Foxy filly focused for Geisel Park

Thursday, 27 July 2023 | New Zealand-bred mare Tenko delivered her third winner for Geisel Park and her second by resident sire All American when Celestial Fox took a short-cut to victory on Wednesday.

Celestial Fox (2f All American – Tenko by Shinko King) never left the fence for apprentice Holly Watson in the TABtouch Hcp (1000m) at Belmont.  She got lost in front when racing first-up on July 5 and the decision by trainer Dion Luciani to replace winkers with blinkers made all the difference.

“She’s been well-educated and was more focused today,” stable spokesman Ian Glading said.  “She had a soft run behind the leader and it makes a big difference for the babies when they can follow the rail.”

Perth agent John Chalmers had purchased Tenko for $15,000 at the 2017 Inglis Great Southern Sale on behalf of Geisel Park owner Eddie Rigg.  She had been a Stakes-placed winner across the Tasman and changed hands in foal to Magnus.

She was carrying Devine Beast who won three times in Geisel Park’s colours before a maiden cover to Manhattan Rain last year.

Tenko’s first All American winner All Brave completed a running double at Belmont last month and, like Celestial Fox, he races for a partnership managed by Distinctive Racing’s Geoff Evans.

Holly Watson believes Celestial Fox (Photo / Western Racepix) will keep on improving as a 3yo next season.  “She’s quick but is a better chaser so I didn’t want to lead today.  She was green in front last time and did roll about when I put her under pressure off the cutaway.”

All American’s 3yo filly Duchess Of Gossip landed her fourth win in seven starts for Luciani and Geisel Park at Belmont last Saturday and the Red Ransom (USA) stallion weighed in with another smart 3yo when Silver Back Jack nailed the Amasenus Maiden (1600m) at Northam on Thursday.

Silver Back Jack (3g All American – Real Glow by Testa Rossa) was a $55,000 buy for trainer Jason Miller at the 2021 Perth Magic Millions.  Bred and sold by Geisel Park, he represents the All American – Testa Rossa cross which has built an outstanding 88% strike-rate.

All American stands for a $4,400 service fee at Geisel Park alongside newcomer Aysar at $8,800 and Manhattan Rain at $8,250.  All fees (inc GST).