Fraudster the real deal in Ashburton feature

Exciting three-year-old Fraudster (Profiteer) made full use of his significant early pace and a strong on-speed-track bias to give his rivals a view of nothing but his disappearing rump as he raced clear to claim his first victory at stakes level in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton.

The Kenny Rae-prepared son of Profiteer had won twice at his home base at Ruakaka before being sent south by Rae to continue a preparation aimed at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on 14 November.

His first-up run in the South Island saw him finish third over 1200m at Riccarton last month after having to sit wide throughout, however this time apprentice Jack Taplin took full advantage as he drove his mount to the front shortly after jumping well from a wide barrier (11).

Taplin took no prisoners as he dictated the pace to suit himself and when he asked Fraudster for his best rounding the home bend, he immediately put three lengths on the rest of the field and never looked like yielding as he beat home Cool As Bling (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) and On Piste (NZ) (Ace High) who both ran home bravely.

Rae’s daughter Krystal Williams was on hand to accept congratulations after the race with her father back home in Ruakaka.

“He went a huge race last time and I thought he would have to be thereabouts today,” Williams said.

“The idea was to actually sit behind the speed but once he got to the front Jack rated him really well.”

Purchased by Rae for just $19,000 out of the Wentwood Grange Book 2 sale at Karaka in 2025, Fraudster is the first foal of Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) winner Danger Strykes (NZ) (Astern) and is from a family that includes Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) runner-up Virtuous Circle (NZ) (Almanzr0.

He has now won three races from just seven starts and has shortened in the Fixed Odds market for the New Zealand 2000 Guineas to a quote of $21 behind the current favourite System Of Play (Ole Kirk) ($4).