes winner in the Northern Hemisphere with two-year-old colt Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) taking out the Listed Prix Francois Boutin (1400m) at Deauville this past weekend.

Fourth on debut and a winner at his second start, Soul City finished fourth in his last start at Goodwood in the Group Two Vintage Stakes (1400m), missing third by just a nose and finishing less than two lengths from the winner. Winning by two lengths this weekend, trainer Richard Hannon will undoubtedly have further black type targets on the agenda.

Elusive City has 13 individual winners worldwide with a total of six stakes performing two-year-olds including stakes placed filly Metropolitan (NZ) (Elusive City) from his first Southern Hemisphere crop.

“With five stakes performers including two stakes winners from his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City is a very exciting young sire,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. “The quality of his winners and stakes performers are first class and with his first crop here now three, I think we are in for some pretty exciting times ahead,” he said.

Horses to watch out for from his first Southern Hemisphere crop include the David Hayes trained pair of Aqaleem and Storm The Castle, David Payne’s Elusive Gift, Leon Corstens’ Monalusive and, Marne from the Lloyd Williams team. On this side of the Tasman, stakes placed filly Metropolitan made and encouraging return to the track last week whilst the impressive Elusive Fortune is on track to debut at Taupo in September for the Mark Walker stable.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a fee of $8,000 + GST.
 

Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) scored yet another impressive winner from his first Northern Hemisphere crop this weekend with two-year-old filly Nashmia (Ire) (Elusive City) adding her name to the ever increasing list of winners by her young sire.

Sitting handy to the lead for the 1500m journey, Nashmia finished her race off strongly down the centre of the track winning by an easy two-length margin for trainer Clive Brittain and her owner Saeed Manana in just her third start.

Nashmia takes her sire’s tally of individual winners in the Northern Hemisphere to nine with four stakes performers from his first Northern Hemisphere crop which includes the stakes-winning and unbeaten filly, Elusive Wave (Ire). In the Southern Hemisphere, Elusive City has the stakes performing filly Metropolitan (NZ).

“Elusive City is really starting to make a mark in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Mark, “and he’s doing it at the right time,” he said. “He’s got four stakes horses from his first crop up there and was unlucky not to get another one at Goodwood last week when Soul City was beaten a nose for third in a Group Two race,” he said.

With the new season now upon us, Elusive City’s first Southern Hemisphere crop have just turned three and undoubtedly we will see a number of them on racetracks in New Zealand over the months ahead.

“It’s always nice to get to August when you start seeing the new season horses emerge,” said Mark. “It’s an exciting time and with the results Elusive City is getting in the North, we’re confident they will start to come down here,” he said. “We only have to look to Van Nistelrooy for a prime example of that,” says Mark.

Elusive City is currently in quarantine at Karaka where he has another ten days before arriving at Haunui Farm. He, along with new sire Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic) and resident stallion Don Eduardo (NZ) (Zabeel) will be paraded at Haunui’s Stallion Parade on Sunday 24th August at 10.30am. For further information, please contact Shannon – 09 530 8736 or email shannont@haunuifarm.co.nz
 

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his run of success in the Northern Hemisphere on Saturday with the second placing of The Legal Blonde (Ire) (Elusive City) in the Listed Winkfield Stakes over seven furlongs at Ascot.

The only filly in the field, The Legal Blonde proved the surprise package in the field improving markedly on her first start sixth, missing victory by just a neck.

The Legal Blonde became her sire’s fourth stakes performer in the Northern Hemisphere over recent weeks following the stakes win of unbeaten filly Elusive Wave (Ire) at Longchamp and the stakes placings of Able Master (Ire) and Connie Mac (Ire) at Epsom and Royal Ascot respectively.

With eight individual winners to his credit so far from his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City holds a strong position on the European Freshman Sires table heading into the business end of the season.

In the Southern Hemisphere, Elusive City has the stakes performing filly Metropolitan (NZ) to his credit already as well as the winners Discretion (NZ), Aqaleem (NZ) and Elusive Gift (NZ). In recent weeks he has been represented by two impressive performers in Australia in the form of Monalusive (NZ) who trainer Leon Corstens believes is a definite Oaks prospect and Elusive Gift (NZ) who has two seconds and a first from only three starts for the David Payne stable.

“Elusive City has had a number of trials winners in New Zealand of which a majority haven’t raced as yet so there is still a lot of untapped potential out there,” says Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. “He’s starting to hit his straps in the Northern Hemisphere at the right time of year and we’re confident his rising three-year-old crop will produce the results in our part of the world over the next few months,” said Mark.

For more information, please feel free to contact Mark Chitty – 021 663 995 – or Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.

Mascherete (Ire) (Elusive City) became his sire’s seventh individual winner when victorious on debut in Italy on Sunday.

With 93 foals on the ground from his first Northern Hemisphere crop, Elusive City has had 27 starters and among his seven winners are the stakes winning filly Elusive Wave (Ire) and the stakes performers Able Master (Ire) and Connie Mac (Ire).

“Elusive City’s figures are starting to stack up nicely up there,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. “He is climbing up the leading first season sire’s ladder and at last count, One Cool Cat and Exceed and Excel were near the top of the list with 11 individual winners,” he said.

Worth noting is the fact that Elusive City has three unbeaten horses in France – Elusive Wave, Man River (Fr) and Estoril City (Fr).

Elusive City will arrive in New Zealand next week at which time he will spend two weeks in quarantine before arriving at Haunui in mid-August. Elusive City, along with resident sire Don Eduardo (NZ) (Zabeel) and new sire Iffaaj (GB) (Zafonic), will all be paraded from 10.30am on Sunday, 24th August as Haunui’s annual stallion parade. Should you wish to attend, please contact Shannon Taylor P 09 530 8736 or E shannont@haunuifarm.co.nz
 

Haunui Farm’s young and exciting sire Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continued his run of success in the Northern Hemisphere on Monday siring his first stakes winner.

 

Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) put in a solid effort at the Group One Falmouth Stakes meeting at Newmarket yesterday to break his maiden at only his second start. According to the Thoroughbred Daily News, the colt raced on the pace right from the outset. He was put under a little pressure as the pack loomed at the quarter mile mark however, the colt stuck soundly to the task at hand holding out all challengers at the line.

Elusive Gift (NZ) (Elusive City) ran out an impressive winner at Hawkesbury on Saturday for trainer David Payne. A $130,000 yearling sale purchase at Karaka 2007, Elusive Gift ran second on debut in February and in her first start this preparation over 1000m, put paid to her rivals by two and a half lengths.

The news in the Northern Hemisphere was just as good with another debut winner for Elusive City with Estoril City (Ire) taking out the Prix de Biganos in France taking his Northern Hemisphere tally of winners to five.

“Elusive City has had a solid past two weeks with two stakes performers in the Northern Hemisphere and now another winner in Australia,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. “We’re sure the results will continue to come for Elusive City and with more trials performers in recent weeks, he is starting to gain some momentum,” he said.

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm in 2008 for a fee of $8,000 + GST.
 

Connie Mac (Ire) (Elusive City) became the second Northern Hemisphere stakes performer for her sire when she finished a hard fought third in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes over five furlongs at Royal Ascot on Wednesday.

Quickly out of the gates from barrier one, the filly sat on the speed for the duration of the race with a majority of the field selecting to stay on the stand side of the track. In just her second start after an impressive second at The Curragh two weeks ago, Connie Mac was beaten a neck and a head and looks to be a filly with a big future, especially as she appears to be a tough, strong filly.

Her Group placing comes hot on the heels of Elusive City colt Able Master (Ire) becoming the first stakes performer for his sire in the Northern Hemisphere with a third in the Listed Epsom Woodcote Stakes over six furlongs at Epsom last week.

“It is great to see Elusive City’s Northern Hemisphere two-year-olds starting to hit their straps,” said Mark Chitty of Haunui Farm. “To have stakes performers at Epsom and now Royal Ascot is testament to the quality of horse that he is leaving and the results are reminiscent of this time last year when Van Nistelrooy’s first Northern Hemisphere crop started to excel and the results in the Southern Hemisphere were quick to follow,” he said. “Here’s hoping Elusive City is set to do the same,” says Mark.

This past week has been a successful one for the young sire with Able Master’s result as well as the impressive win of Discretion (NZ) (Elusive City) at Ellerslie and a stand out trials winner in the form of City Newton (NZ) (Elusive City).

Elusive City stands at Haunui Farm this season for a service fee of $8,000 + GST. For more information, please feel free to contact Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513.




 

Haunui Farm stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) got some more points on the board today with the impressive win of two-year-old Discretion (NZ) (Elusive City) at Ellerslie earlier in the day.

Lining up over 1200m and jumping from barrier two, Discretion bounced out of the gates quickly for young jockey Daniel Stackhouse and went straight to the lead quickly putting five lengths on the field. Setting a solid clip until around the 600m mark, the colt came back nicely before kicking away again in the straight to win by one and a quarter lengths in a time of 1.13.77.

Trained at Cambridge by Arron Tata, and bred and raced by Jen Campin, Discretion raced twice as an early two-year-old and has had three starts back in this preparation finishing second at Ruakaka in his last start over 1000m at Ruakaka and then breaking through to break his maiden status at Ellerslie today.

Elusive City has had a successful past seven days with Able Master (Ire) (Elusive City) notching up his first blacktype performance in the Northern Hemisphere and impressive filly Connie Mac (Ire) (Elusive City) running second at The Curragh on debut.

Elusive City stands at Haunui in 2008 for a service fee of $8,000 + GST. For more information, please feel free to contact Shannon Taylor – 0212 855 513 or Mark Chitty – 021 663 995.
 

Haunui Stallion Elusive City (USA) (Elusive Quality) continues to make an impact with his first Northern Hemisphere crop heading the European Second-Crop Sires Table by over 700,000 pounds.

Heading the list with 29 winners from 73 runners, Elusive City's three-year-olds have earned a total of 1,668,090 pounds in the Northern Hemisphere to date with Group One winner Elusive Wave (Ire) (Elusive City) and Group One performer Soul City (Ire) (Elusive City) leading the way.

"It is great to see that his first Northern Hemisphere crop have come out and trained on at three which extremely important for a stallion's future success," said Mark Chitty, General Manager of Haunui Farm, Elusive City's Southern Hemisphere base.  "Also, when you consider the mare opportunity Elusive City had in his first few seasons compared with the likes of One Cool Cat and Exceed And Excel, his results are outstanding," he said.

Elusive City stands for a fee of $8,000 + GST in 2009 and will serve a limited book of 120 mares.  For more information please feel free to contact Mark Chitty - 021 663 995 - or Shannon Taylor - 0212 855 513.