Tavistock’s son triumphs in Cup

Son Of Sun crowned his rise through the staying ranks with an impressive display to claim top honours in the G3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Ellerslie.

The Cambridge Stud graduate’s victory in the 2400 metre feature was his fifth at northern headquarters and the style of his success suggested he can continue to make his mark over more ground.

Trained by Grant Cooksley and Bruce Wallace, the son of the late Tavistock settled three pairs back on the outer before improving near the turn and rounded off strongly in the hands of Matt Cartwright.

“He won well, he is a good stayer and hopefully he carries on with it,” Cooksley said.

“I think he is going to be a little bit better in six months. I know he is a five-year-old, but he is a slow-maturing horse, and he has come along very well.”

A return to Ellerslie for the G2 Auckland Cup on Champions Day in March is an obvious target for Son of Sun, but Cooksley said he hasn’t made any set plans.

“He is nominated, but we will see what happens.”

Bred by Gareth Downey and Mel Gamble's Melway Farm, Son Of Sun was bought out of our draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $65,000 by Baiquing Sun under his New Zealand Gingkosun Investment Ltd banner.