The training partnership of Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott continued their stellar season when they registered a winning treble at Hastings on Saturday.

The three victories took the stable’s tally to 40 for the season to date with plenty more to come judging by the performances of Saturday’s winning trio.

Fascinate Me photo: Race Images

Promising two-year-old filly Fascinate Me set the tone for the day with a gritty performance to register her maiden victory in the Niagara at Lime Country Sprint (1100m). A heady ride by Darryl Bradley saw Etonett make it a race to race double for the stable while Da Shindig rounded out the day with a comprehensive victory in the last event on the card, again courtesy of a superb ride by jockey Hayden Tinsley.

“Any win is a good one but to get three on the day was simply magic,” noted Scott.

“The stable has been going strongly this season and while we are still rebuilding things are going well and hopefully we can continue to keep getting better as we have some really cracking young horses still to come.”

Scott was delighted with the performance of Rip Van Winkle filly Fascinate Me after she endured a tough run in transit to register her win.

“We have always thought a lot of this filly which is why she lined up in some pretty good fields during her first preparation,” he said.

“She probably wasn’t quite mature enough to show out in those first three starts but since she had a wee break she has thrived and come on nicely.

“To do what she did on Saturday was quite special as she was wide throughout and if she had run third or fourth you would be saying what a good run it was so to get the win was a super effort.”

Scott was also full of praise for the ride by Darryl Bradley to land Etonett his victory.

“Darryl won the race in the first 200 metres when he got him across from a wide draw and gave him a lovely run in the race,” he said.

“This horse still has a lot of growing up to do but we think he will fashion into a tidy stayer once he gets a little older.

“We’ve also been waiting for Da Shindig to get over more ground and he did the business nicely in the last race.

“Hayden also gave him a beautiful trip and I would expect to see him thrive now he has shown that he is well suited over a middle distance.” – NZ Racing Desk

Kiwi galloper Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) fashioned a remarkable victory last night, with a flashing finish in the Group 1 ¥185,900,000 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) at Japan’s Chukyo Racecourse.

The New Zealand suffix was to the fore as Aerovelocity was not only the first New Zealand horse to win the international sprint race but the first international contestant to take victory in the race’s history.

“I’ve trained a lot of good horses in my career but he is possibly the greatest horse I have ever trained,” exclaimed his glowing Hong Kong-based Kiwi trainer Paul O’Sullivan.

Aerovelocity now totals nine wins from his 17 starts, including two Group 1 wins having previously won the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, plus the HK-2 Premier Bowl Handicap and the HK-3 Sha Tin Vase.

Aerovelocity initially raced in New Zealand under the name Naisoso Warrior with trainer Andrew Scott where he won on debut before relocating to O’Sullivan’s Sha Tin stable.

“Japan is an extremely difficult place to win a race,” commented O’Sullivan. “Every trainer around the world now respects the quality of horses in Japan.

“We certainly had the form to warrant coming, but to have been able to achieve this race is very, very satisfying. In particular in the manner that he did it – I think we made it clear before that he’s a very courageous horse and you don’t see many that pick themselves up off the deck and do what he did.”

Aerovelocity was sharply sent forward in the early stages by jockey Zac Purton and settled in second position behind front-runner Am Ball Bleiben (Rule of Law). Hakusan Moon (Admire Moon) contested the early runners on the outside as the field of 18 approached the turn for home while Aerovelocity continued at a steady tempo one off the rail.

Swinging off the corner, Aerovelocity peeled further away from the rail to race to the outside of Am Ball Bleiben in the centre of the track but no sooner dropped back behind Hakusan Moon while Mikki Isle approached to put himself in the race with 250m left to run.

It was a three-horse race towards the end as Aerovelocity and Mikki Isle attempted to catch Hakusan Moon. Aerovelocity dug deep in the final moments and took the Group 1 feature with a powerful finish by half-a-length over Hakusan Moon who held on for second place and Mikki Isle finishing in third.

The Takamatsunomiya Kinen is the third leg of the Global Sprint Challenge, an international championship series for sprinters which has become a 10-race series in six different countries. To be eligible for the US$1 million on offer, a horse must win a GSC race in three countries, where one win can be in the country the horse is trained.  The final race in the Series is on Aerovelocity’s home turf, with the Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint on 13 December.

“There’s a number of attractive opportunities for him over the next 12 to 18 months,” said O’Sullivan. “I think we have to be pretty mindful of the Global Sprint trophy – it’s a great prize and possibly winnable – but I haven’t shed much light on that or given it much thought. So we’ll have to consider that and discuss our options depending of course on how he is what’s best for him.”

The six-year-old gelding has now earned a total of NZ$4,274,864 in prizemoney for his owner Daniel Yeung Ngai.

Paul O’Sullivan purchased the son of Pins at NZB’s 2010 Karaka Premier Sale for NZ$120,000 from Windsor Park Stud.

Bred by Nelson Schick and Steve Till, Aerovelocity is out of winning mare Exodus (Kaapstad). The dam is a full-sister to Kapitain Kash (Kaapstad), winner of the Group 2 Rotorua Cup and a half-sister to Dante’s Paradiso (Danske), winner of the Listed Tattersalls Club Cup.

Hong Kong-based Kiwi trainer Paul O'Sullivan has no false illusions about the enormity of the task ahead of his star New Zealand-bred sprinter Aerovelocity in Sunday's Gr.1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in Japan.

Though if anyone had reason for brazenness ahead of such a significant international assignment, it would be the champion trainer.

Aerovelocity Photo - HKJC

Not only is O'Sullivan enjoying a resurgence in the cauldron of international racing that Hong Kong has become, but he has history with Japanese racing.

O'Sullivan and his father and then training partner Dave produced the great mare Horlicks to win the Gr.1 Japan Cup in 1989, ridden by champion jockey Lance O'Sullivan to score in world record time.

O'Sullivan has since campaigned Hong Kong Group One winner Fellowship in Japan without success, but has high hopes for Pins gelding Aerovelocity, who was bred by Windsor Park Stud's Nelson Schick and Steve Till and won his only New Zealand start under Matamata trainer Andrew Scott at Awapuni on Anzac Day in 2012.

Since joining O'Sullivan in Hong Kong, Aerovelocity has won seven of his 15 starts, most notably claiming the Gr.1 Hong Kong International Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin last December under champion Australian hoop Zac Purton.

"Fellowship raced in Japan four or five years ago, but he was at the end of a very long campaign and he went terribly," O'Sullivan recalled this week.

"This horse is going into the race close to his peak. There are a few variables that go with racing in Japan that won't make it easy. He's got to race the other way, left-handed, and the track's a bit rougher than in Hong Kong, where it's like a bowling green.

"It's been a long trip for him. He went up to Japan a week ago and he's been in quarantine and then had a seven-hour float trip to where he's racing this weekend. But he's tough. He's no Mr Tiz, but he's probably the toughest horse I've had anything to do with."

A comparison with New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame galloper Mr Tiz, rated by Dave O'Sullivan as the best horse he trained, is high praise for Aerovelocity, but there's no doubt he's worthy of it.

"He ran last one day when he got flattened but apart from that, he's run first or second in every other start for the last two seasons," O'Sullivan said.

"He's a fast horse and very brave."

The Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m), to be run at Chukyo Racecourse, outside Nagoya in central Japan, is run for a stake of 197 million yen (about $NZ2.16 million), with 95 million yen (about $NZ1.04 million) going to the winner.

"It's a long way from home, but I can't fault the horse, condition-wise," O'Sullivan said.

"I trialled him before he went and he did his usual thing and won by six lengths. Not many foreign horses go to Japan and win, but I'm sure he'll be competitive.

“It's a tough gig but if he can do it, it will be a real feather in the cap of the New Zealand breeding industry, especially for Windsor Park Stud and Waikato Stud [which stands Aerovelocity's sire Pins]."

O'Sullivan, who flies to Japan on Wednesday, was delighted to retain the services of Purton, Aerovelocity's regular rider.

"Zac had the choice of going to Dubai this weekend or Japan and he's decided to follow our horse, which is great," O'Sullivan said.

"They are very hospitable people, the Japanese, and of course we did win the Japan Cup here all those years ago but we're not racing in Tokyo and we know this isn't going to be easy."

O'Sullivan has made a habit of overcoming the odds.

He became the first New Zealand trainer contracted by the Hong Kong Jockey Club when he accepted an invitation to train there in 2004, having already won the New Zealand premiership 11 times, either in partnership with his father or training solo.

While he has yet to win a Hong Kong premiership title, O'Sullivan finished second in 2006-07 and has shown he has the necessary skills and systems to make a play for the top rung on the ladder.

While he could only manage 23 winners and equal 16th place last season, O'Sullivan currently sits in fourth spot this term, just five wins shy of reigning champion trainer Caspar Fownes.

"After last year, I had a good think about what I've learned in my time in Hong Kong. I changed personnel and our feed. We had an ordinary lot of horses, but this year everything has changed," he said.

"We've got good momentum. We've got 62 horses in work and we're only five off the leader. Aerovelocity has been a big part of that. I was lucky he walked in through my gate and things have only gone upwards since. He's helped a lot. Owners see him winning and they want to be part of that.

"Hong Kong can be a fickle like that. If it's going well, it's the best place in the world. But if it's going bad, it can be very tough. Right now we're fourth on the premiership and fifth in terms of prize money won this season. It's going really well."

A Group One win in Japan this weekend will only make that better. - NZ Racing Desk

Impressive last-start winner Fascination Street is on trial for a tilt at the Gr.1 Fiber Fresh NZ Breeders’ Stakes at Te Aroha when she steps out in Saturday’s NZB Insurance Pearl Series at Tauranga.

The Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained daughter of Elusive City is raced by the Challenge No.1 Syndicate and is the first of four syndicates put together by bloodstock agent Adrian Clark. That same syndicate races Dancer’s Tale, winner of the Welcome Stakes as a juvenile, who races at Waipukurau on Friday.

“The mile of the Breeders' Stakes is the question for Fascination Street as she’s yet to be tried beyond 1400m, but she was third at that distance as a three-year-old in the Gr.2 Hawke's Bay Guineas,” Clark said.

Dancer’s Tale will be sold at the upcoming NZB May Sale as a racing and breeding proposition under the consignment of Curraghmore Stud.

"Fascination Street will race on as she had 13 months off the scene due to injury so the syndicate is keen to see what we can achieve with her as a four and five-year-old," Clark said.

Kevin Stent/Fairfax NZ

OUT OF THE BLUE: Whosyourmaster gets up the outside to take the Lightning Handicap.

The Matamata trainer did not believe that Whosyourmaster could give his rivals weight and a beating in the $50,000 Lightning Stakes - but he was wrong.

"I really didn't expect him to win with 59kg but he's a great old horse," O'Sullivan said.

Whosyourmaster was giving 6kg to those on the minimum, including the Railway and Telegraph placegetter Trepidation.

Trepidation reached the lead about 200 metres out but had no answer to a late run from the topweight.

Whosyourmaster was ridden by Hayden Tinsley who drew high praise from O'Sullivan, a man who knows a bit about riding winners.

"That was some ride," O'Sullivan said. "This horse needs a good ride to win and he got one."

Whosyourmaster settled at the tail of the small field but Tinsley was always confident that he could win  "He relaxed beautifully and the pace was on," Tinsley said.

Whosyourmaster is raced by his breeders, Danny and Judy Moss, and is a half-sister to Keep The Peace who won the 2010 New Zealand Oaks at Trentham.

The Moss family sold Keep The Peace but have retained her three-year-old sister Keepherinmind, who will be trained by O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

Whosyourmaster defied the handicapper when he came from the tail of the field to go one better in Saturday’s feature sprint at Trentham.

The Group One-performed short course specialist lumped 59kg to victory in the Listed Carters Melbourne Racing Club Lightning Handicap after carrying four kilos less when runner-up to Natuzzi 12 months ago.

Whosyourmaster (outside) Photo - Race Images Palmerston North

Hence trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott weren’t overly confident of Whosyourmaster’s winning prospects.

“He had the big weight and we were hopeful, but a bit surprised,” O’Sullivan said.

He also noted that Whosyourmaster was three and a half kilos worse off in the weights from his last meeting with the smart mare Trepidation.

Runner-up in the Gr.1 Railway two starts back, he was partnered by Hayden Tinsley, who rode the gelding in his last win at Hastings in the spring.

Whosyourmaster raced to his regular pattern at Trentham and was near the tail of the field at the top of the straight.

Runners fanned across the track and once Tinsley had the gelding into the clear he responded generously to hands and heels riding to finish over the top of Trepidation.

The frontrunner Onlyarose fought on solidly for her third placing ahead of Angelica Hall and Stunning Princess.  

The well-supported Cosmic Cube was sixth and his chances weren’t helped by the wayward Coup Ay Tee, who ran wide into the straight. – NZ Racing Desk.

Whosyourmaster defied the handicapper when he came from the tail of the field to go one better in Saturday’s feature sprint at Trentham.

The Group One-performed short course specialist lumped 59kg to victory in the Listed Carters Melbourne Racing Club Lightning Handicap after carrying four kilos less when runner-up to Natuzzi 12 months ago.

Whosyourmaster (outside) Photo - Race Images Palmerston North

Hence trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott weren’t overly confident of Whosyourmaster’s winning prospects.

“He had the big weight and we were hopeful, but a bit surprised,” O’Sullivan said.

He also noted that Whosyourmaster was three and a half kilos worse off in the weights from his last meeting with the smart mare Trepidation.

Runner-up in the Gr.1 Railway two starts back, he was partnered by Hayden Tinsley, who rode the gelding in his last win at Hastings in the spring.

Whosyourmaster raced to his regular pattern at Trentham and was near the tail of the field at the top of the straight.

Runners fanned across the track and once Tinsley had the gelding into the clear he responded generously to hands and heels riding to finish over the top of Trepidation.

The frontrunner Onlyarose fought on solidly for her third placing ahead of Angelica Hall and Stunning Princess.  

The well-supported Cosmic Cube was sixth and his chances weren’t helped by the wayward Coup Ay Tee, who ran wide into the straight. – NZ Racing Desk.

The application of blinkers for the first time was the key factor in handy mare Fascination Street ending a frustrating run of minor placings at Ellerslie on Saturday.

The four-year-old daughter of Elusive City had been confidently expected to return to the winner’s circle in each of her four campaign runs to date but had managed to find one or two better on each occasion.

Fascination Street photo: Trish Dunell

Trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott felt a lack of concentration at vital times had led to the downfall of the mare so blinkers were added for Saturday’s contest and the mare rewarded them with a comfortable victory.

“The blinkers definitely worked the oracle as they really made her focus on Saturday and you saw what she can do when she has her mind on the job,” noted Scott.

“She got a beautiful run in the race although she was a little keen early on but when Michael (Coleman) asked her to sprint she really let down and kept at it all the way to the line.

“I think she deserved that win and as she likes a little cut in the ground I do think she can get another one or two before the end of this campaign.”

Purchased by Challenge Racehorse Syndications boss Adrian Clark for $34,000 from the Lime Country Thoroughbreds draft during the select session of the 2012 National Yearling Sale series, Fascination Street will now be set for one or more of the upcoming autumn black-type features.

“Adrian is keen to get some further black-type with her so we will sit down and take a look at what is coming up over the next few months,” explained Scott.

“While that was a 1200 metre victory on Saturday we do think she can be as effective up to a mile which is what you need given that is the distance of most of those good fillies and mares events.

“We will wait and see what type of rating penalty she cops from Saturday and then pick a path for her as she definitely has the ability to compete at the next level.”

It will be a busy time for the O’Sullivan/Scott stable this weekend with a big team entered for Trentham on Saturday.

Group One Wellfield New Zealand Oaks contender Mary Quant will spearhead the team which will include Gr. 2 Wellington Guineas contenders Smarts Encosta and Attention Seeker while Gr. 1 Railway Stakes runner-up Whosyourmaster will contest the Listed Lightning Stakes. - NZ Racing Desk

Ina Canta’s brief New Zealand career is over with his debut victory enough to earn him an overseas posting.

The two-year-old was placed at the trials for Awapuni part-owner and trainer Gary Vile before his first-up win at Trentham in January turned heads.

Ina Canta photo: Race Images

“To be honest he was pretty much sold straight after the race,” Vile said. “He’s going to Paul O’Sullivan in a deal brokered by Phill Cataldo.

“He’s a lovely horse and the money was far too good to turn down.”

A son of Little Avondale Stud’s hot first season sire Per Incanto, Ina Canta was a $37,500 purchase at Karaka last year by Vile out of the Masterton farm’s Select Sale consignment.

“We need a sire like him around here and I’ve got two fillies by him as well,” Vile said.

“One of them, Morris Lass, ran second at the Otaki trials and the other one hasn’t been tried yet, but they’ve got great natures and terrific attitudes.”

Per Incanto’s profile was further lifted on Saturday when his son Dal Cielo and Rocanto finished first and third in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes at Ellerslie.

Meanwhile, Vile’s open handicap performers Anniesstar and Dragon Beauty have recently returned to the stable to prepare for their autumn campaigns while Group One winner Ransomed is still spelling.

“He’s going to have a good break to get over all his little ailments and issues and let nature take over,” he said.

“Straight after the Wellington Cup a massive stone bruise came out that had showed no signs beforehand – I’m not saying that’s the reason for the way he ran but it wouldn’t have helped.

“The only good race he went last preparation was when he ran third in the Manawatu Cup Prelude on a slow track – that’s what he needs with his joints.” – NZ Racing Desk.

Andrew Scott and Lance O’Sullivan are well-served in the three-year-old department and they will chase feature age group titles at both North Island venues on Saturday.

The Wexford Stables duo have their Gr.1 TV3 New Zealand Derby hopes pinned on Sound Proposition while the last-start winners Mary Quant and Suffire give them a strong hand in the Gr.3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes at Hastings.

Sound Proposition Photo - Trish Dunell

Sound Proposition broke his maiden three runs back before he defeated the subsequent stakes performer Arrow In The Sand and he then finished solidly for sixth from a wide gate in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas.

“There’s no doubt he’s a chance and we would have liked to have drawn a bit better, but you have to play the hand you’re dealt,” Scott said.

“He’s in good condition and he runs his races out well. Two starts back on Karaka Million night he put in a sustained run and last time he hit the line well once he was into the clear.

“I don’t think the distance will be any problem and Danielle (Johnson) is in great form.”

The stable has Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks ambitions for Mary Quant and Suffire and tidy performances at Hastings will confirm their participation at Trentham on March 14.

“It’s hard to split them, they are both in good form and condition,” Scott said. “It’s another step up for them both, but they deserve a crack and hopefully then on to Wellington.

“Mary Quant is obviously bred to stay being a daughter of Legs and everything she has done indicates she wants 2000 metres and beyond.

“Suffire is by a son of Zabeel and her last two wins also suggest she is going to run a trip.” – NZ Racing Desk.

Victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 Darley Plate at Ellerslie would be just reward for Whosyourmaster, according to his co-trainer.

“He really deserves to win a good race, he’s such an honest horse,” Andrew Scott said. “He comes in well at the weights and he always runs well around Ellerslie.”

Whosyourmaster is the stakes winner of six races and he has also placed in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes, the Gr.3 Lion Red Plate, the Gr.3 Breeders’ Stakes and the Listed Lightning Handicap.

His stablemate Pure Champion was also nominated for the Darley Plate, but the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate winner has been feeling the effects of the recent hard tracks and is being freshened.

Victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 Darley Plate at Ellerslie would be just reward for Whosyourmaster, according to his co-trainer.

“He really deserves to win a good race, he’s such an honest horse,” Andrew Scott said. “He comes in well at the weights and he always runs well around Ellerslie.”

Whosyourmaster is the stakes winner of six races and he has also placed in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes, the Gr.3 Lion Red Plate, the Gr.3 Breeders’ Stakes and the Listed Lightning Handicap.

His stablemate Pure Champion was also nominated for the Darley Plate, but the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate winner has been feeling the effects of the recent hard tracks and is being freshened.

Victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 Darley Plate at Ellerslie would be just reward for Whosyourmaster, according to his co-trainer.

“He really deserves to win a good race, he’s such an honest horse,” Andrew Scott said. “He comes in well at the weights and he always runs well around Ellerslie.”

Whosyourmaster is the stakes winner of six races and he has also placed in the Gr.1 Railway Stakes, the Gr.3 Lion Red Plate, the Gr.3 Breeders’ Stakes and the Listed Lightning Handicap.

His stablemate Pure Champion was also nominated for the Darley Plate, but the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate winner has been feeling the effects of the recent hard tracks and is being freshened.

Regally-bred filly Mary Quant broke maiden ranks in good style on Sunday and will be set on a course for the Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks on March 14, a race her mother Legs won in 2006.

The Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott prepared daughter of O'Reilly relished the step up to 2000m to win at her seventh start, having finished runner up on four previous occasions.

"She's a filly we thought all she wants to do is run 2000m and further and she justified that," O'Sullivan said. "It's quite encouraging going forward, with races looming over 2100m and hopefully we end up in the Oaks.

"She's run into a few smart ones in previous starts and I think at the end of a mile she has lacked that sprint, whereas today she was able to keep quickening to the line.

"We're probably leaning towards the Lowland Stakes for her next start before her main mission which is The Oaks."

Matamata mare Irish Encore extracted a satisfying measure of revenge when she returned to Awapuni on the weekend to claim a victory that she was narrowly denied at the venue just under a month ago.

The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott prepared six-year-old mare had gone under by the barest of margins to Saturday’s race-rival Vincent Street after a dour home straight tussle in early January. This time with senior jockey Hayden Tinsley aboard the slow-maturing mare left nothing to chance as she settled beautifully just off a solid pace before issuing her challenge early in the run home.

Irish Encore photo: Race Images

Eased clear at the 200 metre mark by Tinsley, she dashed away to score comfortably by just over two lengths to record her sixth career victory from just twenty three starts.

“She deserved that one after missing by a nostril last time we were here,” said co-trainer Andrew Scott.

“She had to carry 58kgs so it was a good effort and a great ride by Hayden.”

Scott was confident it wouldn’t be the mare’s last success in this campaign now she had finally hit her straps.

“She has been quite a slow maturing mare so we have had to space her races as she doesn’t really cope that well with rock hard tracks,” he explained.

“She tends to go her best runs with a little give in the surface although this time in I think she is now strong enough to handle racing on firm tracks a little better.

“Her last few runs have all been over a sprint trip as they have worked into her programme the best however I do think she will be just as competitive up to a mile.”

Scott was keen to see the mare have a shot at bigger and better things during the autumn when the tracks will be in her favour.

“We will take it one race at a time but there are some lovely races coming up in a couple of months that I think she will be suited to,” he said.

“We are keen to get some black type on her record so we will be looking to give her that opportunity during this campaign.”

Scott also reported that the stable’s two outstanding three-year-old prospects were in fine fettle for their upcoming assignments.

New Zealand Derby nominee Sound Proposition will tackle his toughest test to date when he lines up in Saturday’s Gr. 2 Avondale Guineas while last start Tauranga winner Suffire will be seen next in the Gr. 3 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes at Hastings on 28 February. – NZ Racing Desk

Saturday's Carters Ashhurst Pohangina Cup will be run as a Rating 85 1200m race this year after the Manawatu Racing Club was forced to scrap the 1500m open handicap through insufficient entries.

A field of seven will contest the feature with the Lance O'Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Irish Encore opening as a $2.80 favourite with TAB bookmakers.

To be ridden by Hayden Tinsley, Irish Encore has won five of her 22 starts, including two of her four appearances this preparation.

Touche, an entry in the scrapped open handicap, opened as a joint $4.20 second favourite alongside the in-form Vincent Street, with last-start Trentham winner Wild Rock a $4.80 fourth favourite.