Arafura Sets National Record in Group One Northern Oaks

Arafura (NZ) (Sweet Lou) opened feature racing at Alexandra Park on ANZAC Day with a bang, setting a new New Zealand record when winning the Group One Pascoes The Jewellers Northern Oaks (2700m).

In the hands of veteran reinsman Tony Herlihy, Arafura began well from her inside draw, but quickly handed up to the Cran and Chrissie Dalgety-trained Beside Me (NZ). She enjoyed the trail before utilising the passing lane up the straight and she quickly reeled in the leader, and extended her advantage in the closing stages to win by 2-½ lengths.

It was the champion reinsman’s first win in the race since the turn of the century, and he was delighted to do it in the colours of West Melton trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen.

“To do it for Amanda and Hayden, who are just starting out in their training career, is really good,” Herlihy said.

Arafura raced keenly throughout, which had Herlihy wary when turning for home, but she showed her class and he believes she has a bright future instore.

“She was a bit keen the entire way and I was just wondering if it would take it out of her a bit, but she found the line well and took a bit of pulling up,” Herlihy said. “She ended up winning quite nicely. She stayed so well.

“She feels quite strong and has got a bit of stamina, so that is a big help.”

Bred by Woodlands Stud, Arafura is out of four-win Bettor’s Delight mare Spirit Of Delight, a full-sister to Group One performer Bettor Spirits, Group Three winner Spirit Of ANZAC, and half-sister to Spirit Of Art, the dam of multiple Group One winner Spirit Of Louis and Group Three winner Dracarys.

Arafura was offered through Woodlands Stud’s 2023 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft where she was purchased by Diamond Racing Stables for $55,000.

Raced by McKerrow Bloodstock Limited and Rakino Divestments Limited, Arafura has now won two and placed in three of her nine starts, and has earned more than $115,000 in prizemoney.

While Friday was her breakthrough stakes victory, Arafura has also placed in the Group One Dunstan Sires’ Stakes Series Fillies Championship (1980m) and Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Fillies Final (2200m).