Couples Retreat back to winning form at Rosehill
Smart Super Seth filly Couples Retreat (NZ) found her way back to the top of the winner’s podium a Rosehill on Saturday when she produced a dogged late run to take victory in the Benchmark 72 Vale Peter Taylor Handicap (1100m).
In the hands of apprentice Molly Fitzgerald, who claimed a handy 3kgs of the mare’s allotted 57kg impost, Couples Rereat began well before being eased in behind the pacemakers after 300m.
Couples Rereat travelled strongly throughout before being angled wide in the home straight to sweep home and score by three-quarters of a length from the late closing Confidentiality (Shalaa) and Benevac (Bivouac).
Prepared by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the mare further enhanced her second-up record, recording her third win from just four starts in that state and her fourth victory from 15 career starts to date.
Bred by Waikato Stud, Couples Retreat was bought for $280,000 by Mitchell Bloodstock (FBAA) and Annabel Neasham Racing at the 2023 NZB Karaka Yearling Sale Book 1 and from 15 starts has won four times with just over $235,00 in prizemoney.
Out of the Savabeel mare Date Night (NZ) (Savabeel), who is a daughter of dual Group Three winner Dating (NZ) (O’Reilly), Couples Retreat comes from an extended family that includes black type winners Mandate (NZ) (Sound Reason), Maritimo (NZ) (Pins) and Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Senator (NZ) (Sound Reason).
Winner: Couples Retreat (NZ) 2021
Owners: Parsons Creek, Mr V Rondla, Mr K J Marr, Mr G P Whitham, Dr O K Chan, Mr M J Chittick, Mr G P Schwieters, Loftus Park, Ursino Racing, The Vale Racing Syndicate, Hon. G J Williamson
Trainer: Annabel & Rob Archibald (Warwick Farm)
Breeding: by Super Seth (AUS) out of Date Night (NZ) by Savabeel (AUS)
Breeder: Waikato Stud Ltd
Sales: 2023 National Yearling Sales Series V: Waikato Stud Ltd $280,000, P: Mitchell Bloodstock / Annabel Neasham Racing
