Ideal Crown (NZ) and Faithful Make Perfect Group Three Debuts

Chelsea Faithful enjoyed the biggest thrill of her harness racing career when Ideal Crown (NZ) (American Ideal) produced a perfect debut in the $36,000 Caduceus Club of Southland & Alabar Fillies Classic (2200m) at Ascot Park on Saturday.

The NZB Standardbred graduate put black type next to her name in her first race day start when prevailed in a thrilling finish for driver Craig Ferguson.

Ideal Crown was Faithful’s first starter in a Group event meaning both horse and trainer have a perfect record in black-type company.

“It is unreal, it was sort of a dream and for it to come off is unreal,” Faithful said.

“To do it with my first Group race starter is even better.”

“This filly has been an absolute beauty from the word go,” she added.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her.”

Faithful purchased Ideal Crown for just $5000 when she was offered among the Woodlands Stud draft at the 2023 National Weanling Sale in Auckland.

The trainer syndicated the filly among a big group of owners who filled the Ascot Park winner’s circle after their debutante’s Group Three victory.

“I bought her from the weanling sales and ended up syndicating her out,” Faithful said.

“I had a few loyal owners who jumped in from old racehorses that decided to come in on a new one.”

“And a few new owners came in as well.”

“This is a great wee boost for them.”

Ideal Crown prevailed at the end of a stirring home straight duel with fellow NZB Standardbred graduate Bettor Belle (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

The runner-up was also sourced from Woodlands Stud when offered in the NZB Standardbred sales ring in Auckland.

Ideal Crown was last with a lap to go but Ferguson expertly weaved a winning passage for the filly, who dug deep to win.

“At the 800m it didn’t look like the best of drivers but things panned out,” Ferguson said.
“To her credit, she is a speedy wee thing, she really had to dig in for the fight.”

Bettor Belle was also shuffled towards the rear in a hectic affair before producing a big finish wide on the track to run a narrow second for trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driver Carter Dalgety.

Bloodstock investors wanting to source a quality weaning with the scope to target feature races, as Ideal Crown has, can do so at the 2025 National Weanling Sale in Auckland on June 26.

Vendor	Woodlands Stud (NZ) Ltd
Purchaser	Chelsea Faithful
Breeding	American Ideal – Two And Sixpence Bay Filly
Sale	2023 National Weanling Sale, Auckland $5,000
Breeder	Woodlands Stud (NZ) Ltd