Elite Stride quick out of the blocks

[Wandering Eyes]

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 

A speedy customer on the track, Elite Stride had the perfect debut as a stallion when Who’s Ya Daddy won at Addington Raceway on Friday night.

“He’s one from one,” says Alabar New Zealand’s General Manager Graeme Henley.

“That was his first starter and first winner … he’s undefeated.”

In just a three horse race Who’s Ya Daddy (Elite Stride – One Night Stand) was nursed along early in the Isaac Infrastructure Two-Year-Old Mobile Trot only to overhaul the pace-making Redpark Warrior to win by one and a quarter lengths.

Trained by Trent Yesberg and driven by Bob Butt, the two-year-old gelding was a $1.40 favourite after impressing at the trials.

On his Facebook page Yesberg posted : “From the moment he hit the track, his attitude and natural work ethic blew us away. We knew he had the potential, but seeing him shine in his first race was something special. And this is just the start – the future looks bright.”

Yesberg’s Ripple Creek purchased Who’s Ya Daddy for $8000 at the 2023 National Weanling Sale at Karaka, with his debut win earning more than $20,000 in stakes and bonuses. 

“He does have a nice way of going,” says Henley of the winner, “and he’s out of a Love You mare and Elite Stride is a son of Muscle Hill so there’s a heck of pedigree right there.”

Bred and raced in Australia by powerhouse owners Emilio and Mary Rosati, Elite Stride (Muscle Hill – Real Babe) had nine wins from 14 starts in Australia, with a best mile rate of 1:55.8 before injury put an end to his racing career.

“He was Australian 3YO Trotter of the Year,” says Henley, “and he was very quick.”

His first stud season was with Alabar Australia in 2021. He is still based in Victoria with his fresh chilled semen sent over here as required.

So far he’s not been an easy sell in a very competitive market.  

“It’s amazing what’s available when you see the selection of frozen semen from Europe and the United States – it’s a tough gig,” says Henley, “there were 19 2YOs in his first crop in New Zealand and 37 in Australia.”

But in Who’s Ya Daddy, Elite Stride has now produced a race winner. And everyone has to start somewhere.  

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