All Too Hard unveiled another classic prospect when Dratini scored a stunning last-to-first victory in New Zealand on Thursday.
All eyes
were on Dratini first-up after he was backed into an odds-on favourite for the
Palamountains Maiden (1200m) at Waverley. Allowed to find his feet by
Lisa Allpress, the 3yo colt was spotting the leaders 20 lengths at the
half-mile before circling field approaching the home turn.
He powered to the lead in the straight and then had to keep lifting when Wicklow (Darci Brahma) emerged with a strong finish at the furlong.
It brought a swift reaction from bookmakers – Dratini firmed from $51 into $17 for the NZ 2000 Guineas Gr.1 at Riccarton on November 10. "He's a beautiful animal who is owned in Hong Kong and we're very fortunate to have him," trainer Fraser Auret said. "I've got a lot of time for this one - he's very professional.
"It was a massive win yesterday and he showed amazing tenacity to come again after burning plenty of gas. He's pulled up a treat and never leaves an empty feed-bin. We have a few options and his next start will dictate whether we go down to the South Island for the 2000 Guineas.
Among the races under consideration are the Sarten Memorial Gr.2 at Te Rapa on October 22 and the Daffodil Raceday at Trentham on October 27.
Dratini owns a rich pedigree to go with good looks and untapped ability. Offered by Kia-Ora Stud at the 2017 Gold Coast Magic Millions, he was a $150,000 buy for agent Paul Beamish acting on behalf of Hong Kong-based Dynasty Racing.
Vinery champion All Too Hard sired him from Dorabella (Postponed), a Group 1 winner of the 2006 NZ 1000 Guineas and 2007 Captain Cook Stakes. She is a half-sister to Crusoe (Volksraad) who was placed in the 2005 NZ 2000 Guineas behind Darci Brahma and another close relation is 2007 NZ 1000 Guineas winner Insouciant (Keeper).
Dorabella has a 2yo colt by All Too Hard with Mick Price at Caulfield and she's looking at a year off after her sixth foal in a row arrives in November.
Demonetization is another All Too Hard getting ready for a stakes race at Riccarton. He won the Auckland Guineas Gr.2 back in January and returned to racing with a pleasing fourth at Pukekohe Park last month. Trainer Nigel Tiley has nominated Demonetization for the Coupland's Bakeries Mile Gr.2 on November 14.
All Too Hard, who stands for a $33,000 (inc GST) service fee at Vinery, has Tarka engaged in the Spring Champion Stakes Gr.1 at Randwick this Saturday.
