Got The Chocolates (NZ) Explodes to Group One Glory

Got The Chocolates (NZ) (Art Major) got more than just the chocolates when showing explosive speed to win the $100,000 Group One Avon City Ford New Zealand Welcome Stakes (1980m) at Addington on Friday night.

The NZB Standardbred graduate was coiled up before exploding in the homestraight to charge away to his maiden Group One victory.

Purchased by Diamond Racing for $90,000 from the Rosedale Farm draft at the 2023 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

In just five starts, the pacer has shown exceptional quality and now he’s a Group One winner with a massive future.

“He’s come a long way this time in,” driver John Dunn said.

“He’s just got better and better this horse.”

Got The Chocolates is raced by longtime clients of the Robert and Jenna Dunn stable, Ross and Angela Gordon.

John Dunn was thrilled to notch a Group One win for the combination.

“It’s great for Ross and Angela, that was their first Group One so that’s a massive thrill with the number of horses they’ve had through the stables.”
Got The Chocolates soon trailed Always Dreaming (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) in Friday night’s Group One feature before being taken to the lead.

Malakai (NZ) (Captain Crunch) and Rubira (NZ) (Always B Miki) launched big runs from the 800m, putting Got The Chocolates in the trail.

John Dunn then had to bide his time before unleashing his two-year-old’s explosive finish in the home straight.

Malakai fought on bravely, running a game second to seal a quinella for the Robert and Jenna Dunn stable.

After launching his big run, wide on the track, Rubira also fought well to take third placing in another brave effort to round out a trifecta of NZB Standardbred graduates.

In a remarkable effort, the entire field for the Group One New Zealand Welcome Stakes was made up of NZB Standardbred graduates.

Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) ran on late to take fourth, ahead of Always Dreaming, Party Central (NZ) (Captaintreacherous) and Bruntwood Brigade (NZ) (Art Major).

Bloodstock investors hoping to secure their own version of Got The Chocolates will get an opportunity to do so at the National Weanling Sale on May 23.

The star pacer’s sire Art Major (USA) will be represented by 11 youngsters.

Two are bred on the same cross as Got The Chocolates, who is from a Bettor’s Delight (USA) mare.

They include Lot 2, a filly from Dale’s Delight (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), as well as Lot 7, a colt from Delightful Brigade (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).