Marketplace (NZ) Soars to Group One Success

Marketplace (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) was phenomenal and driver Craig Ferguson was just as good when the pair combined for their maiden Group One successes in the $200,000 Group One Woodlands Stud Sires Stakes Series Final (1980m).

The NZB Standardbred graduate produced a scintillating performance to win, leaving his rivals with few excuses as he soared to his New Zealand Cup Day win at Addington.

Ferguson produced daring tactics on two fronts to ensure Marketplace justified his red-hot favouritism for the time-honoured feature.

The reinsman charged the Regan Todd trained pacer out of the mobile as the pair cut out blistering opening sectionals.

Ferguson then elected to hand the lead to rivals Rubira (NZ) (Always B Miki) and Blair Orange with a lap to go, which may have raised a few eyebrows, but it proved to be the winning of the race.

“He came out of the gate hard, Regan had been pretty happy with him during the week, so I thought we would drive him like the best horse in the race,” Ferguson said.
“I knew he would have to burn hard and to his credit, he has stuck on.”

Todd watched on as Marketplace worked very hard in the early stages, with the trainer admitting he thought his horse may not be able to see out the race.

But Marketplace’s incredible class saw him run to one of the biggest wins on New Zealand Cup Day.

“That was unreal after that lead time, I thought he was history but he’s a super horse,” Todd said.

“He had every reason to get beat today but he showed how good he is.”

“It is just unbelievable.”

“It is hard to put into words, it is just such a special moment.”

Marketplace was purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard for $100,000 when he was offered by the Barron Bloodstock draft at the 2023 National Yearling Sale at Christchurch.

The Kennards race the star pacers with Peter Baken, Graham Beirne of Small Car World Ltd, John Magness and his trainer.

Ferguson drove Marketplace early in his career and he was so impressed he was determined to stick with the youngster.

“When he came down south early on he was green but he gave me the feel of a really nice horse,” the reinsman said.

“At the time I thought this is the sort of horse I could win a Group One race with, so I tried to stick with him.”
“I am just grateful Regan and the owners have given me the opportunity.”

Marketplace was bred and offered by his breeders who include northern commentator George Simon. Simon and his wife Maryanne, along with Tony Barron, Gordon McKenzie, Tony Clark and Michelle Scanlon own the two-year-old’s dam Cullen Who (NZ) (Christian Cullen).

NZB Standardbred graduates filled the first seven placings in Tuesday’s Group One event.

Rubira took second ahead of Demon Blue (NZ) (Art Major), Bettors Anvil (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight), Got The Chocolates (NZ) (Art Major), Sacetas (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight) and Confederate (NZ) (Bettor’s Delight).

Vendor	Barron Bloodstock
Purchaser	Phil & Glenys Kennard
Breeding	Bettor's Delight - Cullen Who
Sale	Lot 247, National Standardbred Yearling Sale,Christchurch, $100,000
Bred by	George & Maryanne Simon, Tony Barron, Gordon McKenzie,Tony Clark and Michelle Scanlon