Two weekend Stakes winners for Charm Spirit

Charm Spirit added two new Stakes winners to his record as a stallion when Lilikoi and Scorpz won in New Zealand.

Lilikoi showed herself to be a filly firmly on the up when registering a comprehensive victory in Saturday’s Gr.3 Lawnmaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Awapuni for trainer Jamie Richards.

Carrying the colours of her breeder Sir Peter Vela - familiar in Britain courtesy of Eminent - Lilikoi was settled well in rear by jockey Rosie Myers and swept to the front at the top of the straight. From thereon she never looked like being headed as she beat Manchu, Showbeel and favourite Aalaalune to register her second career win.

Richards said: "It’s good to see a plan come together as she is a filly with a lovely turn of foot, who looks like she will be suited as she gets up over a trip."

The following day Scorpz recorded his second consecutive Stakes success. He has already won the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) and followed up in the Listed Hynds 3YO Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie.

Scorpz was dropped out by Jason Waddell from his wide draw but the jockey decided to make an early move. After sprinting to the front, Scorpz was headed by Rendition but showed great tremendous courage to fight back in front. Scorpz won by a head.

“This is a lovely stayer with a very big future,” said trainer Stephen Marsh.

“The horse was very tough to the line. It was his first time over ground, and he covered all that extra ground, but he still kicked so strongly at the end.”