Ryan Mark Takes Railway with Final Surge

Bidding for his first win at the top level, Ryan Mark needed an outstretched neck and a last-stride lunge to capture the NZ$200,000 Sistema Railway Stakes (NZ-I) Jan. 1 at Ellerslie.

 

Ryan Mark was in close attendance to pacesetter Allez Eagle, who was pursued by Statham and Tomorrowland in the 12-horse field. The front-runner increased his lead in the stretch and looked the winner despite closing moves by Ryan Mark, Natuzzi, and Sacred Star. Ryan Mark appeared to be doing better but perhaps not enough, then a last-gasp surge propelled the 5-year-old Thorn Park gelding to a neck victory.

 

Allez Eagle held for second while Natuzzi took third, 1 1/2 lengths back, getting the nod in a photo with Sacred Star.

 

"He won well," winning rider Opie Bosson said. "I thought we were beat halfway down but he stuck his head out at the line, and it was a tough effort."

 

In finishing 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) in 1:11.03 on turf rated as slow, Ryan Mark got his first group I victory while improving to 8-3-2 from 15 career starts. The win marked his second in a group stakes following his nose triumph in the Lochinver Station Plate (NZ-III) Oct. 17 at Arawa Park.

 

Ryan Mark, a New Zealand-bred from the winning Kingdom Bay mare Annalee, is trained by John Morell, who co-bred and co-owns the winner with his daugher, Anna Phillips. Ryan Mark is from the same family as New Zealand champion sprinter Calm Harbour.