The inaugural NZB Kiwi (1500m) has its second confirmed runner, with the Canterbury Jockey Club selecting Domain Ace to represent their slot in the eagerly anticipated $3.5 million feature at Ellerslie Racecourse on Champions Day, 8 March 2025.
A last-start placegetter in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton Park on 9 November, Domain Ace joins Sought After, who has already been confirmed as Waikato Stud’s representative in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race.
The Canterbury Jockey Club purchased an NZB Kiwi slot as part of a strategy to promote their two prestigious spring classics, the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). The winners of those races were offered first option to negotiate for use of the NZB Kiwi slot, but Savaglee will potentially compete in Australia in the Autumn while Captured By Love is ineligible for the NZB Kiwi.
“The Canterbury Jockey Club is delighted that the strategy it developed when buying a slot has come to fruition with Domain Ace, the third placegetter in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas, representing the club,” Canterbury Jockey Club chair Dianne Logie said. “I thank the Owners for reaching an agreement with us.”
Co-trained and part-owned by Hall of Fame horseman Graeme Rogerson, Domain Ace has had nine starts for two wins, three placings and $145,285 in stakes. He was a black-type winner as an Autumn 2YO, capturing the Listed Star Way Stakes (1200m) at Ellerslie, and he has added three placings to his record this spring including in the 2000 Guineas.
Domain Ace could add to a fruitful association between Rogerson and the Canterbury Jockey Club. Rogerson made history in 2009 when his filly Katie Lee became the only horse to ever win both the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and New Zealand 1000 Guineas. Rogerson’s feature-race successes at Riccarton also include the 1978 edition of the 2000 Guineas with Teddy Doon and the 2003 running of the 1000 Guineas with Taatletail. He won the Gr.2 New Zealand Cup (3200m) with Smiling Like in 2000, and he has also won the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) and Grand National Hurdles (4200m).
“My owners and I are thrilled to have secured the Canterbury Jockey Club’s slot for the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi with our horse Domain Ace,” Rogerson said. “He has been working a treat since returning home from Christchurch and we are very happy with him.
“Over the years, we have enjoyed an extensive and successful connection with the Canterbury Jockey Club. With a bit of luck, this upcoming race will provide Domain Ace with some impressive black type and will be a highlight for myself, the Owners and the Canterbury Jockey Club.”
The TAB rates Domain Ace a $41 chance for the NZB Kiwi. The market is headed by $8 equal favourites Aeliana, Checkmate and Savaglee.
There are a total of 14 slot holders for the NZB Kiwi, and 12 of them are yet to confirm their runners for the race. The remaining slots are held by Kerri Spence Bloodstock & Clotworthy Racing, Wexford Stables, Barneswood Brady Nakhle, Te Akau Racing, Ozzie Kheir, Entain New Zealand, The King’s Men, Cambridge Stud, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, Race Inc., Waikato Thoroughbred Racing and the Selangor Turf Club.
View more information about the NZB Kiwi here.