Next target for Passing Shot
Passing Shot was beaten by the closest of margins in the $100,000 Group 2 Wellington Guineas over 1400 metres on Saturday.
A large group of owners on course, including Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum, were convinced Passing Shot had it on the line.
The Swiss Ace x Derrydane colt led the whole way and kicked at 300 metres but Vespa came down the outside and got the decision with a bob of the head on line. Passing Shot had his head in front just before and after the line, but on the post, literally dipped out. Such is the ups and downs of racing!
Passing Shot will now go for a ten day break before heading to the Group 3 Cambridge Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes for three-year-olds on Anzac Day worth $70,000 over 1200 metres.
Says Racing Manager Albert Bosma, “The Breeders Stakes will really suit him as it is set weights. He’s been carrying a hefty 59 kgs in a lot of his starts to date and will start this race at a ‘skinny’ 56.5 kgs. We expect Opie will be keen to ride him again.”
Trainer Stephen McKee considered sending the successful sprinter to Australia. “We decided against it though as he’s been racing since August. He’s a very good horse and it’s been a long campaign. We want to look after him and give him the break he deserves.”