First Win for Promising Kiwi

Media Release - Sunday December 27

Promising three-year-old galloper Bentayga shook off the effects of a pre-race scare to register his first victory at New Plymouth on Sunday.

The Tony Pike-trained runner fired up on his way to the start and took rider Michael McNab for an extended preliminary before being captured and returned to the starting gates.

Promising galloper Bentayga and Michael McNab in action at New Plymouth Photo credit: Race Images

Approved to start by the stipendiary stewards after undergoing a vet check, the good looking chestnut Zacinto gelding showed his rivals a clean pair of heels in the 1400m contest, leading at a steady tempo before dashing clear in the run home to win untouched by just over four lengths.

Stable representative Dean Williams admitted his heart was in his mouth awaiting the all-clear to run but had expected a good performance from the horse after he took plenty of benefit from his debut effort for third at Tauranga a fortnight ago.

“He’s been a bit of a work in progress as he has taken a couple of preps to work it all out,” Williams said.

Advertisement

“He was still pretty green today and he took off on Michael on his way to the start, which got the blood pumping.

“I spoke to the stipes and they were very close to scratching him, but thankfully they didn’t and he got the job done for us.

“He has a very good constitution on him so hopefully he can go on further in this prep and we can look at some of the nice three-year-old races with him.”

A $120,000 purchase by Waikato Bloodstock from the Prima Park draft at the 2019 NZB Ready To Run Sale, Bentayga races in the ownership of Nancy Wong’s Thoroughbred Trader Ltd group, who also have another promising three-year-old in Dawn Parade in Pike’s Cambridge stable.

“He is built in the same mould as Dawn Parade, who races in similar ownership,” Williams said.

“They’ve both taken a while to work the game out, but they are big, physical types who look like they will go on with it.

“He (Bentayga) was expected to win at Tauranga, but Michael was kicking himself as he didn’t hear the starter and they missed away.

“He probably couldn’t have done any more that day and we hoped today he could freewheel a little, as he has a big bold action and he had them in trouble a fair way out.

“It wouldn’t surprise us if he went over more ground when he learns to relax a little more.

“He’s not nominated for a race like the New Zealand Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) but there have been some discussions about working towards that type of race, whether it be here or later on in Australia.”

Williams also reported the stable were delighted with the run of Tavistock three-year-old The Irishman who finished off nicely for second behind Brando in Saturday’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie.

“We were rapt with The Irishman and couldn’t have been happier with him,” he said.

“He still has a lot of improvement in him fitness wise as he didn’t get much of a hit-out at the Te Aroha trials due to the very firm track.

“He just got a little too far back yesterday and instead of being with Brando during the run he was a few spots further back.

“We’re not saying he would have beaten him, but I do think he would have got a lot closer at the finish.

“We’re looking forward to getting to a mile with him and being by Tavistock out of a Zabeel mare, then the Derby trip might not be out of the question.” – NZ Racing Desk

 

Advertisment

Race Result - The Kiwi Butcher Mdn 1400m

New Plymouth Raceway Track: Dead(4) Time: 1:22.12
1
Bentayga
- 3g Zacinto (GB) x High Tail It (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: A W Pike Rdr: M J Mc Nab 57.5
2
4.3
Sweet Tui
- 3f Sweet Orange (USA) x Tui Babe (NZ) (Ustinov (AUS))
Tnr: K W Hawtin Rdr: S M Mc Kay 55.5
3
4.4
Capital Expense
- 3f Niagara (AUS) x Capital Raising (AUS) (General Nediym (AUS))
Tnr: W J Thurlow Rdr: W F Pinn 52.5
4
4.9
Alhambra Lad
- 3g Proisir (AUS) x Miss Relentless (NZ) (Montjeu (IRE))
Tnr: S A Sharrock Rdr: R H Schofer 56
5
7.4
Legally Blonde
- 3f Jimmy Choux (NZ) x Fuar (NZ) (Kaapstad (NZ))
Tnr: Ms G Hayward Rdr: M Mudhoo 51.5
6
7.5
Jingle Jangle
- 3f Keano (NZ) x Ascolini (NZ) (Bertolini (USA))
Tnr: J M Bliss Rdr: J J Fawcett 55.5
7
9.0
Tobias
- 3g Complacent (AUS) x Zabolta (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: A J Dravitzki Rdr: C J Grylls 57.5
8
9.3
Poitin
- 3g Charm Spirit (IRE) x Spirit Of Karlu (AUS) (Dubawi (IRE))
Tnr: S A Sharrock Rdr: A C Goindasamy 56.5
9
9.4
Power Of The Kitty
- 3f Power (GB) x Catbird Kitty (AUS) (Catbird (AUS))
Tnr: J R Wheeler Rdr: L J Allpress 55.5
10
9.6
Nun Hissing
- 3f Alamosa (NZ) x Nun Better (NZ) (Danske (NZ))
Tnr: R J Patterson Rdr: S J Macnab 54.5
11
9.8
Tequila Spirit
- 3g Charm Spirit (IRE) x Tequila Sunrise (NZ) (Thorn Park (AUS))
Tnr: Ms J Millar Rdr: J Parkes 57.5
12
15.1
Skyroca
- 3g El Roca (AUS) x Skychi (NZ) (Citi Habit (NZ))
Tnr: Ms D M Harris Rdr: L T Hemi 57.5
More Reading...
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Castelvecchio Out for Remainder of Season
Aeliana’s late charge into second place in the $1.5million Group I MRC Thousand Guineas last Saturday stamped her as the filly to follow out of the race, but it wasn’t quite enough to put her sire Castelvecchio to the top of the second season sires list and he is now out of service at Arrowfield following surgery last week.
Vale, Danny Champion
The thoroughbred racing industry is in mourning following the passing of respected horseman Danny Champion.
Sires With Winners - Friday November 22
Here is the full list of 46 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.