Highly-regarded
three-year-old Jasd continues to press his claims for a classic call up.
The Tony Pike-trained son of Sepoy maintained his perfect record on Saturday
when he overcame a chequered run at Trentham to prevail in the Harrisons
Carpets & Curtains Premier (1400m).
"He's a very big horse with a good action and he's bred to stay," trainer Tony
Pike said.
"We'll probably step him up to a mile next and then maybe one of the later
Guineas races ahead of the Derby.
"He's not in the Derby at the moment, but there's always a late entry if he's
going well enough."
Successful on debut at Taupo last month, Jasd enjoyed a cosy run one off the
fence behind the pace before trouble brewed 400m from home.
"It was looking very ugly coming to the corner and he ended up in a bad spot,"
Pike said. "He got clear air late and he came through to get it on the line.
He's pretty progressive."
Jasd took his chance close to home and speared between runners to beat
Matuzalem by a short head with a nose further back to Piriwai.
"He jumped well and we got into a beautiful spot," rider Michael McNab said.
"Then the swoopers came around and it got a bit tight and it took a bit of time
to get a gap. When he did get through he showed what he can do. He's a pretty
smart horse."
A half-sister (Lot 355) to Jasd by I Am Invincible will be offered by Windsor
Park Stud at the Book 1 Sale at Karaka on January 30. – NZ Racing Desk.